Penllyn (cantref) facts for kids
Penllyn was an important area in medieval Wales. Its name means "head of the lake," referring to Bala Lake (also known as Llyn Tegid). This region was originally part of the Kingdom of Powys, a powerful Welsh kingdom. Later, it became part of the Kingdom of Gwynedd, another strong Welsh kingdom.
Penllyn was divided into smaller areas called commotes (in Welsh, cymydau). These included Edeirnion, Dinmael, Penllyn is Treweryn, and Penllyn uwch Treweryn. The words is and uwch mean "below" and "above," referring to the River Tryweryn.
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Where Was Penllyn Located?
Penllyn was located in a key position in Wales. To its north and west, it shared borders with parts of Gwynedd. These areas included the cantrefs of Tegeingl, Rhufoniog, Dunoding, and Meirionydd. To the east and south, Penllyn bordered other parts of Powys. These were the cantrefs of Maelor, Mochnant, and Cyfeiliog. This central location made Penllyn important for controlling routes and trade between the kingdoms.
How Penllyn Changed Hands
Penllyn's history is linked to the powerful Welsh princes. In 1160, Madog ap Maredudd, who was the last Prince of all Powys, died. His eldest son also died, leading to a big change in the kingdom. Powys was then divided among Madog's other sons, his nephew, and his half-brother.
Owain Brogyntyn and Penllyn
Penllyn was inherited by a prince named Owain Brogyntyn. His mother was from Edeyrnion, one of the commotes in Penllyn. It's thought that he might have grown up there.
Before Madog's death, his military skill kept Gwynedd from taking control over Powys. But after he was gone, Gwynedd became much stronger. They were able to force Owain Brogyntyn to become a vassal. This meant he had to promise loyalty and support to the Prince of Gwynedd. Because of this, Penllyn officially became part of Gwynedd.
Becoming Part of Merionethshire
Later, the English forces eventually defeated Gwynedd. After this, a new law called the Statute of Rhuddlan was created. This law changed how Wales was governed. As a result, Penllyn became part of a new county called Merionethshire. This marked the end of Penllyn as a separate medieval Welsh territory.
