Morgan Gam facts for kids
Morgan Gam was a Welsh lord who lived a long time ago. He ruled a small area called Afan in Wales. He died in February 1241.
Who Was Morgan Gam?
Morgan Gam was the son of Morgan ap Caradog. His mother was likely Gwenllian. When his older brother Lleision died in 1213, Morgan Gam became the new lord of Afan. This land was between the Afan and Neath rivers. He believed his family was the most important. So, he claimed to be in charge of other Welsh lords nearby.
His Life and Battles
Morgan Gam's father and brother had supported the English King John. King John had given Newcastle Castle to Morgan's father in 1189. But when Morgan Gam's brother died, Morgan did not get the castle. Instead, King John gave it to his first wife, Isabella.
Morgan Gam spent his life trying to get Newcastle Castle back. After Isabella, the castle went to Gilbert de Clare in 1217. Gilbert was the Lord of Glamorgan. Morgan Gam fought against Gilbert de Clare. His relative, Morgan ab Owain, even attacked Margam Abbey in 1224 to help him.
Morgan Gam also raided other English settlements. These included Laleston, St Nicholas, and Newcastle in 1226. He could not win back the castle, but he gained a powerful friend. This friend was Prince Llywelyn the Great of Gwynedd. Llywelyn wanted to increase his power in Glamorgan.
In 1228, Gilbert de Clare captured Morgan Gam. Morgan was taken to Clare Castle in England. He was held there until 1229 when he was finally set free.
After his release, Morgan Gam again joined forces with Llywelyn the Great. Together, they destroyed Neath Castle in 1231 during a war between the Welsh and English. The next year, he attacked Kenfig Castle, but he could not capture its main tower.
In 1233, Morgan Gam and Llywelyn the Great supported a rebellion. This was led by Richard Marshal against the English King Henry III. During this fight, Richard Marshal took over Glamorgan. This meant Morgan Gam and other Welsh lords became allies with the Anglo-Norman lords. Marshal promised them parts of Glamorgan as a reward.
When the rebellion failed, a new royal leader, Richard Siward, demanded the land back. Morgan Gam did not want to give it up. But Llywelyn the Great convinced him to return the territories.
His Family
Morgan Gam was married two times. His first wife was Janes ferch Elidyr Ddu. His second wife was Ellen, daughter of Gronw ap Einion. He had at least three sons. His sons included Lleision, who died before 1262, and Morgan Fychan, who died in 1288. Morgan Gam was buried in Margam Abbey. His son Lleision was his first heir. After Lleision died, his younger son Morgan Fychan became the heir.
More Information
- Thomas Jones Pierce: Morgan Gam (Dictionary of Welsh Biography, National Library of Wales)
