Gwladus Ddu facts for kids
Gwladus Ddu, also known as "Gwladus the Dark Eyes," was a Welsh noblewoman. Her full name was Gwladus ferch Llywelyn. She was the daughter of Llywelyn the Great, who was a powerful ruler of Gwynedd in Wales. Her mother was Joan Plantagenet, who was the daughter of John, King of England. Gwladus married two important lords from the Welsh Marches, which was the border area between England and Wales.
Historians believe that Gwladus was the daughter of Joan. She is mentioned in an old Welsh historical book called Brut y Tywysogion. This book says that Gwladus died in Windsor in the year 1251.
Her Marriages
Gwladus Ddu married twice during her lifetime. Both of her husbands were powerful lords.
- Her first marriage was to Reginald de Braose around 1215. He was a lord who controlled areas like Brecon and Abergavenny. After Reginald died in 1228, Gwladus likely traveled to London in 1229 with her half-brother, Dafydd ap Llywelyn.
- Her second marriage was to Ralph de Mortimer of Wigmore around 1230. Ralph passed away in 1246. Their son, Roger de Mortimer, then took over his father's lands and titles.
Her Children
Gwladus Ddu had children with her second husband, Ralph de Mortimer.
- Roger Mortimer, 1st Baron Mortimer: He was born around 1231. In 1247, Roger married Maud de Braose. They had seven children together.
- Hugh de Mortimer: He became the lord of Chelmarsh and died in 1273.
- Peter or John Mortimer: He became a Franciscan friar in Shrewsbury, which means he joined a religious order.
