Ifor Bach facts for kids

Ifor Bach (which means Ivor the Short) was a brave Welsh leader who lived in south Wales in the 1100s. He was also known as Ifor ap Meurig. Ifor was the Lord of a place called Senghenydd.

Ifor, a Welsh Lord

During Ifor's time, the Normans had taken over England. But many parts of Wales were still controlled by Welsh Princes and Lords. Ifor ap Meurig held land in Senghenydd, which was a part of the old Welsh Kingdom of Morgannwg (now called Glamorgan). This area hadn't been fully taken over by the Normans yet.

Senghenydd was a hilly area between the River Taff and the Rhymney River. The main Norman leader in this region was William Fitz Robert, 2nd Earl of Gloucester.

The Daring Kidnapping

In 1158, Ifor Bach had a big problem with the Earl of Gloucester. The Earl, who lived in Cardiff Castle, was trying to take land that belonged to Ifor under Welsh law.

Ifor Bach decided to take matters into his own hands! He bravely climbed the tall walls of Cardiff Castle without any help. Once inside, he captured the Earl of Gloucester, his wife Hawise, and their young son Robert. Ifor took them all to the woods in Senghenydd. He refused to let them go until the Earl gave back the land he had tried to take, and even more!

This amazing story was written down by a historian named Giraldus Cambrensis.

Ifor's Family and Legacy

Ifor ap Meurig was the son of Meurig Fychan Cydifor and Gwyladys Verch Ithel. He married a woman named Nest, who was the sister of a famous Welsh leader known as The Lord Rhys.

Ifor's family continued to be important in the area for about 100 years. His son, Gruffudd, took over from him before 1170. Gruffudd married Mabel FitzRobert, who was the half-sister of the Earl of Gloucester that Ifor had kidnapped!

Ifor's family tree includes other well-known Welsh figures like his grandson Morgan Gam and his great-grandson Llywelyn Bren.

It is believed that Ifor ap Meurig built a medieval castle on the spot where Castell Coch stands today.

Ifor Bach in Modern Times

Even today, Ifor Bach is remembered!

• Clwb Ifor Bach is a popular nightclub in Cardiff's castle area, named after him.
• Ysgol Ifor Bach is a Welsh-speaking primary school in Senghennydd, named in his honor.