Madog ap Llywelyn (unknown-1312) was a leader, Welsh prince and a rebellion against the rule of Edward I (Longshanks), who had for a decade been the conqueror of Cymru. The rebellion lasted between 1294 and 1295.

As a member of the House of Aberffraw and a distant relation to the last recognised true Prince of Wales, Llywelyn ap Gruffydd, Madog similarly styled himself as a Prince of Wales.

The Uprising began in 1294 as a result of the oppressive measures taken by King Edward I – who had fully succeeded in his Conquest of Wales by this point – and the drastically increased tax measures, particularly in Gogledd Cymru (North Wales). Though it is not certain whether Madog was aiming to achieve Welsh independence from Edward’s England, the fact that he used the title “Prince of Wales” should surely indicate that that was part of his aim.

Madog had banked on the Uprising being a success because of the concrete suspicion that Edward and his men would be away fighting in France. The French campaign was postponed due to bad weather, however, and this enabled Edward to rally his men to fight yet another member of the House of Aberffraw – a long-time thorn in the side of Edward.

Though Madog would have some successes, such as the capture of the oppressive fortress of Caernarfon Castle, the Battle of Maes Moydog (Powys) on March 5th 1295 would prove to be a horrendous. He would be captured and kept as a prisoner in the Tower of London for the remainder of his life – a decision likely made as to not make him a martyr for the Welsh rebel cause. This would, however, not prevent another Welsh rebel leader, Llywelyn Bren, from meeting a far crueler fate just two decades later.

Following Madog’s Rebellion, Edward responded harshly towards the Welsh in the form of humiliating laws drafted with the intention of further restricting the civil rights, economic and social opportunities of the Welsh.

Share us your thoughts on [email protected]

RELATED:

Four Welsh Paintings That Will Take You Back To the Heart of Welsh History

Earliest Welsh Map That You’ll Want to Hang on Your Fridge Door

Welsh Maps That Will Make You Feel Smart About Welsh History

Welsh Maps That Will Make You Feel Smart About Welsh History (Part 2)

Cymru’s Worst Ever Tornado Tragedy from Over a Century Ago that Many Have Forgotten Today

More from Welsh Histories

Welsh Histories is a Welsh history celebrating platform which looks to promote all aspects of Welsh history. Though we focus predominantly on native Welsh history, we do also share the non-native aspects from time to time. You can follow us on Facebook; Instagram or Twitter for more. A reader? We also have our very own Welsh Histories Shop where we sell our Welsh Histories  Magazine.  Diolch yn fawr iawn and keep enjoying Welsh Histories

Sally George

Sally is a proud wife of a Welshman, editor & writer of Welsh Histories. She’s all about stories—that shout ‘anything Welsh.’ Drop her an email if you have an advice, insight, experience, or a story to share.