Maelgwn ap Rhys facts for kids

Maelgwn ap Rhys (born around 1170, died 1230) was a powerful prince who ruled parts of Deheubarth, a kingdom in southwest Wales. He was the son of a famous Welsh leader known as Rhys ap Gruffydd, often called The Lord Rhys. Maelgwn's mother was Gwenllian, daughter of Madog ap Maredudd, a prince from Powys.

Early Life and Family

Maelgwn first appears in history around 1187. He helped during a siege at Tenby. In 1188, when important church leaders like Archbishop Baldwin and Giraldus Cambrensis traveled through Wales, Maelgwn promised to join the Third Crusade. However, there is no record that he actually went on this journey.

Maelgwn was known for being a bit troublesome. He often caused problems for his father in his later years. He also had a long-running disagreement with his brother, Gruffydd. Maelgwn was even held prisoner for a few years, from 1189 to 1192.

Conflicts and Power Struggles

Fighting for Control

In 1194, Maelgwn and his brother Hywel fought against their own father. They won the battle and captured him at Nevern castle. Later, Hywel released their father. When Lord Rhys died in 1197, Maelgwn was not in Wales. His brother Gruffydd was expected to take over.

But Maelgwn had other plans. With help from troops sent by Gwenwynwyn ab Owain of Powys, Maelgwn attacked and captured the town and castle of Aberystwyth. He took Gruffydd prisoner and handed him over to Gwenwynwyn. This allowed Maelgwn to take control of Ceredigion.

Deals with Kings

In 1198, Gwenwynwyn was defeated by Norman forces at Painscastle. This led to Gruffydd being set free. Gruffydd then managed to take back almost all of Ceredigion from Maelgwn. Only the castles of Cardigan and Ystrad Meurig remained under Maelgwn's control.

Maelgwn then made a deal with King John. He sold Cardigan castle to the King. In return, Maelgwn kept the rest of Ceredigion for himself. A Welsh history book, Brut y Tywysogion, wrote about this event. It said that Maelgwn sold the important castle of Cardigan to the English because he feared and disliked his brother Gruffydd.

After Gruffydd died in 1201, Maelgwn took over Cilgerran Castle. But he lost it to William Marshall in 1204. In the same year, Maelgwn's men attacked his brother Hywel, who later died from his injuries.

Later Years and Legacy

In 1207, Maelgwn's friend, Gwenwynwyn of Powys, had a disagreement with King John. The King took Gwenwynwyn's lands. Llywelyn the Great of Gwynedd used this chance to take the northern part of Ceredigion from Maelgwn. Llywelyn gave the lands between the River Ystwyth and the River Aeron to Gruffydd's sons.

Maelgwn helped King John in 1211 to make Llywelyn agree to terms. However, Maelgwn's lands were not returned to him. This made him decide to join forces with Llywelyn instead of the King.

In 1216, Llywelyn held a big meeting at Aberdyfi. Here, he divided the lands that used to belong to Lord Rhys. Maelgwn was still only given the southern part of Ceredigion.

Maelgwn died in 1230 in Llannerch Aeron. He was buried at Strata Florida Abbey. His territory was passed on to his son, Maelgwn ap Maelgwn, who was also known as Maelgwn Fychan. Later, Maelgwn Fychan made an agreement with Gilbert Marshal, 4th Earl of Pembroke. This deal involved Maelgwn Fychan's son, Rhys, marrying Gilbert's daughter. As part of the marriage, Rhys would receive a region called Is-Aeron, except for the area with Cardigan Castle. In return, Maelgwn Fychan and Rhys would become loyal to Gilbert, as long as it didn't conflict with their loyalty to the king.