Medieval Powys
Kingdom, Principality and Lordships, 1132-1293
Published on 16. September 2016
Book
Hardback
363 pages
978-1-78327-140-5 (ISBN)
Description
First full-scale account of the medieval realm of Powys.
Powys, extending over north-east and central Wales, was one of three great medieval Welsh polities, along with Gwynedd to the north and Deheubarth (south-west), occupying nearly a quarter of the country. However, it has been somewhat neglected by historians, who have tended to dismiss it as a satellite realm of England, and viewed its leaders as obstacles to the efforts of Gwynedd leaders to construct a principality of Wales.
This book provides the first full, authoritative history of Powys in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries. It argues in particular that the Powysian rulers were dogged and resourceful survivors in the face of pressure from Welsh rivals and the problems ofinternal fragmentation; and that, paradoxically, co-operation with the English and intermarriage with marcher families underlay a desire to regain lands to the east lost in earlier centuries.
Dr David Stephenson is anHonorary Research Fellow in the School of History, Welsh History and Archaeology, Bangor University.
Powys, extending over north-east and central Wales, was one of three great medieval Welsh polities, along with Gwynedd to the north and Deheubarth (south-west), occupying nearly a quarter of the country. However, it has been somewhat neglected by historians, who have tended to dismiss it as a satellite realm of England, and viewed its leaders as obstacles to the efforts of Gwynedd leaders to construct a principality of Wales.
This book provides the first full, authoritative history of Powys in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries. It argues in particular that the Powysian rulers were dogged and resourceful survivors in the face of pressure from Welsh rivals and the problems ofinternal fragmentation; and that, paradoxically, co-operation with the English and intermarriage with marcher families underlay a desire to regain lands to the east lost in earlier centuries.
Dr David Stephenson is anHonorary Research Fellow in the School of History, Welsh History and Archaeology, Bangor University.
Reviews / Votes
A very substantial achievement....Its reputation will surely be that of a highly regarded classic work necessarily resorted to by all those seriously interested in the history and culture of medieval Powys and of medieval Wales in general. * CAMBRIAN MEDIEVAL CELTIC STUDIES * There can be no doubt that his work will provide a solid foundation for, and indeed stimulate, much future work on the fascinating subject of medieval Powys. * SPECULUM * David Stephenson's excellent history of the kingdom of Powys signals a long-needed sea-change in the writing of Welsh history. * HISTORY * An outstanding work of scholarship. * STUDIA CELTICA * Has profound implications for our understanding of medieval Welsh and Marcher history that challenge the conventional canon of literature. * TRANSACTIONS OF THE SHROPSHIRE ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND HISTORICAL SOCIETY * Another major step forward in our understanding of the complex politics of Wales in the Middle Ages. * BRYCHEINIOG JOURNAL * Very nicely produced by the Boydell Press, Medieval Powys is a valuable resource for any scholar interested in medieval Wales. * NORTH AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CELTIC STUDIES * [T]here can be no doubt that Stephenson has succeeded brilliantly in synthesizing and expanding his work on high medieval Powys. His book comes highly recommended to all those interested in the nature of high medieval lordship and politics, in Wales-and beyond. -- Max Lieberman * Journal of British Studies *More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
Woodbridge
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Boydell & Brewer Ltd
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Product notice
Cloth over boards
Illustrations
9 line illus.
Dimensions
Height: 240 mm
Width: 161 mm
Thickness: 24 mm
Weight
716 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-78327-140-5 (9781783271405)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
E-Book
09/2016
1st Edition
De Gruyter
€48.99
Available for download
Person
David Stephenson
Content
Introduction: The problem of medieval Powys: Historiography and sources.
The re-emergence of Powys
The age of eminence: Madog ap Maredudd.
Crisis and renewal: 1160 and its aftermath
The ascendancy and fall of Gwenwynwyn
Eclipse: the supremacy of Gwynedd
Survival: the case of Gruffudd, lord of Bromfield
Survival: the case of Gruffudd ap Gwenwynwyn
The persistence of Powysian lordship: Owain ap Gruffudd ap Gwenwynwyn and the descendants of Madog ap Maredudd
Powysian Polities I: aspects of governance
Powysian Polities II: secular dynamics; fragmentation and integration
Powysian Polities III: the ecclesiastical dimension
Some Powysian perspectives: fears and aspirations
Appendix I. The Combermere charters: a new analysis and some implications
Appendix II. Two alleged charters of Elise ap Madog
Appendix III. 'Powys Fadog' and 'Powys Wenwynwyn'
Appendix IV. The date of composition of Breuddwyd Rhonabwy
Select Bibliography
The re-emergence of Powys
The age of eminence: Madog ap Maredudd.
Crisis and renewal: 1160 and its aftermath
The ascendancy and fall of Gwenwynwyn
Eclipse: the supremacy of Gwynedd
Survival: the case of Gruffudd, lord of Bromfield
Survival: the case of Gruffudd ap Gwenwynwyn
The persistence of Powysian lordship: Owain ap Gruffudd ap Gwenwynwyn and the descendants of Madog ap Maredudd
Powysian Polities I: aspects of governance
Powysian Polities II: secular dynamics; fragmentation and integration
Powysian Polities III: the ecclesiastical dimension
Some Powysian perspectives: fears and aspirations
Appendix I. The Combermere charters: a new analysis and some implications
Appendix II. Two alleged charters of Elise ap Madog
Appendix III. 'Powys Fadog' and 'Powys Wenwynwyn'
Appendix IV. The date of composition of Breuddwyd Rhonabwy
Select Bibliography