Hywel Dda facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hywel Dda |
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Mid-13th-century depiction of Hywel Dda in a Latin copy of the Laws of Hywel Dda
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| King of Dyfed, Powys and Gwynedd Prince of Seisyllwg and Deheubarth |
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| Reign | 942–949/950 |
| Predecessor | Idwal Foel ap Anarawd |
| Died | 949/950 |
| Spouse | Elen ferch Llywarch |
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| House | Dinefwr |
| Father | Cadell ap Rhodri |
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Hywel Dda, also known as Hywel the Good, was a powerful Welsh king. He lived from around 890 to 949 or 950 AD. Hywel started as the king of a small area called Deheubarth. Over time, he managed to rule almost all of Wales.
He is remembered as one of the most important Welsh rulers. His most famous achievement was creating a set of fair laws for Wales. These laws became known as the Laws of Hywel Dda. The name Dda means "Good" in Welsh. It shows that people thought his laws were just and helpful. Historians say his laws showed kindness, common sense, and even protected women's rights. Hywel was also very smart and could speak Welsh, Latin, and English.
Today, the main building of the Welsh Parliament, called the Senedd, is named Tŷ Hywel ("Hywel's House") in his honour. A special room there, Siambr Hywel, is used for educational events and debates for young people. There's also a health board in south-west Wales named after him, the Hywel Dda University Health Board.
Contents
Early Life and Family Background
Hywel was the son of King Cadell ap Rhodri of Seisyllwg. He had a brother named Clydog. Hywel later married Elen, who was thought to be the daughter of King Llywarch ap Hyfaidd of Dyfed. This marriage helped Hywel's family claim control over Dyfed.
Hywel's grandfather was Rhodri the Great, a very powerful king of Gwynedd. Rhodri had made Hywel's father, Cadell, king of Seisyllwg. When Cadell died around 911, his lands were split between Hywel and Clydog.
Becoming King of Wales
Hywel likely already ruled Dyfed before his father died. No king was recorded in Dyfed after Llywarch's death in 904. Hywel's marriage to Elen, Llywarch's only surviving heir, probably gave him control.
Hywel and Clydog ruled Seisyllwg together for a while. In 918, they both agreed to follow Edward the Elder, the King of England. When Clydog died in 920, Hywel became the sole ruler of Seisyllwg. He then joined Seisyllwg and Dyfed to create a new kingdom called Deheubarth. This was a major step in his rise to power.
In 928, Hywel made a special trip to Rome. He was the first Welsh prince to travel there and return home safely. After his journey, he became very close with Æthelstan, the King of England. Æthelstan wanted all other kings in Britain to accept his rule. Hywel wisely chose to work with England, which helped him achieve his goals in Wales. For example, in 934, Hywel supported Æthelstan's invasion of Scotland.
In 942, Hywel's cousin, Idwal Foel, who was King of Gwynedd, decided to fight against English rule. Idwal and his brother were both killed in battle. Normally, Idwal's sons would have become king. However, Hywel stepped in. He sent Idwal's sons away and took control of Gwynedd himself. This also gave him power over Kingdom of Powys, which was under Gwynedd's rule. With these actions, Hywel became king of almost all of Wales. Only Morgannwg and Gwent in the south remained outside his control.
A single coin with Hywel's name on it was made around 946. It was likely a special gift from the English king, not part of a regular Welsh currency.
Hywel's Lasting Impact and Legacy
After Hywel died in 949 or 950, his large kingdom was divided. Gwynedd was taken back by Idwal Foel's sons. Deheubarth was split among Hywel's own sons.
Hywel's name is most famous because of the medieval Welsh laws. These are known as the Laws of Hywel Dda (Welsh: Cyfraith Hywel). While no law books from Hywel's exact time exist, later versions mention him. They say Hywel gathered wise lawyers and priests at a place called the White House in Dyfed. There, they supposedly updated and organized the laws of Wales. This story likely helped show that the laws were old, important, and supported by the king.
Even though the meeting might not have happened exactly as described, Hywel's name stayed connected to Welsh law. These laws were used throughout Wales for centuries. They were only replaced when King Henry VIII of England introduced new laws in the 1500s. Henry VIII even claimed to be related to Hywel Dda through his family line.
Historians have different ideas about why Hywel worked so closely with the English king. Some think he admired the English way of ruling. Others believe he was simply a smart leader who understood the power of England at the time.
A Welsh poem from Hywel's time, called Armes Prydein, encouraged the Welsh to join other non-English groups to fight the Saxons. However, Hywel did not send Welsh forces to join this fight. This might have been because of his strong ties to the English king.
Hywel's Children
Hywel and his wife Elen had several children:
See also
- NLW MS 20143A – a Welsh manuscript of the laws of Hywel Dda from the 14th century
- Cyfraith Hywel
Images for kids
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Statue of Hywel Dda at Cardiff City Hall
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A Welsh text of the Laws of Hywel Dda from the 14th century
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An imaginary portrait of Hywel Dda by Hugh Williams, 1909
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