Montgomeryshire Flag: The Rival Designs and Historical Origins
The quest to establish an official flag for Montgomeryshire involves a fascinating intersection of medieval warfare, royal lineage, and heraldic tradition. Currently, two rival designs compete for adoption, each rooted in the deep history of the region and its ancestral leaders.
Key Facts
- Two primary design concepts exist for the Montgomeryshire flag.
- One design is based on the arms of Brochwel Ysgithrog, symbolizing victory over the Saxons.
- The second design is based on the banner of the Kingdom of Powys, featuring a red lion.
- The 1951 County Council arms incorporated elements from both historical traditions.
- Final selection depends on historic precedent, distinctiveness, and visual appeal when flying.
The Legacy of Brochwel Ysgithrog
One proposed design draws inspiration from Brochwel Ysgithrog, a leader renowned for his fierce resistance against invading Saxons. During the medieval period, a coat of arms was attributed to him consisting of three white horse heads set against a black field. This imagery was highly symbolic: the severed heads of the Saxon white horses represented his military victory at Chester.
This historical connection remained relevant into the 20th century. When the local council was granted its official arms in 1951, a black-and-white border was included as a direct reference to the arms of Brochwel Ysgithrog.
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The Banner of the Kingdom of Powys
The alternative design is based on the banner of arms of the former Welsh Kingdom of Powys. This heraldic device had been utilized by the kings of Powys since the reign of Bleddyn ap Cynfyn in 1046.
The Evolution of Upper Powys
In 1160, the kingdom split into two entities. The larger southern portion—referred to as "Upper Powys," "Powys Cyfeiliog," or "Powys Wenwynwyn"—maintained the original banner. The boundaries of this region almost exactly mirrored those of the historic county of Montgomeryshire.
From Lordship to County
By 1283, Upper Powys became a feudal fief under the King of England, known as the Lordship of Powis. The Lords of Powis continued to use the traditional banner for their personal arms until at least 1421, when ownership shifted away from the Anglo-Welsh Charleton family.
Although the Laws in Wales Acts transformed the Lordship into the County of Montgomeryshire in 1573, the banner of Powys remained a popular symbol. A book published in 1894 confirms this by illustrating the shields of Welsh counties, showing Montgomeryshire with a red lion device and the motto 'POWYS PARADWYS CYMRU'.
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Comparing the Design Options
The 1951 official arms of the County Council prominently featured the Arms of Powys (a red lion on a gold background). However, this design faces a modern challenge: it bears a strong resemblance to the existing flag of the English county of Somerset.
| Feature | Brochwel Ysgithrog Concept | Kingdom of Powys Concept |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Imagery | Three white horse heads on black | Red lion on gold |
| Symbolism | Victory over Saxons at Chester | Royal lineage of Powys |
| Historical Root | Medieval resistance leader | Kings of Powys (since 1046) |
| Modern Conflict | None noted | Similarity to Somerset flag |
Frequently Asked Questions
What do the white horse heads represent in the Brochwel Ysgithrog design?
The white horse heads represent the Saxon white horses; their severed state symbolizes Brochwel Ysgithrog's victory over the Saxons at Chester.
When did the Kingdom of Powys first start using its banner?
The banner of arms of the Kingdom of Powys has been in use since the reign of Bleddyn ap Cynfyn in 1046.
What is the relationship between Upper Powys and Montgomeryshire?
Upper Powys (also known as Powys Cyfeiliog or Powys Wenwynwyn) had boundaries that almost exactly matched those of the historic county of Montgomeryshire.
Why is the red lion design controversial?
The red lion on gold design is considered potentially too similar to the existing flag used by the English county of Somerset.
What motto is associated with the red lion device?
The motto associated with the red lion device in a 1894 illustration of Welsh county shields is 'POWYS PARADWYS CYMRU'.