Powys and FitzEmpress (7, and last)

In 1177 virtually every prince of Wales holding effective rule in the country met Henry II for two conferences. The first was held at Geddington, in Rockingham Forest, where a number of them swore fealty to the king in May. The second was held at Oxford, where a far greater assembly turned up to swear the oath to their king.

It is these meetings that should define Henry’s relationship with the rulers of Wales, not his military campaigns or mythical battles. An earlier meeting had been held at Gloucester in 1175, but that only consisted of representatives from South Wales. The absentees at Oxford were Rhodri, one of the sons of Owain Gwynedd, and his grandsons by another son, Cynan. Owain Fychan, lord of Mechain in Powys, was also absent and possibly uninvited.

Otherwise anyone who was anyone turned up. This was the fruit of Henry’s policy of conciliation since 1165. The first name on the list was the Lord Rhys of Deheubarth, now the king’s justiciar for South Wales. From Powys came Owain Cyfeiliog, a regular at the English court and known for his manners and ready wit. Northern Powys was represented by Gruffudd of Bromfield, another of the sons of Madog ap Maredudd. Cadwallon of Maelienydd, destined to be brutally murdered by the Mortimers, was also present. From Gwynedd came Dafydd ab Owain, who married Henry’s sister and persuaded the king to grant him the lordship of Ellesmere in Shropshire. In 1165 Henry had blinded and castrated two of Dafydd’s brothers, but he didn’t seem to mind; indeed, it removed some potential opposition.

Afterwards Dafydd was confident enough to help the Earl of Chester invade Maelor. Owain Fychan was now left isolated. Out of favour with the king, he had no protection against the vengeance of his enemies in Powys. In 1187 he was ambushed by Gwenwynwyn and Cadwallon, two of the sons of Owain Cyfeiliog, and put to death. The death was brought about by ‘nocturnal treachery and plot’, suggesting a knife in the back. The killers went unpunished, and it is doubtful the king gave two hoots.

'The spirit of concession shown by the crown at the Council of Oxford marks a definite stage in the long struggle between Wales and the English power. A period of truce has been reached, during which England abandons all attempts upon the independence of its ancient foe and is content to see Rhys ap Gruffudd and his lesser companions in arms grow strong and rich and influential.'

- Sir John Lloyd