Cadwaladr ap Gruffydd facts for kids
Cadwaladr ap Gruffydd (born around 1100 – died in 1172) was an important Welsh prince from the Kingdom of Gwynedd. He was the third son of Gruffudd ap Cynan, who was the King of Gwynedd, and the younger brother of Owain Gwynedd, who later became a very powerful ruler.
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Early Life and Adventures
Cadwaladr first appears in history in 1136. At this time, a powerful lord named Richard Fitz Gilbert de Clare was killed in Ceredigion. Cadwaladr joined his brother Owain Gwynedd in an invasion of Ceredigion. They successfully captured five castles in the northern part of Ceredigion. Later that year, they launched another attack. They won a big victory against the Normans at the Battle of Crug Mawr, which was near Cardigan. In 1137, they also captured the town of Carmarthen.
Cadwaladr later married Alice (Adelize) de Clare, who was the daughter of Richard Fitz Gilbert de Clare. They had children together.
Changes in Power
In 1137, Cadwaladr's father, Gruffudd ap Cynan, passed away. His older brother, Owain Gwynedd, became the new King of Gwynedd. Cadwaladr was given lands in northern Ceredigion to rule.
Cadwaladr also joined forces with Ranulph, the Earl of Chester, in 1141. They attacked Lincoln during a time of civil war in England. During this battle, King Stephen of England was captured. This alliance was likely connected to Cadwaladr's marriage to Alice de Clare.
A Family Dispute
In 1143, something sad happened. Cadwaladr's men were involved in the death of Anarawd ap Gruffydd from Deheubarth. This made Owain Gwynedd very angry. As a result, Owain sent his own son, Hywel ab Owain Gwynedd, to take away Cadwaladr's lands in Ceredigion.
Cadwaladr then fled to Ireland. There, he hired a fleet of ships from Óttar, who was the Norse-Gael king of Dublin. In 1144, Cadwaladr landed at Abermenai in Wales. He hoped to force his brother Owain to give his lands back. However, Cadwaladr seemed to leave his allies or escape from them. He then made peace with his brother. Owain made sure the Dubliners left Wales.
In 1147, Hywel ab Owain Gwynedd and his brother Cynan drove Cadwaladr from the rest of his lands in Meirionnydd. Another disagreement with his brother Owain led to Cadwaladr being sent away to England. There, King Henry II later gave him some lands at Ness in Shropshire.
Working with King Henry II
When King Henry II invaded Gwynedd in 1157, a peace agreement was made between him and Owain Gwynedd. Part of this agreement said that Cadwaladr should get his lands back. From this time on, Cadwaladr worked closely with his brother. He helped Owain capture Rhuddlan and Prestatyn castles in 1167.
Cadwaladr lived two years longer than his brother, Owain. He passed away in 1172. He was buried next to Owain in Bangor Cathedral.
Family and Legacy
Cadwaladr had seven sons with three different wives.
With his first wife, Gwerfel ferch Gwrgan, he had:
With his second wife, Alice de Clare, he had:
- Cunedda ap Cadwaladr
- Rhicert ap Cadwaladr
- Ralph ap Cadwaladr
With his third wife, Tangwystl, he had:
- Cadwgan ap Cadwaladr
- Maredudd ap Cadwaladr
- Cadwallon ap Cadwaladr
In Fiction
Cadwaladr's attempt to get his lands back with the help of a Danish fleet in 1144 is part of the story in The Summer of the Danes. This book was written by Ellis Peters and is part of the popular Brother Cadfael mystery series.
