The history of Wales comprehending the lives and succession of the princes of Wales, from Cadwalader the last king, to Lhewelyn the last prince of British blood with a short account of the affairs of Wales under the kings of England / written originally in British, by Caradoc of Lhancarvan ; and formerly published in English by Dr. Powel ; now newly augmented and improved by W. Wynne ...

Owen Gwynedh.

AFter the death of Gruffydh ap Conan, his eldest Son Owen, surnamed Gwynedh, succeeded in the Principality of North Wales; who no sooner had entered upon the Government, but together with the rest of his Brethren, he made an Expedition in∣to South-Wales; and having demolished and over∣thrown the Castles of Stradmeyric, Stephan, and Hum∣ffreys, and laid in Ashes the Town of Caermardhyn, he returned home with no less Honor than Booty and Plunder. About the same time, John, Arch-Deacon of Lhanbaran departed this Life, a Man of singular Piety and strictness of Life, who for his ri∣gid Zeal in Religion and Virtue, was thought wor∣thy to be canonized, and to be counted among the number of the Saints. This Year likewise King Ste∣phen passed over to Normandy, and having concluded a Peace with the French King, and the Duke of An∣jou, returned back to England without any further delay. But the following Spring gave opportunity for greater Undertakings; David, King of Scots, up∣on the King of England's going to France last Sum∣mer, had entered the Borders of England, and con∣tinued to make considerable Wast and Havock in that part of the Country. Whereupon King Stephen, to rid his Country and his Subjects from so dange∣rous an Enemy, marched with an Army towards the North, whose coming the King of Scots hearing of, he relinquished the Borders of England, and re∣tired to his own Country. But that would not sa∣tisfie King Stephen, who desired to be further re∣venged for the unpardonable Hostilities committed by the Scots in his Country; and therefore pursuing the Scots to their own Country, he harassed and laid wast all the South part of the Kingdom of Scotland.

But the King's absence animated several of the Eng∣lish Nobility to rebel; to which purpose they for∣tified every one their Castles and strong Holds: Wil∣liam Earl of Glocester those of Leeds and Bristol; Ralph Lunel, Cari; William Fitz-Allen, Shrewsbury; Paganellus, Ludlow; William de Moyun, Dunester; Robert de Nichol, Warham; Eustace Fitz-John, Mer∣ton; and Walklyn, Dover. But for all these mighty Preparations, the King in a short time became Ma∣ster of them all; some he won by assault, others upon fair Promises and advantageous Conditions were surrendred up, and some he got by treacherous and under-hand Contrivances. The Scots thought to make good advantage of these Commotions in England; and thereupon, as soon as they heard that some of the English Nobility were in actual Rebellion against the King, they entered into the Borders, and began, as they thought, without any apprehension of Opposi∣tion, to ravage and lay waste the Country before 'em. But William, Earl of Albemarle; William Pyppell, Earl of Nottingham; Walter Espec and Gilbert La∣cy, gathered together all the Forces they could raise in the North; and being animated and encouraged by the eloquent and pressing Oration of Ralph, Bi∣shop of Orkneys, which he delivered in the audience of the whole Army, they set upon the Scots at Al∣merton with such unanimous Courage, that after a very great slaughter of his Men, King David was glad to escape with his Life by flight. After this, King Stephen seized to his own use the Castles of Ludlow and Leeds, and pressed the Bishops of Salis∣bury and Lincoln so hard, that to prevent their pe∣rishing by Famine, they were constrained to surren∣der; the former the Castles of Vises and Shirburn; the latter those of Newark upon Trent and Sleeford. This did not a little augment the King's strength against the ensuing Storm; for in the Summer this Year, Maud the Empress, Daughter and Heir to King Henry, to whom King Stephen, with all the Nobility of England, had sworn Allegiance, landed at Arundel, with her Brother Robert Earl of Glocester,

and was there honourably received by William de Albineto, who was lately married to Queen Adeliz, King Henry's Widow, with whom he received the Earldom of Arundel in Dowry. But as soon as King Stephen heard of her landing, he marched with all possible speed to Arundel, and laid siege to the Castle; but finding it upon tryal impregnable, he raised the siege, and by that means suffered the Empress and her Brother to escape to Bristol.

[A.D. 1138] The next Year an unlucky Accident fell out in Wales; Cynric, one of Prince Owen's Sons, having by some means or other disgusted Madawc ap Mere∣dith ap Blethyn ap Confyn, a Person of considerable Esteem and Estate in the Country, was, with his con∣nivance set upon and slain by his Men. But the Af∣fairs of England this Year, afforded greater rarity of action; King Stephen with a formidable Army laid siege to the City of Lincoln, to the relief of which, Ranulph, Earl of Chester, and Robert Earl of Glocester, marched with their Forces. But before they could arrive, the Town was taken; whereupon they drew up their Forces in order to give the King battel, who on the other side, was as ready to receive them. King Stephen drew up his Forces in three Battels, the first being led by the Earls of Britain, Mellent, Nor∣folk, Hampton, and Warren; the second by the Earl of Albemarle, and William of Ypres; and the third by the King himself, assisted by Baldwyn Fitz-Gilbert, with several others of his Nobility. Of the Ene∣mies side, the disinherited Barons had the first place; the Earl of Chester, with a considerable Party of Welchmen, far better couraged than armed, led the second; and the Earl of Glocester the third Battel. After a hot and bloody Dispute of both sides, the Victory at length favoured the Barons, King Stephen being first taken Prisoner, and a little after the Queen, together with William of Ypres, and Bryan Fitz-Count. But within a while after William Martell and Geffrey de Mandeville gathered together some fresh Forces, and fought the Empress and her Brother at Winche∣ster, and having put the Empress to flight, took Earl

Robert Prisoner, for exchange of whom, the King was set at liberty. The next Year King Stephen would [A.D. 1139] try the other Adventure, and received a second Over∣throw at Wilton; which however did not so much discourage him, but that he laid so close a siege to the Empress at Oxford, that she was glad to make her escape to Wallingford. The same Year dyed Ma∣dawc ap Ednerth, a Person of great Quality and Note in Wales; and Meredith ap Howel, a Man of no mean Esteem, was slain by the Sons of Blethyn ap Gwyn.

For the two succeeding Years nothing remarkable [A.D. 1140] passed in Wales; excepting that this Year Howel ap Meredith ap Rhytherch of Cantref Rychan, and Rhys ap Howel were cowardly slain by the Treachery and perfidious Practices of the Flemings; and the next [A.D. 1141] Year Howel ap Meredith ap Blethyn was basely mur∣thered by his own Men; at which time, Howel and Cadwgan the Sons of Madawc ap Ednerth, upon some unhappy Quarrel, did kill each other. But [A.D. 1142] shortly after this, an irreconcilable Difference fell out betwixt Anarawd Son to Gruffydh ap Rhys Prince of South-Wales, and his Father in Law Cadwalader the Son of Gruffydh ap Conan, and Brother to Prince Owen Gwynedh; which from Words quickly pro∣ceeded to Blows. In this Scuffle Anarawd was un∣happily slain; which so exasperated Prince Owen against his Brother Cadwalader, that together with his Son Howel, he marched with an army into his Brothers Country, and after a considerable Waste and Destruction, burnt to the ground the Castle of Aberystwyth. Cadwalader, upon the News of Prince Owen's approach, withdrew himself and fled to Ire∣land; where having hired a great number of Irish and Scots for Two Thousand Marks, under the Com∣mand of Octer, and the Sons of Turkel and Cherulf, he struck sail for Wales, and landed at Abermenay in Carnarvonshire. The Prince, to protract no time, marched with all speed to prevent their farther pro∣gress into the Country; and both Armies being come in view of each other, a Peace was happily

concluded betwixt the two Brothers. The Irish un∣derstanding this, and how that their coming over was like to prove but a Fool's Errant to them, they surprized and secured Cadwalader, till their Wages and Arrears were paid; who, to obtain his Liberty, deliver'd to them two thousand Heads of Cattel, be∣sides many Prisoners, and other Booty, which they had taken in the Country. But as soon as the Prince was informed that his Brother Cadwalader was set loose, without any farther demur upon the case, he fell in upon the Irish, and having slain a very con∣siderable number of them, recovered all the Booty they purposed to ship off, and forced as many as could escape, to return with great loss, and a grea∣ter shame back to Ireland.

