Ystrad Marchell facts for kids
Ystrad Marchell (Welsh for 'Vale of Marchell' (sometimes called Strad Marchell) was a special area of land in medieval Wales. It was known as a 'commote' (cwmwd), which was like a small district or region. This commote was part of a larger area called a 'cantref' named Ystlyg. Ystrad Marchell was located within the ancient Kingdom of Powys. Today, this area is mostly where the town of Welshpool is found.
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What Was Ystrad Marchell?
Ystrad Marchell was an important part of the old Kingdom of Powys. It was located in the eastern part of the kingdom. To its west and south, it bordered another cantref called Caereinion. To the north-west, it met the cantref of Mechain.
Inside the larger Ystlyg cantref, Ystrad Marchell had neighbors too. To the north was Deuddwr, to the south was Llannerch Hudol, and to the east was Y Gorddwr (or Corddwr). The Ystlyg cantref, without Y Gorddwr, later became known as the Deuddwr hundred. A 'hundred' was another way to divide land for administrative purposes, like collecting taxes.
The Story of Saint Marchell
Ystrad Marchell was either created by or named after a woman named Marchell. She was the sister of a famous saint from the 5th or 6th century, Tyfrydog. Marchell herself was also a saint. She is connected to places like Capel Marchell near Llanrwst. You can also find Ffynnon Farchell (which means 'Well of St Marcella') and St Marcella's Parish Church (once called Llanfarchell) in Eglwys Wen, near Denbigh.
The Strata Marcella Monastery
The valley of Ystrad Marchell is famous for being the home of a medieval Cistercian monastery called Strata Marcella. This name is the Latin version of Ystrad Marchell. 'Strata' means 'paved road' or 'causeway'.
This monastery was founded between 1170 and 1172. It was started by Owain Cyfeiliog. He ruled the southern part of the Kingdom of Powys, which later became known as Powys Wenwynwyn. This happened after the death of Madog ap Maredudd in 1160. Madog was the last prince to rule all of Powys before it was divided.
Ystrad Marchell's Role in Powys
Ystrad Marchell, along with Llannerch Hudol and Deuddwr, formed a group known as the Teirswydd. This means "three commotes". These three areas were very important.
In 1263, these lands were given back to Gruffydd ap Gwenwynwyn. This happened at Ystumanner. In return, Gruffydd promised his loyalty and support (known as 'homage' and 'fealty') to Llywelyn ap Gruffudd, a powerful Welsh prince.
