Llywelyn ap Dafydd facts for kids

Llywelyn ap Dafydd lived from about 1267 to 1287. He was the oldest son of Dafydd ap Gruffydd. Dafydd was the last Welsh ruler of an independent Gwynedd. Llywelyn was seen as a possible future Prince of Gwynedd. His mother was Elizabeth Ferrers.

Early Life and Family

Not much is known about Llywelyn's early years. He was likely born around 1267. During the 1270s, he probably went with his father when they had to live away from Wales in England.

Llywelyn's uncle, Llywelyn ap Gruffudd, was a very important Welsh leader. When his uncle died in December 1282, Llywelyn's father, Dafydd ap Gruffydd, became the new ruler of Gwynedd.

Capture and Imprisonment

In June 1283, Llywelyn's father, Dafydd, and his younger brother, Owain, were captured. This happened near a place called Nanhysglain in the mountains above Abergwyngregyn.

King Edward I of England then ordered Llywelyn's capture. On June 29, Llywelyn ap Dafydd was arrested. He was taken to Rhuddlan to be held in prison with his brother.

A group of soldiers took Llywelyn and Owain out of Gwynedd. They traveled through Acton Burnell in Shropshire to Bristol. By the end of July 1283, they were imprisoned in Bristol.

Prince of Gwynedd

In October 1283, Llywelyn's father, Dafydd, was executed. After this, Llywelyn became the rightful Prince of Gwynedd. This means he was the true heir to the title.

At this time, only two other important members of the Welsh royal family were free. These were Llywelyn's uncle, Rhodri ap Gruffudd, and his cousin, Thomas ap Rhodri. However, they had already given up their claims to the Welsh kingdom.

Later Life and Death

Llywelyn ap Dafydd died in 1287 at Bristol Castle. He was buried in a nearby church that belonged to the Dominican Order. Today, this church is known as Quakers Friars. King Edward I paid for his burial.

After Llywelyn died, his brother Owain became the next in line. But Owain also remained a prisoner for the rest of his life.