But the Normans sped far better in Wales; Hugh Son to Radulph Earl of Chester, having fortified his Castle of Cymaron, set upon and won the Country of Melienyth a second time; and the Castle of Clun being fortified by another Lord, all Eluel became subject to the Normans. The same time King Ste∣phen took Geffry Mandeville Prisoner at S. Albans, where the Earl of Arundel by the slip of his Horse was like to be drowned in the River. But the Earl of Mandeville, to obtain his liberty, delivered up to the King the Tower of London, with the Castles of Walden and Plassey, which reduced him to that con∣dition, that he was forced to live upon the Plunder and Spoil of Abbies and other religious Houses, till at length he was slain in a Skirmish against the King, and his Son banished the Kingdom.

The next Year a Skirmish happened betwixt Hugh [A.D. 1144] de Mortimer and Rhys ap Howel, wherein the latter was taken Prisoner, with many others of his Ac∣complices, who were all committed to Prison by the English. But it fared much better with Howel and Conan the Sons of Prince Owen, who having raised an Army against the Flemings and Normans, gain'd a considerable Victory at Aberteifi, and having placed a Garrison in the Town, returned home with great Honour, and much Booty. About the same time,

Sulien ap Rhythmarch, one of the Colledg of Lhan∣badarn, and a Person of great Reading and extensive Learning, departed this Life. Shortly after, Gilbert Earl of Clare, came with a great number of Forces to Dyfed, and built the Castle of Caermardhyn, and the Castle of the Sons of Ʋchtryd. Hugh Morti∣mer [A.D. 1145] likewise slew Meyric ap Madawc ap Riryd ap Bleddu, and Meredic ap Madawc ap Ednerth. And so far it went of the side of the English; but now the Welch begin to gain ground; Cadelh the Son of Gruf∣fydh ap Rhys Prince of South Wales, laid siege to the Castle of Dynefowr, belonging to Earl Gilbert, which being surrender'd up, Cadelh, assisted by his Brethren Meredith and Rhys, brought his Army before the Ca∣stle of Caermardhyn, which after a short siege yiel∣ded in like manner, reserving only this one Condition, that the Garison should not be put to the Sword. From thence he marched to Lhanstephan, and set be∣fore the Castle; to the Relief of which the Normans and Flemings coming with their Forces, were shame∣fully vanquished and overcome, and so the Castle was easily deliver'd up to the Welch. But the Normans were so cruelly nettled at this, that they muster'd up all the Forces they could possibly draw together out of the neighbouring Countries, and unexpectedly sur∣rounded the Castle, intending by all possible means to recover the same. But the Governour, Meredith ap Gruffydh, a Man of great Years, and no less Expe∣rience, so animated and encouraged the besieged, that when the Normans and Flemings ventured to scale the Walls, they were bear back with such Vi∣gour, and Loss of their side, that at length they were compell'd to raise the Siege, and leave the Welch in possession of the Castle.

Shortly after this, Run the Son of Prince Owen of North-Wales, a Youth of excellent hopes, and in∣comparable Qualifications, dyed, whose Death his Father took so much to heart, that for some time he seemed to be past all Comfort, being faln into such a melancholy Disposition, that he was diverted with nothing but Retirement. But an Accident fell

out, which rouz'd him out of this lethargical Fit of Sorrow and Discontent; the Castle of Mould was so very strong and well garrison'd by the English, that it mightily annoyed the Country thereabouts, and had been frequently besieged, but could never be taken. Prince Owen at this time levied an Army and laid close siege to it; and the Garison for several as∣saults behaved it self so manfully, that the place seem∣ed impregnable and invincible. But the Presence and Example of Prince Owen so encouraged his Men, that they fell on with all possible Vigour and Might, and at last forced their entrance into the Castle. Ha∣ving put a great number of the Garrison to the Sword, and taken the rest Prisoners, the Castle was rased to the ground; and this fortunate Attempt so pleased the Prince, that he forgot all Sorrow for his Son, and returned to his usual Temper and accustomed Merri∣ments. At the same time, King Stephen of England obtained a remarkable Victory over his Enemies at Farendon; and although the ensuing Year Rondel Earl of Chester and he were reconciled, yet he thought it more adviseable to detain him Prisoner, though contrary to his promise, until such time as the Earl would deliver up the Castle of Lincoln, with all the Forts and places of strength in his custody.

[A.D. 1146] The next Year, Cadelh, Meredith, and Rhys, the Sons of Gruffydh ap Rhys ap Theodor, brought an Ar∣my before the Castle of Gwys; but finding themselves too weak to master it, they desired Howel, Son to Prince Owen Gwynedh, a Person famously remarkable for martial Endowments, to come to their assistance. Howel, who was ever very desirous to signalize him∣self, and to evidence his Valour to the World, rea∣dily consented to their Request; and having drawn his Forces together, marched directly towards Gwys, where being arrived, he was joyfully received, and honourably entertain'd by such Lords as desired his help. Having viewed the Strength and Fortification of the Castle, he found it was impracticable to take the place, without the Walls could be destroyed; and therefore he gave orders, that certain battering

Engines should be provided, whilst the rest should gaul and molest the besieged, by throwing of great Stones into the Castle. The Enemies perceiving what irresistible Preparations the Besiegers contrived, thought it to no purpose to withstand their Fury; and therefore to do that voluntarily which must be done by compulsion, they presently yielded up the Castle. Shortly after this a great Difference happen'd betwixt the Sons of Prince Owen, Howel, and Conan, and their Uncle Cadwalader; whereupon the former entered with an Army into the Country of Merionyth, and committed great Wastes and Hostilities there, inso∣much that the Inhabitants flock'd into Sanctuaries to save their Lives. But the young Lords finding what fearful and unstable condition the People were in, and the better to draw them to their side, issued out their Proclamation, assuring that all who would fa∣vour their Country, should not only enjoy their Lives, but their former Liberty and accustomed Priviledges; upon the publication of which Edict, the People re∣turned to their own Habitations. Having by this Stratagem brought all the Country under their own Pleasure and good Will, they lead their Army be∣fore the Castle of Cynfael, belonging to Cadwala∣der, which he had built and strongly fortified. The government of this Castle Cadwalader had commit∣ted to Merfyn, Abbot of Tygwyn, or the White-House; who being summoned to surrender, by the Brothers Howel and Conan, did not only refuse, but defied their utmost Efforts upon the place. The Lords finding they could do no good by Threats and Menaces, judged it more convenient to make use of the other Extream; and therefore promised the Abbot a very high Reward, if he would deliver the Castle into their hands. But all proved to no effect, the Abbot being a Person of more Honesty and greater Honour, than to be corrupted to betray his Trust; told them flatly, That he would not de∣ceive his Masters expectation, and therefore would choose rather to dye with Honour, than to live with Shame. The Lords finding him inexorable, and withal

being vexed, that a Church-man should put such a stop to their fortunate Proceedings, made such a vi∣gorous Assault upon the Castle, that after they had pulled down some part of the Walls, they entred in by force, and ravaged so furiously, that they killed and wounded the whole Garrison, the Abbot only e∣scaping, who by the help of some of his Friends in Howel's Army, got away safe. Towards the close of this Year, several Persons of Note departed this Life, among whom were Robert Earl of Glocester, and Gilbert Earl of Clare, as also Ʋchthryd Bishop of Llandaf, a Man of great Piety and Learning, in whose See succeeded Nicholas ab Gurgant.

[A.D. 1147] The following Year also died Bernard Bishop of St. Davids, and was succeeded by David Fitzgerald, [A.D. 1148] then Archdeacon of Cardigan. Sometime after Prince Owen Gwynedh built a Castle in Yale, called Castelh y Rodwyth; and his Brother Cadwalader built another at Lhanrystid, and bestowed his part of Cardigan upon his Son Cadwgan. Also Madoc the Son of Meredith ap Blethyn founded the Castle of Oswestry, and gave his Nephews Owen and Meyric the Sons of Gruffydh ap Meredith his share of Cyfeilioc.

