Llywelyn ap Seisyll facts for kids

Llywelyn ap Seisyll (died 1023) was an important Welsh ruler in the 11th century. He became King of Gwynedd, Powys, and Deheubarth. These were major kingdoms in Wales at the time.

Llywelyn's Rise to Power

Llywelyn's father was named Seisyll, but not much is known about him. Llywelyn first became known in 1018. In that year, he fought and defeated a ruler named Aeddan ap Blegywryd. Aeddan and four of his sons were killed in this battle. After his victory, Llywelyn took control of the kingdoms of Gwynedd and Powys.

Taking Control of Deheubarth

In 1022, another man, Rhain the Irishman, became king of Deheubarth. Rhain claimed to be the son of Maredudd ab Owain. Interestingly, Maredudd's daughter, Angharad, was married to Llywelyn.

Llywelyn decided to go to war against Rhain. They fought a big battle at a place called Abergwili in 1022. It was a very tough fight with many people lost on both sides. In the end, Rhain was killed. This allowed Llywelyn to take over Deheubarth, adding it to his growing lands.

Llywelyn's Reign and Legacy

After his success against Rhain, Llywelyn died in 1023. His time as ruler was remembered as a very good one. An old Welsh history book, the Brut y Tywysogion, said that Llywelyn's reign was full of wealth and people. It even said that there were no poor or needy people in his lands, and no empty villages. This shows how well he was thought of.

The Annals of Ulster, another historical record, called Llywelyn "King of the Britons." This was a special title, showing his importance.

His Son Gruffydd

Llywelyn's son, Gruffydd ap Llywelyn, did not become king right after his father died. This might have been because he was too young at the time. However, Gruffydd later became a very famous ruler. He was the first and only true King of Wales. This means he ruled over all the Welsh territory. Sadly, Gruffydd was killed by his own men in 1063.

Gruffydd's own sons, Maredudd and Idwal, also died in battle. They were killed in 1069 at the Battle of Mechain.

Family Connections

Llywelyn's family had some interesting connections. His son, Gruffydd ap Llywelyn, married a woman named Ealdgyth (also known as Edith). She was described as very beautiful. Edith was the daughter of Ælfgar, who was an Earl in England.

Edith and Gruffydd had two daughters, Nest and Guenta. After Gruffydd's death, Edith later married Harold Godwinson, who became King of England. After the Battle of Hastings in 1066, Edith and her daughters moved to Chester. Chester was an important city that was once part of the Kingdom of Gwynedd.

One of Edith's daughters, Guenta, married a man named Fleance. Their family line eventually led to the House of Stuart, which became a royal family in Scotland and later in England.