Dyffryn Clwyd facts for kids
Dyffryn Clwyd was a special kind of land division called a cantref in Medieval Wales. Think of a cantref like a large county or district from a very long time ago. From 1282, it became known as a marcher lordship, which was an area ruled by a powerful lord on the border between England and Wales. Later, in 1536, Dyffryn Clwyd became part of a new county called Denbighshire.
Discovering Dyffryn Clwyd
Dyffryn Clwyd means "Vale of Clwyd" in English. It is still the name for this beautiful valley region in north Wales today. This area was part of a larger region known as Perfeddwlad. Dyffryn Clwyd itself was divided into three smaller parts, which were called commotes. These three commotes were named Colion, Dogfeiling, and Llannerch.
How Dyffryn Clwyd Became a Lordship
In 1282, a powerful person named Reginald de Grey, 1st Baron Grey de Wilton was given control of Dyffryn Clwyd. He was a very important judge, known as the Justice of Chester. He was also a commander for King Edward I during the king's military campaign into north Wales that year.
The lordship of Dyffryn Clwyd stayed with the Grey family for many years. It remained under their control until 1508. In that year, Richard Grey, who was the 6th Baron Grey de Ruthyn and 3rd Earl of Kent, sold the lordship. He sold it to King Henry VII, who was the King of England at the time.
Important Lords of Dyffryn Clwyd
Here are some of the main lords who ruled Dyffryn Clwyd:
- Reginald de Grey, 1st Baron Grey de Wilton (died 1308) - He was the first lord.
- Roger Grey, 1st Baron Grey de Ruthyn (died 1353)
- Reginald Grey, 3rd Baron Grey de Ruthyn (1362–1440)
- Richard Grey, 6th Baron Grey de Ruthyn, 3rd Earl of Kent (1478–1523) - He was the last lord from the Grey family to rule Dyffryn Clwyd, selling it in 1508.
