Morgan ap Maredudd facts for kids
Morgan ap Maredudd (pronounced: MOR-gan ap mah-RED-ith) was a brave Welsh leader who lived a long time ago, from about 1270 to 1316. He was sometimes called "Morgan the Rebel" because he fought against powerful English lords who controlled his homeland, Glamorgan, in Wales. He wanted to protect his family's land and the rights of the Welsh people.
Contents
Morgan's Early Life and Why He Rebelled
Morgan ap Maredudd was the son of Maredudd ap Gruffudd. His father was the last Welsh lord of Caerleon, an important area in Wales. Morgan's family lost their lands to a powerful English lord named Gilbert de Clare, 7th Earl of Gloucester. This made Morgan very upset. He felt that the de Clare family had treated his family unfairly. Because of this, Morgan decided to fight back. He said he was only fighting against the lords of Glamorgan who had taken his family's property.
Fighting for Wales' Freedom
Morgan was a strong supporter of Welsh independence. In 1283, he joined the rebellion led by Dafydd ap Gruffydd, who was a prince of Wales. This was a big fight for Wales to be free from English rule.
Later, from 1294 to 1295, Morgan became a key leader in another major uprising. This was the rebellion led by Madog ap Llywelyn. During this time, Morgan led the Welsh fighters in Glamorgan. Under his command, they successfully captured several important castles. These included the castles at Kenfig, Llangibby, and Morlais.
Working with the King
Eventually, Morgan ap Maredudd decided to make peace with the English king, Edward I. In 1297, Morgan officially surrendered to the king. After this, he became a trusted helper for King Edward. He worked as an "esquire" in the king's household and acted as the king's agent in south Wales. This meant he helped the king manage affairs in that part of the country.
Morgan's Family
Morgan ap Maredudd had a daughter named Angharad. She later married Llewelyn ap Ifor, who was a lord from St. Clere.
See also
Sources
- Griffiths, R. A., ‘Morgan ap Maredudd (fl. 1270–1316)’, Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, first published September 2004
