Senana ferch Caradog facts for kids

Senana ferch Caradog (born around 1198, died 1263) was an important Welsh noblewoman. She was the wife of Gruffudd ap Llywelyn Fawr, who was a son of the powerful Welsh ruler Llywelyn the Great. Senana's full name showed her family history: Senana ferch Caradog ap Thomas ap Rhodri ab Owain Gwynedd. This means that Owain Gwynedd, another famous Welsh prince, was her great-great-grandfather.

Senana and Gruffudd had four sons: Owain, Llywelyn, Dafydd, and Rhodri. They also had two daughters named Gwladus and Margaret. Senana was buried in 1263 in a place called Llanfaes.

Gruffudd's Imprisonment: A Family Struggle

In 1239, Senana's husband, Gruffudd, was put in prison by his own father, Llywelyn the Great. This happened after Llywelyn had a sudden stroke. Gruffudd was imprisoned to protect the plans for Llywelyn's chosen heir, another son named Dafydd ap Llywelyn. Even though Gruffudd was the older son, he was not chosen to inherit his father's lands.

Senana's First Plea to Dafydd

After Llywelyn the Great died in 1240, his chosen son, Dafydd ap Llywelyn, became the new ruler. Senana quickly asked Dafydd to release her husband, Gruffudd, from prison. However, her request was not successful, and Gruffudd remained imprisoned.

Appealing to the King of England

Because her plea to Dafydd failed, Senana decided to take a very bold step. In April 1241, she traveled to England and spoke directly to King Henry III of England. She was able to do this because she was from a noble family and had important connections through her marriage.

Many powerful noblemen supported Senana's request to free her husband. They promised their support to King Henry III. Some of these important people included Ralph de Mortimer and Walter de Clifford.

Negotiations and a Broken Promise

At first, the talks between King Henry III and Senana went well. They both agreed on the terms for Gruffudd's release. A special agreement, called a charter, was signed. This agreement said that Gruffudd and his son Owain Goch ap Gruffydd would be set free.

In return for their freedom, King Henry III would receive a large sum of money: six hundred marks right away, and an additional three hundred marks every year if Gruffudd received the lands he expected from his father's estate.

However, even after this agreement was signed, Gruffudd was not released. Instead, he was moved from Dafydd's prison at Criccieth Castle to King Henry III's prison in the Tower of London. While in the Tower, Gruffudd was treated well, and Senana was even allowed to visit him.