[A.D. 1149] The next Year, Conan Son to Prince Owen Gwynedh, for certain Faults and Miscarriages committed against his Father, tho' the particulars are not discovered, was put in Prison, where for some time he continued in Custody. But it fared better with his Brother Howel, who having made his Uncle Cadwalader his Prisoner, reduced all his Country, together with his Castle subject to himself. In South-Wales, some Business of moment happened this Year; Cadelh the Son of Gruffydh ap Rhys having fortified the Castle of Car∣mardhyn, marched with his Army towards Cydwely, wasted and destroyed the whole Country, and be∣ing returned home, joyned his Army with his Bro∣thers Meredith and Rhys, who entring into the Coun∣try of Cardigan, won that part called Is Aeron. This was succeeded by an Action of greater Importance in North-Wales; some irreconcilable Difference arising betwixt Prince Owen and Rondel Earl of Chester,

quickly broke out into open War. The Earl made all the possible Preparations the opportunity would permit, and drew together a considerable Army from all parts of England and which strengthened and incouraged him the more, he was joyned by Madoc ap Meredith Prince of Powys, who disdaining to hold his Lands of Prince Owen Gwynedh, chose rather to side with, and abet his Enemies. The Prince on the other hand was not backward in his Preparations, and perceiving the Enemy to come upon him, thought it not advisable to suffer him to advance too far into the Country, but to stop and prevent his Carreer before he should take too firm a footing in his Domi∣nions. To this end he marched with his whole Power as far as Counsylht, with full Resolution to give the Earl of Chester Battel, which the English were glad of, as thinking themselves far more nu∣merous, and much better Armed and Disciplined than the Welch. But both Armies having joyned Battel, they quickly faltered in their expectation of un∣doubted Success, and finding the Welch to press so irresistibly severe upon them, they thought it wiser to retire, and endeavour to save themselves by flight. But the Welch pursued them so hard, that few e∣scaped without being either slain or taken Prisoners, and they some of the Chief Commanders, who thro' the fleetness of their Horses, avoided the Fury of their pursuers.

The next Year, the Scene of Action removed to [A.D. 1150] South-Wales, Cadelh, Meredith and Rhys, the Sons of Gruffydh ap Rhys Prince of South-Wales, being entred with an Army into Cardigan, wan all the Country from Howel the Prince of North-Wales Son, except∣ing the Castle of Lhanfihangel in Pengwern. The Siege of Lhanrystyd Castle proved so difficult and unmanagable, that the young Lords of South-Wales lost a great part of their bravest Souldiers before it, which so troubled and vexed them, that when they got possession of the Castle, they put all the Garrison to the Sword. From thence they marched to Ystrat∣merric Castle, which after they had won, manned

and re-fortified, they disbanded their Forces, and re∣turned home. But Cadelh the eldest of the Brothers, was upon the point of receiving his last Blow by treachery at home, which he had escaped from the Enemies abroad. For some of the Inhabitants of Tenbigh in Pembroke shire, having conceived some displeasure and hatred against Cadelh, were resolved to revenge themselves, and to lay a Trap for his Life; and having observed what pleasure he took in Hunting, were resolved to execute their Plot, whilst he was hot and eager at his Sport. Observing there∣fore one day how he went a Hunting with only a few Companions, they placed themselves in an am∣buscade, and when the Game came that way, they unexpectedly set upon the unarmed Sports-men, and having easily made all the rest fly away, they wound∣ed Cadelh so cruelly, that he narrowly escaped their hands alive; who making shift to get home, lay for a long time dangerously ill, and with great difficulty at length recovered his Life. Upon this, his Bro∣thers Meredith and Rhys passed with an Army into Gwyr, and having burnt and destroyed the Country thereabouts, they besieged and took the Castle of Aberlhychwr, but finding they could not keep it, they rased it to the Ground, and after that, returned home with great Booty to Dynefawr, and repaired the For∣tifications of the Castle there. About the same time also, Howel, Prince Owen Gwynedh's Son, fortified Humphry's Castle in the Valley of Caletwr.

[A.D. 1151] But the following Year, Prince Owen did a very barbarous Action to Cunetha, his Brother Cadwalhon's Son, for fearing lest that this young Man should lay claim to any part of his Estate as his Father's right, he first pulled out his Eyes, and afterwards castrated him, for fear he should beget any Children, who might some time or other renew their claim and right to Cadwalhon's Estate. This inhuman severity was succeeded by another of no small remark; Lhe∣welyn Son to Madoc ap Meredith having watched a convenient Opportunity, set upon, and slew Stephen the Son of Baldwin. But Cadwalader Prince Owen's

Brother after a tedious Imprisonment which he had sustained thro' the Malice and Rancour of his Nephew Howel, at length made his escape, and flying to the Isle of Anglesey, brought a considerable part of that Island under his subjection. But Prince Owen hear∣ing how that his Brother had got loose from custody, and that he was in actual possession of a great part of Anglesey, he presently dispatched an Army over, which proving too formidable to Cadwalader's Party, he was constrained to escape to England, and to de∣sire Succor from his Wife's Relations, who was the Daughter of Gilbert Earl of Clare. This Year Galfrede Arthur, commonly called Geffrey of Monmouth, was made Bishop of St. Asaph, and at the same time Simon Archdeacon of Cyfeilioc, a Man of great Worth and Esteem in his Country died.

But the Year following, Meredith and Rhys the Sons [A.D. 1152] of Gruffydh ap Rhys, Prince of South-Wales, laid Siege to Penwedic Castle, which belonged to Howel Prince Owen's Son, and after great pains and considerable loss of Men of their side, at last made themselves Masters of it. From thence they marched by Night to Tenby, and unexpectedly falling upon the Castle, of which one William Fitzgerald was Governor, they scaled the Walls before the Garrison were aware of any Danger, and so possessing themselves of the Ca∣stle, they fell foul upon the Garrison, in Revenge of the Mischief they had done, and further designed to their Brother Cadelh. For Cadelh at this time was gone upon a Pilgrimage, and during his absence had committed his whole Inheritance and all other con∣cerns in Wales, to the Care of his Brethren Meredith and Rhys. But after the taking Tenby-Castle, they divided their Army into two Parties, with one of which, Rhys marched to Ystratcongen, and after great havock and waste committed there, he passed to Cy∣feilioc, which fared in like manner with Ystratcongen. Meredith with the other Party sat before Aberavan-Castle, and after a short Siege won and got possession of it, and then returned home with very consider∣able Booty, and many rich Spoils. About the same

time Rondel Earl of Chester, who had lived in conti∣nual Enmity and frequent Hostility with Prince Owen of North-Wales, departed this Life, leaving his Son Hugh to enjoy both his Titles and Estate in England, and to prosecute the Feuds and Hostilities against the Welch.

[A.D. 1153] And shortly after died Meredith Son to Gruffydh ap Rhys Prince of South-Wales, who was Lord of Cardigan Ystratywy and Dyfed, being not passed the Twenty Fifth Year of his Age, a Person of incomparable Va∣lor and Audacity, and in all his Warlike Attempts and Atchievements very Fortunate. He was pre∣sently followed by Geoffrey Bishop of Llandaf, a Man as Famous for Learning and a good Life, as the o∣ther was for Masculine Bravery and Martial Prowess. In England the face of things looked very lowring, Henry Surnamed Shortmantel, the Empress Son, land∣ed in England, and in his progress thro' the Country took several Castles, among which were Malmesbury, Wallingford and Shrewsbury. But his Fury was quick∣ly appeased by the Death of Eustace King Stephen's Son, so that the sole obstacle for his succeeding to the Crown, being now removed, he willingly concluded a Peace with King Stephen, permitting him to enjoy the Crown peaceably for his life, upon Condition [A.D 1154] that himself was declared his Successor. But King Stephen did not long survive this Treaty, and then Henry Plantagenet, the Empress Son, was Crowned in [A.D. 1155] his stead. Towards the beginning of King Henry's reign, Rhys Gruffydh ap Rhys, King of South Wales, upon apprehension that Owen Gwynedh had raised an Army for the Conquest of South-Wales, drew toge∣ther all his Strength, and marched to Aberdyfi to face the Enemy upon their own Borders. But finding the Rumor to be false, and that the Prince of North-Wales had no such Design in hand, having built a Castle at Aberdyfi, which might defend the Frontiers from any future Design of his Country, he returned back without attempting any thing farther. At the same time, Madoc ap Meredith built a Castle at Cae∣reneon near Cymer, and then Eglwys Fair in Myfot,

was founded. About this time also, Meyric Nephew to Prince Madoc ap Meredith made his escape out of Prison, wherein he had been detained by his Uncle for a considerable time.

