Hywel ap Rhys (Glywysing) facts for kids
Hywel ap Rhys (pronounced HOO-well ap REES) was a Welsh king who ruled from about 840 to 886. He was known as 'Hywel son of Rhys'. Hywel was a king of Glywysing, a kingdom in South Wales. He might have ruled all of Glywysing or just a part of it.
Hywel's sons, Arthfael and Owain, likely brought the kingdom of Morgannwg back together. Another one of his sons might have died helping Rhodri the Great. This happened when they were fighting against an invasion from Mercia in Anglesey around 843.
The Houelt Cross: A King's Memorial
There is an old stone cross at St Illtyd's Church in Llantwit Major. This cross is called the Houelt Cross. Many experts believe it was made for King Hywel.
The cross has a special message carved into it in Latin. This message is written in an old style of writing called half-uncial. People have always believed that Hywel made this cross to remember his father.
In 1950, a scholar named Victor Erle Nash-Williams translated the message. He said it meant: "In the Name of God the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. This cross Houelt prepared for the soul of Res his father." Another group, the Royal Commission on Ancient Monuments, translated it in 1976. Their translation was similar: "In the name of God, the Father and the Holy Spirit, Houelt prepared this cross for the soul of Res his father."
The Houelt Cross is a beautiful example of a Celtic wheel cross. It has amazing patterns carved into it. This cross shows how wealthy and important King Hywel was during his time.
Hywel's Family
Hywel ap Rhys had several children. His sons played important roles in the history of Wales.
- Arthfael (died around 916)
- Owain (died around 930)
- Ermithridd
- Nest
