Rhys Mechyll facts for kids
Rhys Mechyll (died 1244) was a Welsh prince who ruled an area in southern Wales called Kingdom of Deheubarth. He was the Lord of Dinefwr from 1234 until he passed away in 1244.
Rhys Mechyll belonged to the House of Dinefwr, a powerful family in Wales. His father was Prince Rhys Gryg (who died in 1234), also known as "Rhys the Hoarse." His grandfather was the famous Rhys ap Gruffydd (1132–1197), often called "The Lord Rhys," who was a very important ruler of Deheubarth.
Family Life
Rhys Mechyll married a woman named Matilda de Braose, who died in 1248.
After Rhys Mechyll passed away, his wife Matilda gave control of Carreg Cennen Castle to the Anglo-Normans in 1248. This was not what her son, Rhys Fychan, wanted.
A Welsh history book, the Brut y Tywysogyon, tells us what happened in 1248: "Rhys Fychan ap Rhys Mechyll got Carreg Cennen Castle back. His mother had given it to the French, because she was angry with her son."
Children and Legacy
Rhys Mechyll had four sons and one daughter named Gwenllian.
Gwenllian married Gilbert Talbot (who died in 1274). Their grandson, Gilbert Talbot, 1st Baron Talbot (who died in 1345 or 1346), later used the old family symbols (called "arms") of the House of Deheubarth. He did this to show his connection to Gwenllian's important family.
However, it's thought that this claim might not have been entirely correct. Rhys Mechyll also had sons who continued to use the family symbols of the House of Deheubarth.