The same Year King Henry being displeased with the Flemings whom his Predecessor King Stephen had brought over into England, issued out a Proclama∣tion, charging the greatest part of them to depart his Dominions, and to retire to their Country-men in West-Wales, where his Grandfather Henry the First the Bastard's Son had planted them. And thus that part of Wales called Pembroke-shire, was over-run with these Strangers, who being better befriended by the Kings of England, than the Welch could well ex∣pect to be, made sure footing in that Country, where they have ever since continued firm. It was the En∣glish Policy of those times to accept of any oppor∣tunity to curb and keep under the Welch, whom they experienced to be none of the safest Neighbours, and therefore the Kings of England did grant any Lands and Privileges in Wales to any that would accept of them, which honestly they had no Power to bestow.

But this was not enough in detriment to the Welch, [A.D. 1156] for the Year following, King Henry raised a very great Army which he gathered from all parts of En∣gland, with purpose to subdue all North-Wales, being principally moved hereto, by the instigation of Cad∣walader the Prince's Brother, whom Owen Gwynedh, for what Reasons not known, deprived of his Estate, and banished the Country. Also Madoc ap Meredith Prince of Powis, who maligned the Liberty and Pri∣viledge of the Princes of North-Wales, who owned subjection to no other than the King of England, whereas those of Powis were obliged to do homage to the Prince of North-Wales, did joyntly consent to this Invitation. The King of England accepting of their Proposals, led his Army to West-Chester, and encamped upon the Marsh called Saltney, in Welch, Morfa-Caer-Lleon. Prince Owen all this while was not ignorant of this intended Invasion, and therefore

having made all possible Preparations to confront the Enemy, he marched his Army to the Frontiers of England, and encamping at Basingwerk, resolved to give the English Battel. King Henry understanding of the Prince's Resolution, detached some of the chiefest Troops out of the Main-body, under the command of several Earls and other Lords, and sent them towards the Prince's Camp. But after they had advanced some little way, and were passing thro' a Wood, called Coed-Eulo, David and Conan Prince Owen's Sons, unexpectedly set upon them, and what by the advantage of the Ground, and the sud∣deness of the Action, the English were born down with a great Slaughter, and those who survived, nar∣rowly escaped to the King's Camp. This was a very unwelcome beginning to King Henry; but however, in order to prosper better hereafter, he thought it ad∣visable to decamp from Saltney, and to rank his Troops along the Sea-Coast, thinking thereby to get betwixt Prince Owen and his Country, which if he could effect, he was sure to reduce the Welch to a very great inconveniency. But the Prince fore∣seeing the Danger of this, retired with his Army to a place called Cîl Owen, that is, Owen's Retreat, which when King Henry perceived, he let fall his De∣sign, and came to Ruthlan. W. Parnus writes, that in this Expedition against the Welch, King Henry was in great danger of his Life, in passing thro' a strait at Counsylth near Flint, where Henry Earl of Essex, who by inheritance enjoyed the Office of bearing the Standard of England, being over-charged by the Enemy, cast down the same and fled. This acci∣dent so incouraged the Welch, that they bore on so violently, that the King himself narrowly escaped, having of his Party Eustace Fitz-John and Rob. Curcie, two valiant Knights, together with several others of his Nobility and Gentry slain in the Action.

After this Prince Owen decamped from Cîl Owen, and intrenched himself upon Bryn y Pin, where lit∣tle of moment passed betwixt the two Armies, only some slight Skirmishes happened frequently. King

Henry in the mean time fortified the Castle of Ruthlan, and during his stay there, Madoc ap Meredith Prince of Powis, sailed with the English Fleet to Anglesey, and having put some Men on shoar, they burnt two Churches, and ravaged part of the Country about. But they paid very dear for it, for all the Strength of the Island being met together, they set upon them in their return to their Ships, and cut them off in such a manner, that not one remained to bring Tidings to the Fleet of what had befel them. But they on Board quickly perceived what had happened, and therefore thought it not very safe harbouring upon that Coast, but judging it more advisable to weigh Anchor, they presently set Sail for Chester; when they were arrived thither, they found that a Peace was actually concluded betwixt King Henry and Prince Owen upon these Articles; That Cadwalader should have all his Lands restored to him, and he re∣ceived to the Favour and Friendship of his Brother. Then King Henry leaving the Castles of Ruthlan and Basingwerk well manned and fortified, and having near the latter founded a Publick Structure for the Order of Knights Templars, returned to England. But the troubles of Wales did not end with him, for Iorwerdh Goch ap Meredith who had taken part with the King of England during this War, laid Siege to the Castle of Yale, which was built by Prince Owen, and making himself Master of it, rased it to the ground.

The next Year commenced with a very unfortu∣nate [A.D. 1157] Action, Ifor ap Meyric having long before cast a very wishful Eye upon the Land and Estate of Morgan ab Owen, was now resolved to put in exe∣cution what he had before contrived; and as Co∣vetousness seldom bears any regard to Vertue or Honor, he treacherously set upon him, and slew him; and with him fell Gurgan ap Rhys, the most Famous British Poet of his time. Morgan's Estate Ifor bestowed upon his Brother Iorwerth, who about the same time got also possession of the Town of Caer-Lheon. But these inward and home-bread Di∣sturbances

were quickly mitigated by a general Peace which was presently after this concluded betwixt the King of England and all the Princes and Lords of Wales, Rhys ab Gruffydh ap Rhys Prince of South-Wales only excepted. For this Prince Rhys, who probably would not rely too far upon the King of England's Fidelity, refused to consent to a Peace; but however, to secure himself the best he could from the English, whom he had no small reason to be afraid of, he thought it his best Prudence to issue out his Orders, commanding his Subjects to remove their Cattel and other Effects to the Wilderness of Tywy, where they were like to remain securest from the Eyes and reach of the Enemies. But he had not continued there long, when he received a more po∣sitive Express from King Henry, commanding him to appear forthwith at his Court, and to accept of the Proposals of Peace, before the joynt Forces of En∣gland and Wales were sent to fetch him up. Prince Rhys having received such a threatning Message, thought it now high time to repent of what he had afore so rashly resolved upon, and therefore after long Consultation, he judged it his wisest way to accept of the King's Proposals and to appear at Court. There it was agreed upon, that Rhys, whose Lands heretofore lay scattered about, and were intermixed with other Per∣son's Estate, should enjoy Cantref Mawr, and any o∣ther Cantref which the King should be pleased to be∣stow upon him. But contrary to this Article, the King assigned him several Lordships and other Lands far remote from each other, and particularly inter∣mixed them with the Estates of English-men, whom he was sure would be a watch and a curb to all the motions of Prince Rhys. This was indeed a very po∣litick Contrivance or King Henry to keep under the high and restless Spirit of Rhys; but the Justice of the Action does not so evidently appear in breaking one of the chiefest Articles of the Peace, and chopping and bestowing that which was not justly in his Power to give. But 'tis manifestly apparent that the English of these times were mainly concerned right

or wrong to oppress and keep under the Welch of whose mortal hatred to subjection they had so fre∣quently and so cruelly felt. Prince Rhys was not at all ignorant of these wrongful and deceitful Deal∣ings of King Henry, but knowing himself to be un∣able to redress these Grievances, he thought it more advisible for a time to live quietly with a little than rashly to hazard all. But in a short time, he had op∣portunity either to demand redress from the King, or else to endeavour it himself by Force of Arms. For as soon as Roger Earl of Clare was informed of the distribution which the King of England had grant∣ed to Prince Rhys, he came to King Henry, request∣ing of his Majesty, that he would grant him such Lands in Wales, as he could win by force of Arm•• The King readily complied with his Request, being always very forward to grant any thing which seem∣ed to curb and discommode the Welch, and there∣fore the Earl of Clare marched with a great Army into Cardigan, and having fortified the Castles of Ystrat-Meyric, Humphrey, Dyfi, Dynerth and Lhanrhy∣styd, he made several Incursions into the Country. In the same manner, Walter Clyfford who was Gover∣nour of Lhanymdhyfri Castle, made in-roads into the Territories of Prince Rhys, and after he had slain se∣veral of the Welch, and made great waste in the Country, returned with considerable Booty.

