Rhodri ab Owain Gwynedd facts for kids

Rhodri ab Owain Gwynedd (c. 1147 – 1195) was a prince who ruled part of Gwynedd, an important kingdom in Wales during the Middle Ages. He was in charge from 1175 to 1195.

A Royal Family's Struggles

When Rhodri's father, Owain Gwynedd, passed away in 1170, there was a lot of fighting among his nineteen sons. They all wanted a share of the kingdom. Rhodri and his brother Dafydd ab Owain Gwynedd were legitimate sons of Owain and his wife, Cristina. They teamed up and defeated their half-brother Hywel ab Owain Gwynedd at a place called Pentraeth that same year.

The Battle for Control

Between 1170 and 1174, most of Owain's other sons were either killed or sent away from the kingdom. Rhodri managed to get control of a part of Gwynedd. However, his brother Dafydd soon put pressure on him. Dafydd even captured and imprisoned Rhodri.

Rhodri's Escape and New Rule

In 1175, Rhodri managed to escape from prison. He gathered enough support to push Dafydd out of the part of Gwynedd that was west of the River Conwy. After this, Rhodri and Dafydd agreed to split Gwynedd between them. Dafydd kept only the land east of the Conwy River.

Life and Family Details

Rhodri and his family are mentioned in a book called Descriptio Cambriae. This book was written around 1188 by Gerald of Wales. It talks about Gerald's journey around Wales, where he was trying to get support for the Third Crusade. In his book, Gerald suggests that Rhodri's royal home was likely on an island, possibly at Aberffraw. Gerald also shared some interesting details about Rhodri and his young family.

Challenges from Younger Royals

Around this time, Rhodri and Dafydd's young nephew, Llywelyn the Great, started to challenge his uncles for power. Rhodri also faced pressure from his nephews Gruffydd and Maredydd ap Cynan. They managed to drive him out of Anglesey in 1190.

Alliances and Reclaiming Land

Rhodri then made an alliance with Ragnald, who was the King of Mann and the Isles. It's possible that Rhodri even married Ragnald's daughter. In 1193, with help from soldiers from Mann, Rhodri briefly got Anglesey back. But he was kicked out again that same year by Gruffydd and Maredudd.

Rhodri's Sons

Rhodri had three sons who are known:

• Tomas, who was the Lord of Rhiw Llwyd
• Gruffudd
• Einion

The descendants of Prince Tomas were later claimed by Sir John Wynn as his ancestors. This claim was even proven in court. The Anwyl of Tywyn Family also claimed to be descendants. Rhodri passed away in 1195.