House of Gwynedd facts for kids
The House of Gwynedd was a very important royal family in Medieval Wales. They ruled the Kingdom of Gwynedd for many years. This royal family is split into two main parts: the House of Cunedda and the House of Aberffraw.
The Story of the House of Gwynedd
The House of Gwynedd had two main periods. The first was the House of Cunedda. This family ruled from about 401 AD to 825 AD. It was named after Cunedda (386-460), who was the first king of Gwynedd.
Later, the House of Aberffraw took over, starting in 844 AD. This new family was not directly descended from Cunedda's male family line. However, the family line of Cunedda continued through the mother's side. This happened because of Merfyn the Oppressor, whose great-uncle was from the Cunedda family.
The House of Aberffraw continued the royal line. Another important family, the House of Dinefwr, also came from this line through Rhodri's son, King Cadell ap Rhodri.
The main branch of the House of Aberffraw came to an end in 1378. This happened when Owain Lawgoch died. He was a direct male descendant of Prince Llywelyn the Great. After this, the House of Dinefwr was followed by a related branch called the House of Mathrafal.
How Kings Inherited the Throne
Under the laws of Hywel Dda, a son could inherit from his father. These laws were based on older rules. Even sons born outside of marriage could inherit if their father accepted them.
A daughter could not usually inherit the throne. This was only possible if both her father and her husband's family were royal. Sometimes, cousins would marry each other. This made the rules about who was royal a bit simpler.
The House of Aberffraw began when Rhodri Mawr became king of Gwynedd. His father, Merfyn Frych ap Gwriad, took the throne after the last king of the old royal line, Hywel ap Rhodri Molwynog, died. Merfyn was related to Hywel through Hywel's niece, Esyllt verch Cynan ap Rhodri Molwynog.
See also
- House of Gwynedd topics
- Medieval Wales topics
- Monarchs of Gwynedd
