Gruffydd ap Rhys II facts for kids
Gruffydd ap Rhys II was a Welsh prince who lived a long time ago. He was a leader in a part of southwest Wales called Deheubarth. Gruffydd died on July 25, 1201.
Gruffydd's Family Background
Gruffydd ap Rhys II came from an important family. His father was Rhys ap Gruffydd, often called "The Lord Rhys." His grandfather was also named Gruffydd ap Rhys. Gruffydd was the oldest son of Lord Rhys and his wife, Gwenllian. Gwenllian was the daughter of Madog ap Maredudd, a prince from Powys.
Lord Rhys wanted Gruffydd to take over his lands when he was gone. In 1189, Gruffydd married Maud de Braose. Her parents were Maud de St Valery and William de Braose. Gruffydd and Maud had two sons, named Rhys and Owain.
Family Problems and Power Struggles
In his father's later years, Gruffydd and his brother Maelgwn ap Rhys started to argue. Other brothers sometimes supported one side or the other. In 1189, Lord Rhys was convinced to put Maelgwn in prison. Maelgwn was given to Gruffydd to guard at Dinefwr. But Gruffydd then gave Maelgwn to his father-in-law, William de Braose.
In 1192, Lord Rhys helped Maelgwn get out of prison. By this time, Gruffydd and Maelgwn were strong enemies. In 1194, Maelgwn and another brother, Hywel, fought their father. They captured Lord Rhys, but Hywel later let him go.
Lord Rhys died in 1197. Gruffydd was expected to become the new leader. He met with Archbishop Hubert, who was an important English official. After this meeting, Gruffydd was recognized as the new prince.
However, Maelgwn did not agree. He got soldiers from Gwenwynwyn ab Owain, a prince from Powys. Maelgwn used these soldiers to attack Aberystwyth. He captured the town and its castle. Maelgwn also took Gruffydd prisoner. He handed Gruffydd over to Gwenwynwyn, who then gave him to the English. The English kept Gruffydd in Corfe Castle.
In 1198, Gwenwynwyn threatened English lands at Painscastle and Elfael. Gruffydd was released from prison to try and help solve the problem. But his efforts did not work. In the battle that followed, Gwenwynwyn was defeated.
Gruffydd remained free after this. By the end of 1198, he had taken back almost all of Ceredigion from Maelgwn. Only the castles of Cardigan and Ystrad Meurig remained under Maelgwn's control. In 1199, Gruffydd captured Cilgerran Castle. Maelgwn then made a deal with King John of England. He sold Cardigan castle to the King. In return, Maelgwn kept the rest of Ceredigion.
In July 1201, another brother, Maredudd ap Rhys, was killed. Gruffydd then took control of Maredudd's lands.
Gruffydd's Death and Burial
On July 25, 1201, Gruffydd himself became ill and died. He was buried at Strata Florida Abbey.
