Rhys ap Tewdwr facts for kids

A map of medieval Wales, showing Deheubarth in the southwest.

Rhys ap Tewdwr (born around 1040 – died 1093) was an important king in Wales. He ruled the kingdom of Deheubarth in the southwest. Rhys was a member of the House of Dinefwr, a royal family that came from Rhodri the Great, a famous Welsh ruler. After the Norman Conquest of England, Rhys had to pay William the Conqueror to keep his kingdom safe. This agreement helped him rule peacefully until William died.

Rhys's Family and Early Life

Rhys ap Tewdwr was born in an area that is now Carmarthenshire in Wales. He became the ruler of Deheubarth after his cousin, Rhys ab Owain, died in 1078. His cousin was killed after a battle near Goodwick.

Rhys was a descendant of Hywel Dda, who was a very important king of the Britons. This made Rhys's claim to the throne very strong.

Rhys married more than once. One of his wives was named Gwladys ferch Rhiwallon. She was the daughter of a prince from the Kingdom of Powys.

Rhys had several children, including:

• Goronwy (died 1103)
• Hywel
• Owain
• Gruffydd
• Gwellian
• Nest, who later married Gerald de Windsor.
• Efa
• Ardden

Rhys's Time as King

St. David's Cathedral as it looks today.

In 1081, another Welsh prince, Caradog ap Gruffydd, attacked Deheubarth. Rhys had to find safety in St David's Cathedral. But Rhys soon made a deal with Gruffudd ap Cynan, who wanted to get back his own kingdom of Kingdom of Gwynedd.

Together, Rhys and Gruffudd fought a big battle called the Battle of Mynydd Carn. They won the battle and defeated Caradog ap Gruffydd and his allies.

Later that same year, William the Conqueror visited Deheubarth. He said he was going on a religious trip to St David's. But he also brought a large army, showing his power. It seems that William and Rhys made an agreement. Rhys agreed to respect William as his overlord. In return, William confirmed that Rhys could keep his kingdom of Deheubarth. Rhys paid William £40 each year for his kingdom. This deal helped Rhys have good relations with William until William died. Rhys was happy because it meant he mostly had to deal with other Welsh princes, not the powerful Normans.

In 1088, Cadwgan ap Bleddyn from Powys attacked Deheubarth. Rhys had to escape to Ireland. However, Rhys came back later that year with ships from Ireland. He defeated the men of Powys in a battle where two of Cadwgan's brothers were killed.

Around 1091, some people in Dyfed, a part of Deheubarth, started a rebellion. They wanted a different ruler, Gruffudd ap Maredudd. But Rhys was able to defeat these rebels in a battle at St. Dogmaels, and Gruffudd was killed.

Rhys's Death and What Happened Next

A page from the Welsh book Brut y Tywysogion, which tells the history of Welsh princes.

Rhys found it harder to fight against the growing power of the Normans. Welsh historical writings say that "Rhys ap Tewdwr, king of Deheubarth, was killed by the Frenchmen who were living in Brycheiniog." Another text adds that "with him fell the kingdom of the Britons." This means his death was a big moment, as it opened the way for the Normans to take over much of south Wales.

Rhys was killed in April 1093 near Brecon. After his death, the Normans took control of many parts of south Wales. There was also fighting among Welsh leaders over the land. Eventually, Rhys's oldest son, Gruffydd, was allowed to rule a small part of his father's kingdom.

Rhys's daughter, Nest, was a very important woman. She later married Gerald FitzWalter. Their children and grandchildren became powerful families in Ireland. Through his son Gruffydd, Rhys was also an ancestor of the famous Tudor royal family, who later ruled England.

See also

• Kings of Wales family trees