Cadfan ap Cadwaladr facts for kids

Cadfan ap Cadwaladr, Lord of Ceredigion was a Welsh noble who lived a long time ago, from about 1140 to 1215. He was the older son of Cadwaladr ap Gruffydd. His father was the brother of Owain Gwynedd, who was a very powerful King of Gwynedd and the main ruler over all of Wales during his time.

Cadfan's mother was Gwerfel ferch Gwrgan, who was his father's first wife. He was probably born in a place called Ceredigion. His father owned a lot of land and property there.

Early Life and Family Connections

Cadfan's family was very important in Wales. His uncle, Owain Gwynedd, was one of the most famous Welsh rulers. This meant Cadfan was part of a powerful family known as the House of Aberffraw.

However, Cadfan's father, Cadwaladr, faced some trouble. He was forced to leave Wales in 1144. This event likely changed Cadfan's life a lot.

It's important not to mix up Cadfan with another person named Cadell ap Gruffydd. Cadell was the King of Deheubarth, another part of Wales. Cadell took control of Ceredigion from Hywel ab Owain Gwynedd in 1150. Cadfan and Cadell were different people, even though their names sound a bit similar.

Life in Exile

Because his father was banished, Cadfan likely spent most of his life living away from Wales. He probably lived in England. Living in "exile" means being forced to live outside your home country. This would have been a very different life than if he had stayed in Wales as a powerful noble.

Family Life

Cadfan eventually married a woman named Gwenllian. She was the daughter of Owain Cyfeiliog, another important Welsh leader.

Cadfan and Gwenllian are known to have had one daughter. Her name was Tangwystl ferch Cadfan. She was born around the year 1212.