Owain Fychan facts for kids
Owain Fychan ap Madog (also known as Owain Vychan ap Madoc) was an important Welsh leader who lived from about 1125 to 1187. He was known as the Lord of Mechain Is Coed, a region in Wales. Owain Fychan was one of the sons of Madog ap Maredudd, a powerful prince. His mother was Susanna, who was the daughter of another famous Welsh leader, Gruffudd ap Cynan.
Sharing the Kingdom of Powys
After Owain Fychan's father, Madog, died in 1160, the kingdom of Powys was divided. This was because Owain's oldest brother, Llywelyn, was killed shortly after their father's death. The land was then shared among Madog's sons, including Owain Fychan, his brothers Gruffydd Maelor and Owain Brogyntyn, his cousin Owain Cyfeiliog, and his half-brother Iorwerth Goch.
Owain Fychan received the southern part of his father's lands. He ruled this area alongside his cousin, Owain Cyfeiliog. They worked together to protect their lands.
Battles and Control of Land
In 1163, Owain Fychan and Owain Cyfeiliog successfully drove the English out of Carreghofa. They captured and destroyed the royal castle there. At that time, the castle was made of timber, but it was later rebuilt with stone in 1194.
In 1166, they also removed Iorwerth Goch from Mochnant Is Rhaeadr. After these victories, Owain Fychan gained control over several important regions. These included Mechain, Cynllaith, Caereinion, and Mochnant Is Rhaeadr.
The English king, Henry II, managed to take back Carreghofa Castle in 1165. However, Owain Fychan was determined. He recaptured the castle again by 1187. This castle might have been very important because there were silver mining operations happening nearby.
Owain Fychan's Death
Owain Fychan's life ended in 1187 at Carreghofa Castle. He was attacked at night and killed by Gwenwynwyn and Cadwallon. These were the sons of his cousin, Owain Cyfeiliog.
After Owain Fychan's death, Gwenwynwyn and Cadwallon were not able to keep control of the lands they had gained west of Oswestry. Because of this, Owain Fychan's children and their descendants were able to continue ruling a smaller part of Mechain. They ruled this area until the end of the 13th century.
Historians believe Owain Fychan may have had two sons: Owain Fychan ab Owain (born around 1170, lived until after 1218) and Llywelyn ab Owain (born around 1170, lived until after 1204). However, some old records about his marriage have caused confusion. They sometimes mix him up with his half-brother, Owain Brogyntyn.
