Did you know that Eliseg’s Pillar was erected by an early King of Powys named Cyngen ap Cadell, who is believed to have reigned between 808 and 854 AD?
It is known that Cyngen died during a pilgrimage to Rome after a long reign totaling almost 50 years which, by the standards of the day, was very rare.

Additionally, the Pillar of Eliseg, a pillar which features and immortalises the names of the Kings of Powys, was erected by Cyngen in honour of his great grandfather, King Elisedd ap Gwylog. I have written a post about him previously and will need to dig it up!

Cyngen would also be the last of the original dynasty of Powys, with the Gwertherion dynasty (which began in the 4th century AD with Gwrtheyrn) at last coming to an end. Cyngen’s nephew, Rhodri Mawr, annexes the Kingdom of Powys into Gwynedd following Cyngen’s death.
(Image Credits: @Trail Walker )
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DIGITAL Welsh Histories Magazine – December 2025
Niklas is the founder, owner, manager, editor, writer, video creator, voice over artist, and so forth, of Welsh Histories. He is passionate about the preservation of Welsh culture; the rejuvenation of the Welsh language and the promotion of Welsh history. Niklas currently resides in Pune, Maharashtra, with his beloved wife.