Prince Rhys as he was unable to bear these out∣rages, so he was resolved either to have immediate redress, or else to proclaim open War against the Eng∣lish, and therefore he sent an Express to King Henry, complaining of the Hostilities which his Subjects the Earl of Clare and Walter Clifford had committed in in his Country. But finding the King to put him still off with only smooth Words and fair Promises, and that he always winked at the Faults of the En∣glish and Normans, without any farther Consultation about the Matter, he laid Siege to the Castle of Lhan∣ymdhyfri, and in short time made himself Matter of it. Also Eineon the Son of Anarawd, Rhy's Brother's Son, and a Person of great Valor, being desirous to

free his Country from that miserable servitude they now groaned under, and judging withal that his Uncle was now discharged from the Oath he had lately sworn to the King of England, sat before the Castle of Humphrey, and having forcibly made his entrance into it, he put all the Garrison to the Sword, where he found a great number of Horses and Armour, e∣nough to arm a considerable Body of Men And whilst Eineon was thus engaged at Humphrey's Castle, Prince Rhys perceiving that he could not enjoy any part of his Inheritance but what he afterwards got by the Sword, drew all his Power together and en∣tred Cardigan, where like a most violent Torrent, he over-run the Country, that he left not one Castle standing of those which his Enemies had fortified, and so brought all the Country to his subjection, King Henry being sore offended at the progress which Prince Rhys so suddenly made against him, returned with a great Army into South-Wales, but finding it to no purpose to attempt any thing against the Prince, he thought it more advisable to permit him to enjoy all that he had gotten, and only to take Hostages for his observing of Peace during his absence out of the Kingdom, which Prince Rhys promising to do, he forthwith returned to England, and soon after went for Normandy, where he concluded a Peace with the French King.

[A.D. 1158] But the Year following, Prince Rhys of South-Wales without any respect to his promise to King Henry last Year, led his Forces to Dyfed, and destroyed all the Castles that the Normans had fortified in that Coun∣try, and then laid Siege to Caermardhyn. But Reynold Earl of Bristol, the King's base Son, being informed of it, called together the Earl of Clare, his Bro∣ther-in-Law Cadwalader, Prince Owen of North-Wales's Brother, Howel and Conan Owen's Sons, with two Earls more, who with their joynt Forces march∣ed to raise the Siege. But Prince Rhys was wiser than to abide their coming, and therefore upon the first intimation of such great Opposition, he retired to the Mountains called Cefn Rester, and there en∣camped,

being sufficiently secure from any Enemy, by the natural Fortification of the place. The Con∣federate Army lay at Dynwylhîr; and there built a Castle, but finding no news or tidings of Prince Rhys, they returned home without effecting any thing of Note. King Henry was still in Normandy, and there made War against the Earl of St. Giles, for the City and Earldom of Tholouse.

Towards the beginning of this Year, Madoc ap Meredith ap Blethyn Prince of Powis died at Win∣chester, whence his Body was honourably conveyed to Powis, and buried at Myfod. He was a Prince very much affected to Piety and Religion, very cha∣ritable to the necessitous, and good to the distressed; but his great Fault was, that he stickled too hard for the Interest of the English, and was always in Confe∣deracy with King Henry against the good Success of his Native Country. He had Issue by his Wife Su∣sanna, the Daughter of Gruffydh ap Conan Prince of North-Wales, three Sons, Gruffydh Maylor, Owen and Elis, and a Daughter named Marred. He had also three natural Sons, Owen Brogynton, Cynwric Efelh, and Eineon Efelh, who tho' base born, yet according to the Custom of Wales, co-inherited with their Bre∣thren who were legitimate.

And here it will not be amiss, once for all, to give a particular account of the Principality, afterwards the Lordships of Powis, how it came to be di∣vided into many shares and portions, and by that means became so irrecoverably broken and weaken∣ed, that it was made subject to the Normans before the rest of Wales. For Powis before King Offa's time, reached Eastward to the Rivers of Severn and Dee, in a right Line from the end of Broxen Hills to Salop, and comprehended all the Country between the Wye and Severn, which was antiently the Estate of Broch∣wel Yscithroc, of whom mention is made before. But after the making of Offa's dike, Powis was con∣tracted into a narrower compass, the plain Country toward Salop being inhabited by Saxons and Normans, so that the length of it reached North-East, from

Pulford-Bridge to Lhangiric-Parish on the Confines of Cardigan-shire, to the South-West, and the breadth from the farthest part of Cyfeilioc Westward, to Els∣mere on the East-side. This Principality, Roderic the Great gave to his youngest Son Merfyn, in whose Po∣sterity it remained intire, till the death of Blethyn ap Confyn, who tho' he had divided it betwixt his Sons Meredith and Cadwgan; yet it came again whole and intire to the possession of Meredith ap Blethyn. But he again broke the Union, and left it between his two Sons Madawe and Gruffydh; the first of which was Married to Susanna the Daughter of Gruffydh ap Conan Prince of North-Wales, and had with her that part, afterward called by his Name, Powis Fadoc. After his death, this Lordship was divided also be∣twixt his Sons Gruffydh Maelor, Owen ap Madawc, and Owen Brogynton, which last, tho' basely born, had however, for his incomparable Valour and Courage, a share of his Father's Estate, namely, Edeyrneon and Dinmael, which he left to his Sons Gruffydh, Blethyn and Iorwerth. Owen Madawc had to his Portion Me∣chain-Is-Coed, and had Issue Lhewelyn and Owen Fy∣chan. But Gruffydh Maelor the eldest Son, Lord of Bromfield, had to his part, both the Maelors with Moch∣nant-is-Raydar, and married Angharad the Daughter of Owen Gwynedh Prince of North-Wales, by whom he had Issue one Son named Madawc, who held his Fa∣ther's Inheritance intirely, and left it so to his only Son Gruffydh, who was called, Lord of Dînas Brân, because he lived in that Castle: He married Emma the Daughter James Lord Audley, by whom he had Issue Madawc, Lhewelyn, Gruffydh and Owen. This Gruffydh ap Madawc took part with King Henry the Third, and Edward the First against the Prince of North-Wales; and therefore for fear of the said Prince, he was forced to keep himself secure within his Ca∣stle of Dinas Brân, which being situated upon the summity of a very steep Hill, seemed impregnable to all the daring Efforts, that could be used against it. After his death, Edward the first dealt very unkind∣ly with his Children who were of Age to manage

their own Concerns; and making two of them pri∣vately away, bestowed the Wardship of Madoc his el∣dest Son, who had by his Father's Will, the Lordships of Bromfield and Yale, with the reversion of Maelor Saesnec Hopesdale and Mouldsdale, his Mother's Joynture, on John Earl Warren; and the Wardship of Lhewelyn, to whose share fell the Lordships of Chirke and Nan∣heudwy, to Roger Mortimer, third Son to Roger Morti∣mer the Son of Ralph Mortimer, Lord Mortimer of Wigmor. But Emma Gruffydh's Wife, having in her possession for her Dowry, Maelor Saesnec, Hopesdale, and Moulsdale, with the presentation of Bangor Re∣ctory; and seeing two of her Sons disinherited and done away, and the fourth dead without Issue, and doubting lest Gruffydh her only surviving Child could not long continue, she conveyed her Estate to the Audley's, her own Kin, who getting possession of it took the same from the King, from whom it came to the House of Derby, where it continued for a long time; till at length it was sold to Sir John Glynne, Serjeant at Law, in whose Family it still remaineth. But Earl Warren and Roger Mortimer, forgetting what signal Service Gruffydh ap Madoc had performed for the King, guarded their new Possessions with such caution and strictness, that they took especial care they should never return to any of the Posterity of the legal Proprietor; and therefore having obtained the King's Patent, they began to secure themselves in the said Lordships. John Earl Warren began to build Holt-Castle, which was finished by his Son William, and so the Lordships of Bromfield and Yale continued in the name of the Earls of Warren for three Descents, viz. John, William and John, who dying without Issue; the said Lordships, together with the Earldom of Warren descended to Alice Sister and Heir to the last John Earl Warren, who was married to Edmond Fitz Alan Earl of Arundel, in which House they remained for three Descents, namely Edmund, Richard, Richard his Son, and Thomas Earl of A∣rundel. But for want of Issue to this last, Thomas Earl of Arundel and Warren, the said Lordships fell

to two of his Sisters, whereof one named Elizabeth, was married to Thomas Mowbray Duke of Norfolk, and the other called Joan, to William Beauchamp Lord of Abergavenny: But since they came to the Hands of Sir William Stanley Knight, who being attainted of High Treason, they devolved by for∣feiture to the Crown, and now are annexed to the Principality of Wales. But Roger Mortimer the other sharer in the Lands of Gruffydh ap Madoc, was made Justice of North-Wales, built the Castle of Chirke, and married Lucia the Daughter and Heir of Sir Robert de Wafre Knight, by whom he had Issue Roger Mortimer, who was married to Joan Turbervill, by whom he had John Mortimer Lord of Chirke. This John sold the Lordship of Chirke to Richard Fitzalan Earl of Arundel, Edmund's Son, and so it was again annexed to Bromfield and Yale.

