Nest ferch Rhys facts for kids

Nest ferch Rhys (born around 1085, died around 1136) was a very important Welsh noblewoman. She was the daughter of Rhys ap Tewdwr, who was the last King of Deheubarth, a kingdom in Wales. Her mother was Gwladys ferch Rhiwallon. Nest's family belonged to the House of Dinefwr, a powerful royal line. She married Gerald de Windsor, who was in charge of Pembroke Castle. Nest is known as the ancestor of the famous FitzGerald dynasty, a family that became very important in both Wales and Ireland.

Nest had two younger brothers, Gruffydd and Hywel. She also had other older brothers and sisters. After her father, King Rhys, died in battle in 1093, his kingdom was taken over by the Anglo-Normans. Nest's younger brother Gruffydd was sent to Ireland to keep him safe. Her brother Hywel and their mother might have been captured. Two of her older brothers were captured and sadly executed.

Nest's First Marriage and Children

Nest's ancestor Hywel Dda, a famous King of Wales.

Nest was taken to the court of King William Rufus as an important guest. There, she met his younger brother, Henry Beauclerc, who later became King Henry I. She may have had a son with him named Henry FitzHenry (born around 1103, died 1158).

Later, King Henry I arranged for Nest to marry Gerald de Windsor. Gerald was a knight who had worked for a powerful family called the Montgomerys. In 1102, Gerald lost control of Pembroke Castle because he had sided with the Montgomerys against the King. But in 1105, King Henry I gave Gerald control of Pembroke Castle back, and Nest became his wife.

Through her marriage to Gerald, Nest became the mother of the FitzGerald dynasty. This family grew to be very important and powerful in both Wales and Ireland.

Nest and Gerald had at least five children together:

• William FitzGerald (died around 1173). His son was Raymond FitzGerald le Gros.
• Maurice FitzGerald (died 1 September 1177). His son was Gerald FitzMaurice, 1st Lord of Offaly.
• David FitzGerald, who became a church leader in Cardigan and later a Bishop.
• Angharad, who married William Fitz Odo de Barry. They had sons including Robert de Barry, Philip de Barry, and Gerald de Barry, who is better known as Gerald of Wales.
• Gwladys, who was the mother of Milo de Cogan.

Nest's Second Marriage

After Gerald's death, Nest's sons arranged for her to marry Stephen. Stephen was a knight who had worked for Gerald in Cardigan. Nest and Stephen had one son together, Robert Fitz-Stephen (died 1182). Robert later became one of the Norman leaders who helped conquer Ireland.

Family Tree