Madog II ap Gruffydd, Lord of Dinas Bran


Madog II was a Prince of Powys Fadog 1269–1277.

Lineage and inheritance

He inherited the throne on the death of his father Gruffydd Maelor II.

Alliance with Gwynedd

He was in alliance with Llywelyn ap Gruffudd, the prince of Gwynedd and all Wales as his effective overlord during the period following the Treaty of Montgomery.

Death and burial

In 1275, Llywelyn married the daughter of Simon de Montfort, the arch-enemy of the English king's father, Henry III. When Llywelyn refused to offer a personal explanation, the king declared him a rebel and in 1277 invaded North Wales.
Although the king's primary target was Gwynedd, Powys Fadog stood in the way. Madog chose to support Llywelyn, and was consequently killed in the fighting. It is thought that Madog may have been buried at Valle Crucis Abbey, of which he was a patron.
Madog was succeeded by his younger brother Gruffydd. The conflict between Llywelyn and the King was settled by the Treaty of Aberconwy, which released Gruffydd and other Welsh princes from any allegiance to Llywelyn.