Madog ap Gruffydd Maelor

Madog ap Gruffydd Maelor († 1236 ) was a prince of the Welsh principality of Powys.

He was the eldest son of Gruffydd Maelor I and his wife Angharad, daughter of Owain Gwynedd. Together with his brother Owain ap Gruffydd he took over in 1191 after his father's death the rule over southern Powys and was named after Owains death in 1197 sole ruler of Powys north of Rhaedr and Tanat. To distinguish from the southern principality of Powys Cyfeiliog his kingdom was named after him Powys Fadog.

He was initially allied with Llywelyn ap Iorwerth, but he let his cousin in 1211 in the lurch when he was defeated in 1211 in the war against King John. When Pope Innocent III. 1212 the Welsh princes gave birth from their allegiance to the English king, he remained an ally of John and was therefore regarded by the other Welsh princes as traitors. It was not until 1215 he teamed up again with Llywelyn, with whom he remained allied henceforth until his death. Although he took in 1215 not even in the campaign by South Wales Llywelyn's part, but supported him by sending his troops home. After his death, Powys Fadog was divided among his five sons. He founded in 1200 the Abbey of Valle Crucis, that was the last founding of the monastery of the Cistercians in Wales and was also buried there.

He was married to Gwladus, a daughter of Rhys ap Ithel from Gwent. He left behind at least five sons and one daughter:

• Gruffydd Maelor ap Madog
• Gruffydd IAL
• Maredudd
• Hywel
• Madog Fychan
• Angharad