principality · British Isles

Powys Wenwynwyn

1160 CE – 1283 CE (approx.) · capital Welshpool

The southern half of Powys, ruled from Welshpool by princes who often sided with England against Gwynedd.

Origins

After Madog ap Maredudd's death in 1160, his nephew Owain Cyfeiliog took the southern part of Powys. It was named after Owain's son Gwenwynwyn ab Owain, who ruled from 1195 and tried to lead the Welsh princes himself.

Rule and society

Gwenwynwyn's rivalry with Llywelyn the Great of Gwynedd cost him his lands for long periods. His son Gruffydd ap Gwenwynwyn fought and allied with Llywelyn ap Gruffudd in turn, and plotted against him in 1274. Owain Cyfeiliog was a noted poet and founded Strata Marcella Abbey. Welshpool and Powis Castle were its centres.

Decline and legacy

Gruffydd supported Edward I in the conquest of 1282 to 1283, and his son Owain surrendered the princely title, holding the lands as an English barony. The heiress married John Charlton, and the lordship of Powis passed to his family.

Lineage

Kingdom of Powys 410 CE – 1160 CEPowys WenwynwynKingdom of England 927 CE – 1707 CE

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Cite this page
APA
The Epoch Institute. (2026). Powys Wenwynwyn. In The Epoch Institute States Register. https://the-epoch-institute.org/state/powys-wenwynwyn
MLA
“Powys Wenwynwyn.” The Epoch Institute States Register, The Epoch Institute, 2026, https://the-epoch-institute.org/state/powys-wenwynwyn. Accessed .
Chicago
The Epoch Institute. “Powys Wenwynwyn.” The Epoch Institute States Register. 2026. https://the-epoch-institute.org/state/powys-wenwynwyn.
Harvard
The Epoch Institute (2026) ‘Powys Wenwynwyn’, The Epoch Institute States Register. Available at: https://the-epoch-institute.org/state/powys-wenwynwyn (Accessed: ).

Last reviewed October 2026Random state ↻