Rhydderch ap Iestyn facts for kids
Rhydderch ap Iestyn (died 1033) was a powerful leader in south Wales. He became king of Gwent and Morgannwg. Later, he also took control of the kingdom of Deheubarth and even parts of Powys.
Rhydderch's story is not fully known, as ancient records (called annals) don't say much about him. He first ruled the areas of Gwent and Morgannwg. His son later kept power in these same regions.
Rise to Power
In 1023, Llywelyn ap Seisyll, who was king of Gwynedd and Deheubarth, died suddenly. Rhydderch saw this as a chance to expand his power. He quickly took over Deheubarth, likely by fighting and winning battles. This made him a very important ruler in Wales.
His Death
In the year 1033, ancient Welsh writings called Brut y Tywysogion (which means "Chronicle of the Princes") say that Rhydderch was killed. The records mention he was killed by people from Ireland. However, they do not explain how or why this happened.
After Rhydderch
After Rhydderch's death, the kingdom of Deheubarth went back to its original royal family. Hywel ab Edwin and his brother Maredudd took over. The very next year, a battle happened between Hywel and his brother, and Rhydderch's sons.
Years later, in 1045, Rhydderch's son, Gruffydd ap Rhydderch, managed to take control of Deheubarth. He took it from another powerful ruler named Gruffydd ap Llywelyn. Rhydderch's son held the kingdom for ten years. Then, Gruffydd ap Llywelyn took it back again.
Rhydderch's Sons
Rhydderch ap Iestyn had at least three sons who were also important figures:
- Gruffydd ap Rhydderch (died 1055): He became King of Morgannwg and Deheubarth. He was killed in a battle against Gruffydd ap Llywelyn.
- Caradog ap Rhydderch (died 1035): He was killed by people known as the "Saxons."
- Rhys ap Rhydderch (died 5 January 1053): He was put to death by order of King Edward the Confessor of England.
Sources
- John Edward Lloyd A history of Wales from the earliest times to the Edwardian conquest (Longmans, Green & Co.)
- Thomas Jones, ed. Brut y Tywysogion: Peniarth MS. 20 version (Cardiff: University of Wales Press, 1952)
| Regnal titles | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Rhys ap Owain ap Morgan Hen, Iestyn ap Owain ap Morgan Hen, and Hywel ap Owain ap Morgan Hen |
King of Morgannwg 1015–1033 |
Succeeded by Gruffydd ap Rhydderch |
| Preceded by Iestyn ap Owain ap Morgan Hen |
Joint King of Glywysing (with Hywel ap Owain ap Morgan Hen) 1015–1033 |
Succeeded by Gruffydd ap Rhydderch |
| Preceded by Llywelyn ap Seisyll |
King of Deheubarth 1023–1033 |
Succeeded by Hywel ab Edwin |