The third Son of Gruffydh Lord of Dinas Brân, named also Gruffydh, had for his part Glyn Dwr∣dwy, which Gruffydh ap Gruffydh had Issue Madoc Crupl, who was the Father of Madoc Fychan, the Father of Gruffydh, the Father of Gruffydh Fychan, who was the Father of Owen Glyndwr, who rebel∣ling in the days of Henry the Fourth, Glyndwrdwy by confiscation came to the King, of whom it was after∣wards purchased by Robert Salisbury of Rug, in whose Family it still remaineth. Owen the Fourth Son of Gruffydh Lord of Dinas Brân, had for his share Cyn∣lhaeth with the Rights and Priviledges thereunto be∣longing. The other part of Powys, comprehending the Countries of Arustly, Cyfeilioc, Lhannerch-hudol, Caere∣neon, Mochnach uwch Rayadr, Mechan uwch Coed, Moudhwy, Deudhwr, Ystrad Marchelh, and Teir Tref, or the three Towns, rightfully descended to Gruffydh ap Meredith ap Blethyn, by Henry the first created Lord Powys Who married Gweyryl or Weyryl the Daugh∣ter of Ʋrgene ap Howel ap Iefaf ap Cadogan ap Athle∣stan Glodryth, by whom he had Issue Owen Surnamed Cyfeilioc. This Owen enjoyed his Father's Estate in∣tire, and married Gwenlhiam the Daughter of Owen Gwynedh Prince of North-Wales, who bore him one

Son, named Gwenwynwyn or Wenwynwyn, from whom that part of Powys was afterwards called Powys Wenwynwyn He had moreover a base Brother, called Caswalhon, upon whom he bestowed the Countries of Swydh Lhannerch Hudol, and Brani∣arth. Gwenwynwyn succeeded his Father in all his Estate saying what Caswalhon enjoyed, and mar∣ried Margaret the Daughter of Rhys ap Theodor Prince of South Wales, by whom he had Gruffydh ap Gwen••ynwyn, who succeeding his Father in all his Possessions, had Issue six Sons, by Margaret the Daughter of Robert Corbet, Brother to Thomas Lord Corbet of Cous; and so the intire Estate of Gruffydh ap Meredith ap Blethyn Lord of Powys, became shattered, and torn into divers Pieces. Owen Gruffydh ap Gwenwynwyn's eldest Son, had for his part Arustly, Cyfeilioc, Lhannerch Hudol, and a part of Caereneon; Lhewelyn had Mochnant uwch Rayadr, and Mechain uwch Coed; John the third Son, had the fourth part of Caerenion; William had Moudhwy; Gruffydh Fychan had Deudh rr Ystrat-Marchelh, and Teir Tref; and David the sixth and youngest Son, had the other fourth part of Caereneon. Owen ap Gruffydh had Issue one only Daughter, named Hawys Gadarn, or the Hardy, whom he left his Heir; but her Uncles Lhewo∣lyn, John, Gruffydh Fychan, and David, thinking it an easy matter to dispossess an Orphan, challenged the Lands of their Brother Owen, alledging for a Cloak to their Usurpation, that a Woman was not capable of holding any Lands in that Coun∣try. But Hawys made such Friends in England, that her Case was made known to King Edward the Second, who bestowed her in Marriage upon a Servant of his, named John Charleton, termed Valectus Domini Regis, who was born at Appley near Wellington, in the County of Salop, Anno One Thousand Two Hundred Sixty Eight, and in her Right, created him Lord Powys.

This John Charleton Lord Powys, being aided and supported by the King of England, quickly broke all their Measures; and having taken Lhewelyn, John, and David, his Wives Uncles, he put them in safe custody, in the Kings Castle of Harlech; and then obtained a Writ from the King to the Sheriff of Shrop∣shire, and to Sir Roger Mortimer, Lord of Chirkland, and Justice of North-Wales, for the Apprehension of Gruffydh Fychan, with his Sons in Law, Sir Roger Chamber and Hugh Montgomery, who were then in actual Hostility against him and his Wife Hawys. But Gruffydh Fychan and his Accomplices suspecting their own Strength, and having lost Thomas Earl of Lancaster, their main support, thought it most advi∣sable to submit themselves to the King's Pleasure, touching the Difference betwixt them and Hawys; who finding upon record, how that Gruffydh ap Me∣redith, Ancestor to the said Hawys, upon his Submis∣sion to King Henry the First, became Subject to the King of England, and thereupon was created Baron of Powys, which Barony he and his Posterity had ever since held in capite from the King; was of opinion, that Hawys had more Right to her Fathers Posses∣sions now in their hands, than any pretence they could lay to her Estate. But to make a final deter∣mination of this matter, and to compose the Diffe∣rence more amicably betwixt them; it was agreed, that Hawys should enjoy her Inheritance in Fee-Sim∣ple to her and her Heirs for ever, after the Tenure of England; and that her Uncles Lhewelyn, John, Da∣vid, and Gruffydh, should quietly enjoy their Por∣tion, and the same to descend to their Heir Males perpetually; but in default of such Heir Males, the same was to descend to Hawys and her Heirs. But William Lord of Mowdhwy, the Fourth Brother, called otherwise Wilcock Mowdhwy, because he did not joyn with the rest against Hawys, had all his Lands confirmed to him, and to all his Heirs, both Male and Female for ever. He married Elianor, the Sister of Elen, Owen Glyndwr's Mother, who was lineally descended from Rhys ap Theodore, Prince of

South-Wales, by whom he had Issue John de Mowdhwy; whose Daughter Elizabeth, being Heir to his whole Estate, was married to one Sir Hugh Burgh, Knight. His Son Sir John Burgh, Lord of Mowdhwy, married Jane the Daughter of Sir William Clapton of Glocester∣shire, by whom he had four Daughters, Elizabeth, An∣creda, Isabel, and Elianor; the first of whom was married to Thomas Newport, the second to John Leighton of Stretton; the third to John Lingen; and the younger to Tho. Mytton; who by equal Distribution, had the Lordship of Mowdhwy divided betwixt them.

