Gruffudd ap Llywelyn ap Iorwerth facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Gruffudd ap Llywelyn ap Iorwerth
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| Born | c. 1196 |
| Died | 1 March 1244 Tower of London, England |
| Children | Llywelyn ap Gruffudd Owain Goch ap Gruffydd Dafydd ap Gruffydd Rhodri ap Gruffudd |
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Gruffudd ap Llywelyn ap Iorwerth (born around 1196 – died 1 March 1244) was a Welsh prince. He was the first son of Llywelyn the Great, a powerful ruler of Wales. Gruffudd's mother was named Tangwystl.
Contents
Gruffudd's Early Life and Imprisonment
As a young boy, Gruffudd was taken as a hostage by King John of England. This was a common practice back then. It was a way to make sure his father, Llywelyn the Great, kept his promises. The famous document called Magna Carta (signed in 1215) helped secure his release.
When his father, Llywelyn the Great, died in 1240, Gruffudd expected to become the next ruler of Wales. This was based on traditional Welsh laws. However, Llywelyn had chosen his other son, Dafydd, to be his heir. Dafydd's mother was Joan, who was King John of England's daughter. Llywelyn worked hard to make sure Dafydd would take over. He knew many Welsh people might prefer Gruffudd, as Dafydd was half-English.
Gruffudd's Role and Lands
Gruffudd was given some lands by his father, including areas in Ardudwy and Merioneth. But in 1221, he lost these lands because he didn't manage them well.
Later, in 1223, he led part of his father's army in a fight against William Marshal. His father then put him in prison for six years, from 1228 to 1234. After his release, he was given control of more lands. These included parts of Llŷn, Ceri, Cyfeiliog, Mawddwy, Mochnant, and Caereinion.
Imprisonment in the Tower of London
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After his brother Dafydd became the ruler of Gwynedd, Gruffudd was held prisoner by him. In 1241, King Henry III of England invaded parts of Wales. Dafydd was forced to hand Gruffudd over to the English king. Gruffudd was then taken to London and locked up in the Tower of London.
Gruffudd's wife, Senana, tried to get him released. She offered King Henry 600 marks (a type of money) for her husband and their oldest son, Owain. She also offered to give her two younger sons, Dafydd and Rhodri, as hostages. This was to show she would keep her promise. However, King Henry did not keep his side of the deal. He kept Gruffudd and his son imprisoned. This allowed him to use Gruffudd as a way to put pressure on his brother Dafydd.
Gruffudd's Tragic Death
Gruffudd died in 1244 while trying to escape from the Tower of London. He reportedly made a rope from bedsheets and clothes. He tried to lower himself from his window. But Gruffudd was a heavy man. The makeshift rope broke, and he fell to his death.
In 1248, religious leaders from Strata Florida and Aberconwy arranged for his body to be returned to Wales. He was buried at Aberconwy, next to his father.
Gruffudd's Sons and Their Future
After Gruffudd's death, his four sons became important figures. They were Owain, Llywelyn, Dafydd, and Rhodri. After some disagreements among themselves, Llywelyn eventually became the ruler of most of Wales. Gruffudd also had three daughters named Gwladus, Catherine, and Margred.
