Powys Wenwynwyn
| Principality of Powys Wenwynwyn | ||||||||||
| Tywysogaeth Powys Wenwynwyn | ||||||||||
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 Powys as divided in 1190.
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| Capital | Welshpool | |||||||||
| Languages | Middle Welsh | |||||||||
| Government | Monarchy | |||||||||
| King | ||||||||||
| • | 1160–1195 | Owain Cyfeiliog | ||||||||
| • | 1195–1216 | Gwenwynwyn ab Owain | ||||||||
| • | 1216–1286 | Gruffydd ap Gwenwynwyn | ||||||||
| Historical era | Middle Ages | |||||||||
| • | Established | 1160 | ||||||||
| • | Abolished by Act of Parliament | 1283 | ||||||||
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| Today part of |
 Wales
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| ^ Powys Wenwynwyn was often known in English as Upper Powys | ||||||||||
Powys Wenwynwyn or Powys Cyfeiliog was a Welsh kingdom which existed during the high middle ages. The realm was the southern portion of the former princely state of Powys which split following the death of Madog ap Maredudd of Powys in 1160: the northern portion (Maelor) went to Gruffydd Maelor and eventually became known as Powys Fadog; while the southern portion (Cyfeiliog) going to Owain Cyfeiliog and becoming known, eventually, as Powys Wenwynwyn after Prince Gwenwynwyn ab Owain, its second ruler.
Powys Wenwynwyn and Gwynedd became bitter rivals in the years that followed, with the former frequently allying itself with England to further its own aims of weakening the latter.
Gwenwynwyn seized the cantref of Arwystli in 1197, when he was aligned with England. Following the marriage of Llywelyn the Great and Joan of England in 1208, warfare broke out once more between Gwenwynwyn and Llywelyn. In 1212 Gwenwynwyn's ancient royal seat at Mathrafal was destroyed and he was evicted from his territories. He changed allegiance again and was restored to his realm in 1215, making a new capital at Welshpool. In 1216 he was defeated in battle with the forces of Llywelyn and fled to England, where he died shortly afterwards. He was succeeded by his son.
Gruffydd ap Gwenwynwyn spent his youth in England, maintained by King Henry III of England. He did not return to Wales until 1241 after the death of Llywelyn and when he was invested with the lordships of Arwystli, Cyfeiliog, Mawddwy, Caereinion, Ystrad Marchell and Upper Mochnant by Henry III. At some time before this he married Hawise, daughter of John Le Strange of Knockin.
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Wikipedia