Gruffudd Fychan I facts for kids
Gruffudd Fychan I was a Welsh prince who ruled part of Powys Fadog from 1277 to 1284. He was the youngest of four sons of Prince Gruffudd ap Madog, who was the Lord of Dinas Bran.
When his father died around 1269 or 1270, Gruffudd Fychan I received his share of the family lands. These included the lordships of Iâl (Yale) and Edeirnion, which also contained an area called Glyn Dyfrdwy.
Contents
A Prince in Troubled Times
Gruffudd Fychan I lived during a time of big changes in Wales. He was a loyal supporter of Llywelyn ap Gruffudd, who was the last independent Prince of Wales.
The War of 1277
Gruffudd Fychan I fought alongside Prince Llywelyn in the war of 1277 against King Edward Longshanks of England. After the war, a peace treaty was signed. This treaty stated that Gruffudd Fychan I would not have to show loyalty to Llywelyn for his lands in Edeirnion. Instead, he would show loyalty directly to King Edward for his lands in Iâl (Yale).
The War of 1282–1283
Gruffudd Fychan I again joined Prince Llywelyn in the War of 1282–1283. This was a major conflict where the English king aimed to take control of Wales. Sadly, Gruffudd Fychan I and Llywelyn were defeated. Because of this defeat, Gruffudd Fychan I lost his lands to the English.
Regaining His Lands
Even though he lost his lands, Gruffudd Fychan I was able to get them back. John de Warenne, a powerful English Earl, convinced King Edward to let Gruffudd Fychan I have his lands again. He held these lands directly from the King for the rest of his life.
Family and Legacy
Gruffudd Fychan I died in 1289. He left behind a young son named Madog Crypl. Madog became the heir to the Lordship of Bromfield and Yale and the famous Castle of Dinas Bran, which was also known as Crow Castle.
Madog Crypl's Guardianship
Because Madog was still young, he was placed under the care of John de Warenne, 6th Earl of Surrey. This meant the Earl of Surrey looked after Madog and his lands. The Earl later began building Holt Castle in the lordship. He also became famous for leading the English army at the Battle of Stirling Bridge against Sir William Wallace during the First War of Scottish Independence.
Famous Descendants
Gruffudd Fychan I has very famous great-grandsons. These include Lord Tudur ap Gruffudd and Owain Glyndŵr. Owain Glyndŵr is known as the last native Prince of Wales, who led a major rebellion against English rule.