But John Charleton Lord of Powys had Issue by his Wife Hawys, a Son named John, who enjoyed the same Lordship for about Seven Years, and then left it to his Son, of the same Name, who was Lord of Powys Fourteen Years; and then it descen∣ded to his Son, called also John Charleton, who en∣joyed his Fathers Estate Twenty Seven Years; but dying without Issue, the Lordship of Powys fell to his Brother Edward Charleton. This Edward had Is∣sue by his Wife Elianor, the Daughter and one of the Heirs of Thomas Earl of Kent, and the Widow of Roger Mortimer Earl of March, two Daughters, Jane and Joyce; the first of which was married to Sir John Gray, Knight; and the second to John Lord Tip••oft, whose Son was by King Henry VI. created Earl of Worcester. But after the death of Elianor, this Edward Lord Powys marryed Elizabeth the Daugh∣ter of Sir John Barkley, Knight; and so after his death, which happened in the Year 1420. the Lordship of Powys was divided into three parts, whereof his Wi∣dow Elizabeth had for her Joynture Lhannorch Hu∣dol, Ystrad Marchel••, Deudhwr, and Teirtref; and was afterwards married to Lord Dudley. Jane his eldest Daughter had Caereneon, Mechain, Mochnant, and Flasdinas; and Joyce had Cyfeilioc, and Arustly. But the Lordship of Powys continued in the Family of Sir John Gray, for five Descents, in right of his Wife Jane: the last of whom, Edward Gray, Lord Powys, married Anne, one of the Daughters and Co-Heirs of Charles Brandon, Duke of Suffolk, and dyed with∣out

any lawful Issue. This Edward Lord Powys, in 15 Henry VIII. accompanied the Duke of Suffolk in the Expedition then made into France, and was at the taking of Bray, and other places then won from the French. And in 36 Henry VIII. being again rea∣dy to march in the King's Service, he made his last Testament, whereby he setled the Succession of his whole Barony and Lordship of Powys, his Castle and Mannor of Pool, with divers other Lordships in the County of Montgomery, and all the rest of his Estate in the County of Salop, upon the Heirs of his own Body lawfully begotten, or to be begotten; and in default of such Issue, his Castle and Mannor of Charl∣ton and Pontisbury in Shropshire, upon Jane Orwell, Daughter of Sir Lewis Orwell, Knight, and her As∣signs, during her natural Life. And in case he should dye without any Issue of his own Body lawfully be∣gotten, that then Edward Grey, his illegitimate Son by the same Jane Orwell, should have and enjoy his said Barony and Mannor of Powys, his Castle and Mannor of Pool, and all other his Lordships in the County of Montgomery; with the Reversion of the Castle and Mannor of Charlton and Pontysbury, to him and his Heirs lawfully begotten: and for lack of such Issue, to remain to that Child, in case it should be a Son, wherewith the same Jane Orwell was then great by him, and to the Heirs of his Bo∣dy lawfully begotten. But if it should not prove a Son, or if the Son dye without Issue, then that the whole Barony of Powys and all the Premises before-mentioned, should come to Jane Grey his Daughter, and to the Heirs of her Body lawfully begotten; and for lack of such Issue, to Anne Grey, his other Daugh∣ter, and the Heirs of her Body lawfully begotten; and lastly for default of such Issue, to such Woman-Child as should be born of the Body of the said Jane Orwell. But after Edward Grey, the Title of Lord of Powys lay extinct to the Fifth Year of K. Charles I. when Sir William Herbert Son of Sir Edward Herbert of Redcastle (antiently call'd Pool-Castle, now Powys-Castle) in the County of Montgomery, second Son to

William Earl of Pembrock, was advanced to the Dignity of a Baron of the Realm, by the Title of Lord Powys of Powys, in the Marches of Wales; in whose Family it still continues, though the Title has been changed from a Baron to an Earl, and since to a Marquess.

About the same time that the Prince of Powys dyed, Cadwalhon ap Madawc ap Ednerth, who had been for some considerable time at variance with his Bro∣ther Eineon Clyd, was taken Prisoner by him; who deliver'd him up to Owen Prince of North-Wales. But the Prince being willing to gratifie the King of England, whose Interest Cadwalhon has as much as in him lay opposed, sent him to the King's Officers to be imprisoned at Winchester; from whence he quick∣ly found a way to escape: And by the advice of the rest of his Brethren, he returned home to his Coun∣try. King Henry continued all this while in Nor∣mandy, and during his stay there, a Match was con∣cluded upon betwixt his Son Henry and Margaret Daughter to Lewis King of France. But this new alliance could not prevent these two Monarchs from [A.D. 1160] falling at variance with each other, which happened the Year following; and thereupon King Henry mar∣ched with his Army to Gascoyne, to quell certain Re∣bels, who upon first notice of this Breach between both Kings, were up in Arms against the English. But the next Year, a Peace was again concluded, and so all things returned to their former state of [A.D. 1161] Amity and Quietness. But it was not so in Wales; for Howel the Son of Ievaf ap Cadwgan ap Athlestlan Glodryth, having got to his hand the Castle of Wal∣wern in Cyfeilioc, rased it to the ground, which so incensed Prince Owen, who was Owner of it, that nothing could lay his fury, till he had drawn his For∣ces together, and made an incursion into Lhandhinam in Arustly, Howel's Country; which he cruelly har∣rassed, and carried away considerable Booty. The People of the Country perceiving these Devastations of the North-Wales Men, came together to the num∣ber of 300 Men, offering their Service to their na∣tural

Lord, Howel ap Iefaf; who upon this addi∣tion of strength, followed the Enemy to the Banks of Severn, where they were encamped. Prince Owen finding them to march after him, was glad of the opportunity to be further revenged upon Howel; and so turning suddenly upon them, he slew about Two Hundred Men; the rest narrowly escaping with Howel to the Woods and Rocks. Owen being more joyful for the Revenge he had taken of Howel, than for any Victory he had gained, rebuilt Walwern Castle, and having well fortified and mann'd it, returned home to North-Wales.

[A.D. 1162] The Year following, the like thing happened; Owen the Son of Gruffydh ap Meredith, commonly called Owen Cyfeilioc o Wynedh, together with Owen ap Madawc ap Meredith, and Meredith ap Howel, set upon Carrechofa Castle near Oswestry, and having over-power'd the Garison, committed great Waste and Destruction therein. But about the same time, a pleasant passage happened in England; Robert Mount∣ford and Henry de Essex, who had both fought against the Welch upon the Marches, and both run, began now to impeach each other, as being the first occa∣sion of flying. The Dispute was to be tryed by Combat, in which being engaged, Henry was over∣come; and for his false accusing of Robert, he was sentenced to have his Estate forfeited, and then ha∣ving his Crown shorn, he was entered a Monk at Redding. Within a little after, King Henry calling to mind what Prince Rhys had committed during his absence out of the Kingdom, drew up a great Army against South-Wales, and having marched as far as Pencadyr near Brecknock, Rhys met him, and did his Homage; and having delivered up Hostages for his future Behaviour, stopp'd the King's farther progress, so that thence he returned to England. But after the King's departure, two very unlucky Accidents happened in Wales; Eineon the Son of Anarawd ap Gruffydh, Nephew to Prince Rhys, being villainously murthered in his Bed by his own Servant, called Walter ap Lhywarch; as also Cadwgan ap Meredith

in like manner, by one Walter ap Riccart. But the loss of his Nephew, Prince Rhys made up, by posses∣sing himself of that large Country called Cantref Ma••r, and the Land of Dynefowr, which he after∣wards enjoyed. Of men of Learning there dyed this Year, Cadifor ap Daniel, Archdeacon of Cardigan; and Henry ap Arthen, the greatest Scholar that had flourished in Wales for many Years.

The next Year, a total Rupture broke forth be∣twixt [A.D. 1163] the English and Welch; Prince Rhys, a Man of an active and uncontroulable Spirit, being now experimentally sensible he could never carry on the Greatness and Grandeur of his Quality, with such lands as the King of England had allotted him, made an Invasion into the Lordship of Roger de Acre Earl of Glocester; being moved thereto in a great measure, by reason that his Nephew Anarawd ap Gruf∣fydh was murthered by his motive and instigation. Being advanced with a strong Army into the Earl of Glocester's Estate, without any great opposition he took Aberheidol Castle, with those belonging to the Sons of Wyhyaon; all which he rased to the ground. Thence he marched to Cardigan, bringing all that Country under his subjection; and from thence he marched against the Flemings, whose Country he cruelly harassed with Fire and Sword. The rest of the Estates of Wales, perceiving Prince Rhys to pros∣per so successfully against the English, thought they might equally succeed, and shake off the English Yoke, which so unreasonably oppressed them. And there∣fore they unanimously agreed to cast off their Subje∣ction to the English, whose Tyranny they could no longer bear, and to put over them Princes of their own Nation, whose Superiority they could better to∣lerate. And so this Year concluded with making suitable Preparations for the following Campaign. [A.D. 1164]

And therefore as soon as the time of year for action was advanced, David Son of Owen Prince of North-Wales fell upon Flintshire, which pertained to the King of England; and carrying off all the People and Cattel with him, brought them to Dyffryn Clwyd, other∣wise

