Owain the Great of Wales

Historical Context Note

Litencyc Editors (Independent Scholar - Europe)

The Literary Encyclopedia. Volume 1.2.1.02: English Writing and Culture: High and Late Medieval, 1066-1485.
Vol. editors: Kate Ash-Irisarri (University of Edinburgh), Rory Critten (Université de Lausanne), David Fuller (University of Durham), Natalie Hanna (University of Liverpool), Hugh Magennis (Queen's University Belfast), Jamie McKinstry (University of Durham), Sarah Peverley (University of Liverpool), Sebastian Sobecki (Rijksuniversiteit Groningen)

Domains

Changes of government, elections and reigns

Dates

Date of occurrence 1137-1170

Places

Wales (Location)

Resources

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Owain Gwynedd ap Gruffydd was King of Gwynedd, a principality in north-west Wales. He is, however, known as "Owain the Great" for his claim to be King of all of Wales. His father, Gruffydd, had reigned for 62 years and increased the power of the Gwynedd from his power base on Anglesey. Until the accession of Henry II of England in 1154, Owain achieved great military successes, pushing his borders further east into the kingdom of Powys. However, Henry II invaded in 1157, and eventually Owain was forced to give up his conquests in the east.

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93 words

Citation: Editors, Litencyc. "Owain the Great of Wales". The Literary Encyclopedia. First published 31 July 2012 [https://www.litencyc.com/php/stopics.php?rec=true&UID=804, accessed 19 April 2024.]

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