Sir Rhys ap Gruffydd facts for kids

Sir Rhys ap Gruffydd (born around 1283, died 1356) was a very important and rich nobleman in Wales during the 1300s. He was also known as 'Syr Rhys' or Rhys Hen, which means 'the elder'. Rhys was one of the main Welsh leaders who supported the English kings when England was expanding its power in Wales.

Early Life and Family

Rhys ap Gruffydd was the son of Gruffydd ap Hywel and Nest. His family had important connections in Wales. His father was a cousin to a Welsh rebel named Sir Gruffydd Llwyd. On his mother's side, he was related to the famous Welsh poet Dafydd ap Gwilym.

Rhys inherited a lot of land from his grandfather. These lands were mostly around Llansadwrn in Carmarthenshire. He also held several important jobs in southwest Wales. For example, in 1308, he was the steward of Cardigan.

Supporting the English Kings

Rhys ap Gruffydd was a strong supporter of the English kings. He helped them in many ways.

Early Military Service

In 1310, Rhys gathered and led troops for England's fight against Scotland. He also helped the English put down a Welsh rebellion led by Llywelyn Bren in 1316. He fought against Scotland again in 1319.

Rising to Power

Rhys became very important because he supported powerful English nobles like The Elder Despenser and his son Hugh Despenser the Younger. Because of his support, he was made sheriff of Carmarthen. He also became a deputy to the royal justice in South Wales. He received many properties as a reward for his loyalty.

Challenges and Return

When the Despensers lost their power, Rhys faced trouble. In 1327, he tried to help the imprisoned King Edward II of England. Because of this, he had to run away to Scotland for a short time. He was forgiven in 1328.

However, in 1330, he had to flee again. This was because he supported the Earl of Kent in a failed attempt to remove Roger Mortimer, 1st Earl of March from power. But later that year, King Edward III of England took control, and Rhys was allowed to return.

A Leader in Battle

Rhys continued to be a key military leader for England.

Campaigns in Scotland and France

He kept supplying and leading men for English campaigns against Scotland until 1341. He was the main captain of Welsh troops, especially archers. These Welsh soldiers fought for King Edward III in France.

His military career reached a peak at the famous Battle of Crecy in 1346. This was a major victory for England during the Hundred Years' War. In the same year, Rhys was knighted for his services.

Later Life and Legacy

Rhys ap Gruffydd was a very wealthy man. He owned large areas of land in Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion. In 1355, he inherited even more Welsh lands from his cousin. His wife, Joan de Somerville, also brought him properties in six English counties.

Rhys and Joan had two sons. Their younger son, Henry, received his father's Welsh lands. Their older son, Sir Rhys ap Gruffydd the younger (born 1325), inherited his mother's English properties. This son became the first of the Griffiths of Wychnor.

Sir Rhys ap Gruffydd the elder died on May 10, 1356, in Carmarthen. He was buried there. He had been a dominant figure in south Wales for thirty years.

Rhys was honored by several Welsh poets. The poet Einion Offeiriad celebrated him. His cousin, Dafydd ap Gwilym, and another poet, Iolo Goch, also wrote poems remembering him.