Cadell ap Gruffydd facts for kids

Cadell ap Gruffydd was an important Welsh prince who ruled the Kingdom of Deheubarth in Southwest Wales during the 12th century. He was part of a family that worked hard to regain control of their lands from Norman lords. Cadell played a key role in these efforts, leading his people and fighting to expand his kingdom.

Cadell ap Gruffydd: A Welsh Prince

Cadell ap Gruffydd (who passed away in 1175) was a significant prince of Deheubarth. This was a Welsh kingdom located in the southwestern part of Wales. He was the son of Gruffydd ap Rhys, who was also a ruler. At that time, parts of Deheubarth were controlled by Welsh princes, while other parts were held by Norman lords.

Early Life and Family

Cadell's father, Gruffydd ap Rhys, held a portion of the Kingdom of Deheubarth. When Gruffydd died in 1137, Cadell's older brother, Anarawd ap Gruffydd, took over as prince. Cadell first appears in historical records the very next year, in 1138.

Joining the Fight for Wales

In 1138, Cadell joined his brother Anarawd in a major attack. They teamed up with Owain Gwynedd, the prince of Gwynedd, and Owain's brother, Cadwaladr ap Gruffydd. Together, they launched an assault on Cardigan Castle. This shows Cadell's early involvement in the fight to reclaim Welsh lands.

Becoming Prince of Deheubarth

A few years later, in 1143, a sad event occurred. Cadell's brother Anarawd was murdered by men working for Cadwaladr. After Anarawd's death, Cadell became the new prince of Deheubarth. He continued the important work his brother had started. This work involved winning back the parts of the kingdom that had belonged to their grandfather.

Cadell was a successful military leader. In 1146, he captured the castles of Carmarthen and Llanstephan. He repaired the Carmarthen castle and kept control of it for several years. The next year, in 1147, he defeated a Norman leader named Walter Fitzwiz. In 1150, Cadell moved his focus north. He successfully reclaimed southern Ceredigion, an area that had been held by Hywel ab Owain Gwynedd for Gwynedd.

An Unexpected End to His Rule

Cadell's time as an active ruler came to an unexpected end in 1151. While he was out hunting, a group of Norman soldiers from Tenby attacked him. They left him, believing he was dead. However, Cadell survived the attack. But his injuries were so severe that he could no longer continue his duties as prince.

In 1153, Cadell decided to go on a pilgrimage to Rome. A pilgrimage is a special journey to a holy place. Before leaving, he handed over the rule of Deheubarth to his younger brothers. These brothers were Maredudd and Rhys.

Later Years and Legacy

After his pilgrimage, Cadell is not mentioned in historical records again until 1175. In that year, after a long illness, he entered the abbey of Strata Florida. An abbey is a type of monastery. Cadell died there in 1175. His efforts helped to strengthen the Welsh control over Deheubarth during a challenging time.