Cyngen Glodrydd

Cyngen Glodrydd was an early 6th-century King of Powys. He was a descendant of King Cadell Ddyrnllwg. Cyngen married St. Tudlwystl, a daughter of Brychan ap Gwyngwen ap Tewdr (often confused with King Brychan Brycheiniog) and they were parents of a large family: Brochfael Ysgithrog, Cadell, Ieuaf, Maig Myngfras, Mawn and Sanan. What is probably his memorial stone was discovered being used as a gatepost in Tywyn (Gwynedd) in 1761. He was apparently buried with St. Cadfan in the local churchyard.

The nickname under which Cygen is remembered is rather ironic considering that he may have appeared in Gildas the Wise's De Excidio Britanniae (of which he was a contemporary) as "Aurelius Caninus" (i.e.: the Dog). He would then be the second of the five kings castigated by Gildas, who accused him of fostering civil war in Britain. On the other hand, Cygen is also remembered for his rich patronage of many saints and his donations to the church, placing him in a similar position to his contemporary, King Maelgwn of Gwynedd.

Cyngen married Tanglwst verch Brychan (Saint Tanglwst) and had many children, including Pasgen and Brochfael "Crocs-de-Chien", who each in turn ascended the throne of Powys.

It is not known when Cyngen died, but what is probably his tombstone used as a barrier at Tywyn was discovered in 1761, and he may have been buried with Saint Cadfan. He was succeeded by his son Pasgen.

Further reading

• Mike Ashley The Mammoth Book of British Kings & Queens London: Robinson, 1998 ISBN 1841190969; article 152: Cyngen Powys fl. 550s