Trahaearn ap Caradog facts for kids

Trahaearn ap Caradog (born 1044 – died 1081) was a King of Gwynedd, a powerful kingdom in Wales. He was born in 1044 in Arwystli, a small area in the south of what is now Montgomeryshire, Wales. Trahaearn was the son of Caradog ap Gwyn, who ruled Arwystli. He died in 1081 during a big battle called the Battle of Mynydd Carn in Pembrokeshire.

Becoming King of Gwynedd

When King Bleddyn ap Cynfyn died in 1073, his sons were too young to rule. So, Bleddyn's cousin, Trahaearn ap Caradog, took control of the kingdom of Gwynedd.

In the same year, Gruffudd ap Cynan came to Anglesey with an army from Ireland. With help from a Norman lord named Robert of Rhuddlan, Gruffudd fought Trahaearn. They met at the Battle of Gwaed Erw in Meirionnydd. Gruffudd won this battle and took over Gwynedd.

However, Gruffudd's Irish soldiers did not get along with the local Welsh people. This caused a rebellion in Llyn. Trahaearn saw his chance and attacked Gruffudd. Trahaearn defeated Gruffudd at the Battle of Bron yr Erw near Clynnog Fawr in Caernarfonshire, also in 1073. Gruffudd was forced to escape back to Ireland.

In 1078, Caradog ap Gruffydd, who was a prince from the Kingdom of Gwent, killed Rhys ab Owain of Deheubarth. Rhys ab Owain had been involved in the killing of Bleddyn ap Cynfyn. Caradog ap Gruffydd wanted to rule Deheubarth, just like his father and grandfather had. But then, Rhys ap Tewdwr, a cousin of Rhys ab Owain, became the new king of Deheubarth.

In 1081, Caradog ap Gruffydd invaded Deheubarth, making Rhys ap Tewdwr flee. Rhys ap Tewdwr sought safety in St David's Cathedral, which was in the far southwest of his kingdom.

The Final Battle and Death

Gruffudd ap Cynan returned from Ireland for a second time. He brought an army of Danes and Irish soldiers. He wanted to become King of Gwynedd again. Gruffudd sailed his ships to St David’s. There, he made an agreement with Rhys ap Tewdwr. Rhys ap Tewdwr had recently lost his position as prince of Deheubarth to Caradog ap Gruffydd.

Gruffudd ap Cynan also got more help from supporters in north Wales. They all agreed to remove Trahaearn ap Caradog from the throne of Gwynedd.

However, Trahaearn found out about their plan. He secretly formed his own alliance with Caradog ap Gruffydd and Meilyr ap Rhiwallon. Trahaearn also got Norman archers, called arbalesters, to make his army stronger.

The two enemy armies met in a very fierce and bloody battle. This was the Battle of Mynydd Carn, fought north of St David's. In this battle, Trahaearn, Caradog, and Meilyr were all killed. Gruffudd ap Cynan was victorious and became King of Gwynedd. Rhys ap Tewdwr, Gruffudd's friend, became King of Deheubarth once more.

Sources

• Thomas Jones, ed. (1952) Brut y Tywysogion: Peniarth MS. 20 version (University of Wales Press)