Principality of Powys Wenwynwyn Tywysogaeth Powys Wenwynwyn | |||||||||
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1160–1283 | |||||||||
Capital | Welshpool | ||||||||
Common languages | Welsh | ||||||||
Government | Monarchy | ||||||||
• 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 | ||||||||
^ 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 aims of weakening the latter.