Maredudd ab Owain ab Edwin facts for kids

Maredudd ab Owain ab Edwin (died 1072) was a prince who ruled the kingdom of Deheubarth in southwest Wales. He was an important leader during a time of big changes in Wales, especially with the arrival of the Normans.

Maredudd's Family and Claim to the Throne

Maredudd was the son of Owain ab Edwin. This meant he was a direct descendant of a famous Welsh king named Hywel Dda. Hywel Dda had ruled a long time before Maredudd.

Before Maredudd became prince, the throne of Deheubarth was taken by another powerful Welsh ruler, Gruffydd ap Llywelyn. Gruffydd was a very strong king who managed to unite almost all of Wales under his rule. He was the only Welsh ruler ever to be called the "King of Wales."

When Gruffydd ap Llywelyn died in 1063, Maredudd saw his chance. He worked to get Deheubarth back for his family's line. He succeeded and became the new prince of Deheubarth.

Maredudd's Reign and the Normans

During Maredudd's time as prince, a new challenge appeared: the Normans. The Normans had recently conquered England in 1066. They started to move into Wales.

The Normans attacked parts of southeast Wales. They did this because some Welsh people had supported Saxon (English) rebellions against the Normans. One famous rebel was Eadric the Wild.

Maredudd tried to stop the Normans at first. But he soon decided it was better not to fight them directly in every area. He chose not to resist when the Normans moved into a region called Gwent. Because of this decision, the Normans rewarded Maredudd. In 1070, he received lands in England.

The End of Maredudd's Rule

Maredudd's rule ended in 1072. He was killed in a battle near the river Rhymni. After his death, his younger brother, Rhys ab Owain, became the new ruler of Deheubarth. Maredudd's own son, Gruffydd ap Maredudd, was still young at the time, so he did not take over.

Later, after Rhys ab Owain died, another relative named Rhys ap Tewdwr took control of Deheubarth. Maredudd's son, Gruffydd, lived on his father's lands in England for several years. Eventually, Gruffydd tried to win back his father's kingdom from Rhys ap Tewdwr. Sadly, Gruffydd was also killed during this attempt.