Maredudd ap Gruffydd facts for kids

Maredudd ap Gruffydd was a Welsh prince who lived a long time ago, from 1131 to 1155. He was a leader in a part of Wales called Deheubarth, which was a kingdom in Southwest Wales.

Early Life and Family

Maredudd was one of many sons of Gruffydd ap Rhys, a powerful Welsh ruler. His mother was Gwenllian ferch Gruffydd. He also had two older half-brothers, Anarawd and Cadell, from his father's first marriage.

When Maredudd was just five years old, his mother and two of his brothers, Morgan and Maelgwyn, died in a battle near a place called Cydweli (now Kidwelly). His father passed away the very next year.

Becoming a Leader

Helping His Brother Cadell

Even though he was young, Maredudd quickly became involved in protecting his homeland. When he was 16, he started helping his older half-brother, Cadell. Cadell was the King of Deheubarth at that time. Together, they worked to push out the Normans, who were people from France who had settled in parts of Wales, from an area called Ceredigion.

Maredudd also showed his bravery by defending Carmarthen castle. When Norman soldiers tried to attack the castle using ladders, Maredudd bravely fought them off, pushing their ladders away.

Taking Over Rule

In 1151, Maredudd played a big part in taking back the northern part of Ceredigion from the Kingdom of Gwynedd, another Welsh kingdom. In the same year, his brother Cadell was badly hurt while hunting. He survived, but his injuries were so severe that Maredudd had to take over the day-to-day running of Deheubarth.

Two years later, in 1153, Cadell decided to go on a long journey to Rome for a religious pilgrimage. This meant that Maredudd officially became the King of Deheubarth.

His Reign and Legacy

Maredudd ruled Deheubarth for two years. He passed away in 1155. After his death, the throne of Deheubarth went to his younger brother, Rhys ap Gruffydd. Rhys later became very famous and was known as The Lord Rhys.