Rhys ap Rhydderch facts for kids

Rhys ap Rhydderch was an important figure in Welsh history during the 11th century. He was the brother of Gruffydd ap Rhydderch, who became the king of Deheubarth, a powerful Welsh kingdom, from 1044 to 1055.

Rhys and Gruffydd were the sons of Rhydderch ab Iestyn. Their father had also ruled Deheubarth from 1023 to 1033. This shows that their family had a history of leadership in Wales.

Rhys's Rise to Power

By the year 1045, Rhys and his brother Gruffydd had gained control of Morgannwg, another important area in Wales. Old Welsh records mention that in 1045, the two brothers had a disagreement with Gruffydd ap Llywelyn. Gruffydd ap Llywelyn was the king of Gwynedd and Powys, two other major Welsh kingdoms.

The exact details of this disagreement are not fully known. However, both Gruffydd ap Llywelyn and the brothers wanted to rule Deheubarth. In the end, Rhys and his brother became the rulers of this important territory.

Raids and Conflicts

In 1049, Rhys's brother, Gruffydd ap Rhydderch, joined forces with a group of Irish and Viking raiders. They launched an attack on England. It is very likely that Rhys was with his brother during this raid.

The English forces, led by Ealdred, who was the Bishop of Worcester, tried to stop the raiders. However, some Welsh soldiers who were fighting with the English army betrayed them. Because of this, the Welsh and Viking raiders were able to defeat Ealdred's defenders.

The Death of Rhys

King Edward the Confessor of England was very upset by the raid on his country. He ordered that Rhys be killed as a punishment for his actions. This decision was made at a royal meeting held around Christmas in 1052.

According to one historical record, the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, Rhys was killed because he "did harmful things." Another record, from Florence of Worcester, adds a bit more detail. It states that Rhys was killed at a place called "Bulendun." This place might be Bullen's Bank, which is near Clyro in Radnorshire.

After Rhys's Death

Rhys was killed in 1052. His head was brought to King Edward on January 5, 1053. After Rhys's death, his brother Gruffydd ap Rhydderch was the only ruler left in Deheubarth.

However, Gruffydd ap Rhydderch's rule did not last much longer. Around 1055, Gruffydd ap Llywelyn, the king of Gwynedd and Powys, attacked the south of Wales. He killed Gruffydd ap Rhydderch. This event made Gruffydd ap Llywelyn the sole ruler of all Wales. He was the first Welshman to achieve this.