Rhiwallon ap Cynfyn facts for kids

Rhiwallon ap Cynfyn was a Welsh king who lived a long time ago, from about 1020 to 1070. He ruled two important kingdoms in Wales, Gwynedd and Powys, alongside his brother Bleddyn. They became kings in 1063.

Who Was Rhiwallon?

Rhiwallon was the son of Cynfyn ap Gwerstan. His brother was Bleddyn ap Cynfyn. Rhiwallon also had a half-brother named Gruffydd ap Llywelyn. This means they shared the same mother, Angharad. Having powerful family connections was important for Welsh rulers back then.

Becoming a King

In 1063, a big change happened in Wales. Two English leaders, Harold and Tostig Godwinson, invaded the country. They defeated Gruffydd ap Llywelyn, who was the ruler at the time. After Gruffydd was overthrown, Rhiwallon and Bleddyn became joint rulers. They were given the kingdoms of Powys and Gwynedd. This was on one condition: they had to promise to serve the English King Edward the Confessor. They had to help him "everywhere by water and by land."

Fighting for Wales

In August 1067, Rhiwallon and Bleddyn joined forces with a Welsh leader named Eadric the Wild. They attacked an area in England called Herefordshire. This attack was part of a bigger fight. It was the Saxon people resisting the Norman Conquest of England. The Normans had recently taken over England.

In 1070, Rhiwallon and Bleddyn faced another challenge. They fought in a battle called the Battle of Mechain. Their opponents were Gruffydd's sons, Maredudd and Idwal. Rhiwallon and Bleddyn won the battle. However, Rhiwallon was killed during the fighting. After his death, Bleddyn became the sole ruler of North Wales.

Rhiwallon's Family

Rhiwallon had a daughter named Gwladys. She later married a man named Rhys ap Tewdwr.

See also

• Kingdom of Gwynedd
• Kingdom of Powys
• Kings of Wales family trees