NIGHTBRINGER | The Arthurian Encyclopedia

Brycheiniog

Brecheiniog, Brechiniawg, Brechiniaug, Brechiniog, Breconshire, Brekenock, Brecknock, Brekenok, Breknok, Brycheiniog

Brycheiniog, also known as Brecknock or Brecon, is an area associated with the historic county of Brecknockshire in Wales. It is one of the thirteen historic counties of Wales and corresponds to the modern administrative area of Powys. It is located in the southern part of Wales.

The tradition says it was founded by a Hiberno-Welsh prince named Brychan, from the old Welsh kingdom of Garth Madrun (perhaps centred on Talgarth), in the mid fifth century.


Brycheiniog | History

Early Medieval Period
Brycheiniog was one of the medieval Welsh kingdoms that emerged in the early medieval period. It was part of the broader landscape of Wales, which was comprised of several smaller kingdoms, each with its own rulers and territories. The political landscape of early medieval Wales was characterized by a series of independent kingdoms, often engaged in both alliances and conflicts with each other.

Norman Conquest
In the eleventh century, the Normans, led by William the Conqueror, began the conquest of England and extended their influence into Wales. The Normans built castles in Brycheiniog and other parts of Wales to consolidate their control and defend against local resistance. Notable castles in the area include Brecon Castle.

Medieval Period
Throughout the medieval period, Wales experienced a complex relationship with England. Brycheiniog, like other Welsh territories, was often caught in the struggle for independence against English rule. In the early fifteenth century, Owain Glyndŵr led a rebellion against English rule. While his rebellion had widespread support in Wales, the uprising ultimately did not lead to lasting independence.

Tudor and Stuart Periods
Following the Wars of the Roses in the late fifteenth century, the Tudor monarchs sought to fully incorporate Wales into the Kingdom of England. The Laws in Wales Acts of 1535 and 1543 led to the annexation of Wales to the Kingdom of England, ending the semi-independent status of Welsh territories.

Modern Period
Over the centuries, administrative changes occured, and Brycheiniog became part of the administrative county of Brecknockshire. In the twenteith century, administrative boundaries were further reorganized, and the area became part of the modern county of Powys.


Notes
Brych means brindled, or spotted.