Gruffydd ap Rhys facts for kids
Gruffydd ap Rhys (born around 1090 – died 1137) was a Welsh prince who ruled Deheubarth, a kingdom in Wales. His sister was Princess Nest ferch Rhys. Gruffydd was also the father of Rhys ap Gruffydd, who later became known as 'The Lord Rhys'. The Lord Rhys was one of the most successful rulers of Deheubarth during his time.
Gruffydd's Family
Gruffydd had several children. Before marrying Gwenllian, he had two sons:
Later, Gruffydd married Gwenllian ferch Gruffydd. Together, they had many children:
- Morgan (born around 1116)
- Maelgwyn (born around 1119)
- Gwladus (born between 1120 and 1130)
- Nest (born between 1120 and 1130)
- Owain ap Gruffydd (born around 1126)
- Maredudd (born around 1130/1, died 1155)
- Rhys (born around 1132)
- Sion ap Gruffydd (born around 1134)
Early Life and Challenges
Gruffydd was born in Llandeilo. When his father, Rhys ap Tewdwr, died in 1093, the Normans took control of Deheubarth. Because of this, Gruffydd spent many of his early years living away from Wales, in Ireland.
Around 1113 or 1115, Gruffydd came back to South Wales. King Henry I of England accused him of wrongdoing. So, Gruffydd sought help from Gruffudd ap Cynan. However, Gruffudd ap Cynan planned to betray Gruffydd for a reward from King Henry I. Luckily, Gruffydd's sister, Nest, warned him, and he managed to escape to Llŷn.
In 1116, Gruffydd tried to attack Llanmyddyfri Castle but was defeated. He also attacked Swansea Castle, damaging its outer walls. He captured or destroyed Carmarthen Castle. Around this time, he also took Kidwelly Castle. But an attack on Aberystwyth failed, and Gruffydd's army scattered.
Around 1121 or 1122, Gruffydd made peace with King Henry I. He was allowed to rule a part of his father's old kingdom, an area called the Cantref Mawr. However, the Normans soon put pressure on him again. This forced him to flee to Ireland for a while in 1127.
The Great Rebellion
In 1135, King Stephen of England called Gruffydd to London. But Gruffydd refused to go.
In 1136, Gruffydd joined forces with Owain Gwynedd and Cadwaladr. These were the sons of Gruffudd ap Cynan from Gwynedd. Together, they started a rebellion against Norman rule. While Gruffydd was away fighting, his wife, Gwenllian, bravely led her husband's troops against Maurice of London. Sadly, her forces were defeated, and Gwenllian lost her life in battle. In this same battle, their son Morgan was also killed, and their son Maelgwn was captured.
To get revenge for his wife's death, Gruffydd attacked the English and Flemish people living in South Wales. He caused a lot of damage to their property, crops, and animals. Gruffydd, along with Owain and Cadwaladr, won a huge victory over the Normans at the Battle of Crug Mawr. This battle took place near Cardigan in the same year. To celebrate driving the English and Flemish out of South Wales, Gruffydd held a grand festival that lasted for 40 days.
Death and Who Ruled Next
Gruffydd died in 1136 or early 1137. The exact reasons for his death are not clear.
His son, Anarawd, became the next ruler. After Anarawd, Gruffydd's other sons, Cadell, Maredydd, and Rhys (who became known as The Lord Rhys), all ruled Deheubarth one after another.
