The native lords of Elfael, the hill country between the Wye and the Edw.
After Einion o'r Porth's murder William de Braose took Elfael and rebuilt Painscastle by 1195; the Lord Rhys (1196) and Gwenwynwyn (1198) both failed to throw him out. The Welsh line survives in the hills and wins Elfael back in 1215. Gwerthrynion, round Rhayader, where the Lord Rhys built a castle in 1177, is not pinned for 1200.
Who he is
- Name
- Gwallter ab Einion Clud (Walter son of Einion Clud) and his kin
- Title
- Lords of Elfael (and Gwerthrynion, not pinned)
- Since
- After the murder of his brother Einion o'r Porth (1191)
- Born
- Not pinned
- Family
- Sons of Einion Clud (died 1177), of the line of Elystan Glodrydd. Einion o'r Porth took the cross in 1188 and was murdered by his brother Gwallter about 1191.
- Confidence
- low
Wikipedia (Maelienydd; Painscastle: Gwallter ab Einion Clud took Painscastle in 1215 and held Elfael until 1222).
What it holds
- The upland of Elfael Uwch Mynydd (not pinned)
- A claim to all Elfael
How it was acquired
Inheritance.
Allies and rivals
Enemies of Braose; once clients of the Lord Rhys and of Gwenwynwyn.
How things stand that morning
Braose holds Painscastle and lower Elfael; the Welsh lords hold out in the hills.
Wealth
Upland pasture.
Military
Raiders.
Threats
- Braose
Places of note
- Rhayader castle: Built by the Lord Rhys in 1177; holder in 1200 not pinned
Where the sources disagree
Evidence: Inferred from the events of 1191-98 and 1215.
On the map: Rough cantref outlines.
Sources and studies
Last revised 4 November 2026. Published 4 November 2026. Suggest a correction on the OMNIA Discord.