Ruthyn Land. King Henry understanding this, gathered together his Forces, and with all speed mar∣ched to defend both his Subjects and Towns from the Incursions and Depredations of the Welch. Being come to Ruthlan, and encamped there three days, he quickly perceived he could do no great matter, by rea∣son that his Army was not sufficiently numerous; and therefore he thought it more advisable to return back to England, and to augment his Forces, before he should attempt any thing against the Welch. And accordingly he levied the most chosen Men throughout all his Dominions of England, Normandy, Anjou, Gas∣coin and Gwien; besides those Succours from Flanders and Britain; and then set forward for North-Wales, purposing to destroy without Mercy every living thing he could possibly meet with; and being advanced as far as Croes-Oswalt, called Oswestry, he incamped there. On the other side, Prince Owen and his Brother Cad∣walader, with all the strength of North-Wales; Prince Rhys with those of South-Wales; Owen Cyfeilioc and Madawc ap Meredith with all the Power of Powys; the two Sons of Madawc ap Ednerth, with the Peo∣ple living betwixt the Rivers of Severn and Wye, met together, and pitched their Camp at Corwen in Edeyrneon, intending unanimously to defend their Country against the King of England. King Henry understanding that they were so near, was very desirous to come to Battel; and to that end he removed to the Banks of the River Ceireoc, causing all the Woods thereabouts to be cut down, for fear of any Ambushment lurking therein, and for a more clear prospect of the Enemy. But some of the Welch took advantage of this opportunity, who being well acquainted with the Passage, without the knowledg of their Officers, fell upon the King's Guard, where all the Pike-men were posted; and after a hot Skir∣mish, several were slain on both sides. But in fine, the King wan the passage, and so marched on to the Mountain of Berwyn, where he lay sometime without any Hostility on either side, both Armies standing in fear of each other. The English kept the open Plains,

and were afraid to be entrapp'd in the Streights and narrow Passages; and the Welch on the other hand watched the Advantage of the place, and observed the English so narrowly, that neither Forage or Vi∣ctuals could pass to the King's Camp. And what augmented the misery of the English Army, there happened to fall such a Rain, that mightily disturbed their Encampment, in so much that the Soldiers could scarcely stand, for the disadvantage of those slippery Hills. But in the end King Henry was forced to de∣camp, and after a very considerable loss of Men and Ammunition, besides the great Charges of this Expe∣dition, was compell'd to return back to England. But to express the great dissatisfaction he entertained of this Enterprize, in a great fury he plucked out the Eyes of the Hostages, which he had some time afore received from the Welch; which were Rhys and Cad∣walhon the Sons of Owen Prince of North-Wales, and Cynric and Meredith the Sons of Rhys of South-Wales. Some write, that in assailing of a Bridg, the King was in no small danger of his Life; one of the Welch ha∣ving aimed directly at him, was like to pierce him through the Body, had not Hubert de Clare, Constable of Colchester, who perceived the Arrow a coming, thrust himself betwixt the King and it, though to the loss of his own Life.

But though King Henry was shamefully forced to return to England, yet he did not give over the thoughts of subduing the Welch; and therefore after a long Consultation, he made a third Expedition into Wales, conveying his Army by Sea, as far as Chester. There he staid for some time, till all his Fleet, as well those Ships that he had hired out of Ireland, as his own, were all arrived. But when they were all come to∣gether, and got safely to Chester, his mind was alter∣ed; and instead of a design against Wales, he unex∣pectedly dismissed his whole Army. Prince Rhys was glad of this opportunity, and therefore withdrawing his Forces from the Confederate Army, he marched to the Siege of Aberteifi Castle, which being surren∣dred to him, he rased to the ground. From thence

he got before Cilgerran, which he used after the same manner, and therein took Prisoner Robert the Son of Stephen his Cosin-German, who was the Son of Nest his Aunt, who after the death of Gerald, had married Stephen Constable. The joy of these happy Successes on the part of the Welch, was somewhat clouded by the death of Lhewelyn, Son of Owen Prince of North-Wales, a Person of great Worth, and exceedingly well beloved of all his Country.

[A.D. 1165] And now the Welch being something secure from any Invasion from the English; there rose up another Enemy to create them Disturbance; the Flemings and Normans finding the English to fail in their At∣tempt against the Welch, thought they might with better success quell and subdue them. And therefore they came to West-Wales with a great Army, and laid siege to the Castle of Cilgerran, which Rhys had lately fortified; but after two different Assaults, they were manfully beat back, and forced to depart home again. But what the Flemings could not effect against the Welch in South-Wales, the Welch easily brought about against the English in North-Wales; for Prince Owen having besieged Basingwerk Castle, then in the possession of the King of England, without much time spent, made himself Master of it. But it was always the misfortune of the Welch, that when they found themselves secure from any Enemy abroad, they were sure to quarrel and fall out at home; though in∣deed it could not be well otherwise expected, where so many petty States endeavoured still to surmount and out-vie one another. And now when all things went very successfully of their sides, in opposition to the English; two ambitious Persons began to kindle a Flame in their own bosoms; Owen Cyfeilioc the Son of Gruffydh ap Maredith Lord of Powys, and Owen Fychan second Son to Madawc ap Meredith, forcibly dispossessed Iorwerth Goch of his Estate in Powys, which they divided betwixt themselves; Mochnant Ʋwch Ray∣adr to Owen Cyfeilioc, and Mochnant is Rayadr to Owen Fychan.

But the rest of the Princes of Wales could not brook this Injury done to Iorwerth Goch; and there∣fore [A.D. 1166] Owen Prince of North-Wales, with his Brother Cadwalader, and Rhys Prince of South-Wales, went with an Army into Powys against Owen Cyfeilioc, and having chased him out of the Country, they bestowed Caereneon upon Owen Fychan, to hold it of Prince Owen; and Rhys had Walwern, by reason that it lay near his own Territories. But within a while after, Owen Cyfeilioc returned with a numerous band of Nor∣mans and English along with him, and laid siege to the Castle of Caereneon, which he burnt to the ground. But the loss of this place was made up by the taking of Ruthlan Castle, which Owen, Rhys, and Cadwala∣der joyntly besieged; and which was so strongly for∣tified, and so manfully defended, that it cost them three Months before they could make themselves Masters of the place. Afterwards they won the Ca∣stle of Prestatyn, and reduced the whole Country of Tegengl, subject to Prince Owen; and then re∣turned home to their respective Dominions. And from henceforward nothing of moment was transa∣cted, during the remainder of Prince Owen's Reign, [A.D. 1167] only his Son Conan most unmercifully slew Ʋrgeney Abbot of Lhwythlawr, together with his Nephew Lhawthen. But a little after, Prince Rhys of South-Wales [A.D. 1168] released out of Prison his Nephew Robert, Son to Stephen Constable, whom, as is said before, he had taken at the Siege of Calgarran Castle, and sent him to Ireland to the aid of Dermot the Son of Murchart King of Linster, who was then in actual war with the King of Leimster. With him and his Brother Morris Fitz-Gerald, and their Nephews Robert Meyler and Raymond, went over a strong Detachment of Welchmen, under the command of Richard Strongbow Earl of Strigule, who were the chief motive of the Conquest of Ireland, when it was first brought in subjection to the Crown of Eng∣land.

[A.D. 1169] But the next Year, Owen Gwynedh Son of Gruffydh ap Conan Prince of North-Wales, departed this Life, in the Two and Thirtieth Year of his Reign. He was a wise and a valourous Prince, ever fortunate and victorious in all his Undertakings, insomuch, as he never undertook any Design but what he accomplish∣ed. He had by different Women several Issues, who gat themselves greater Esteem by their Valour, than by their Birth and Parentage. He had by Gwladus the Daughter of Lhywarch ap Trahaern ap Caradoc, Ior∣werth Drwyndwn, or the broken Nose, Conan, Mael∣gon, and Gwenlhian; by Christian the Daughter of Grono ap Owen ap Edwyn, he had David, Roderic, Cadwalhon Abbot of Bardsey, and Angharad, after∣wards married to Gruffydh Maylor. He had by other Women several other Children, as Conan, Lhewelyn, Meredith, Edwal, Rhun, Howel, Cadelh, Madawc, Ei∣neon, Cynwric, Philip, and Ryrid Lord of Clochran in Ireland. Of these, Run, Lhewelyn, and Cynwric died before their Father; and the rest will be mentioned in the Sequel of this History.

Notes

• Lib. 2. Cap. 5.
• Dugdale Bar. Engl. Tom. II. p. 284.