Gruffydd ap Llywelyn

In the period before the Norman Conquest of Wales, several native princes had the name Gruffydd ap Llywelyn ("Griffith son of Llywelyn"). Two of these were of major importance in the history of Wales.

Related Topics:
Norman Conquest - Wales

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Gruffydd ap Llywelyn (c. 1000–August 5, 1063) was the ruler of all Wales from 1055 until his death, one of very few able to make this boast. He was the son of Llywelyn ap Seisyll and a descendant of Rhodri the Great. On the death of Iago ap Idwal ap Meurig in 1039, Gruffydd unexpectedly seized control of Gwynedd, successfully waged war with Mercia, then attacked the neighbouring principality of Deheubarth. By 1044, he had conquered Deheubarth, but lost it again in 1047. Allying himself with the Mercians, he proceeded to gain considerable ground along what is now the English border, and in 1055 he sacked Hereford. Deheubarth came back within his power in the same year, and he claimed sovereignty over the whole of Wales - a claim which was recognised by the English. Gruffydd reached an agreement with Edward the Confessor, but was less successful in holding off the incursions of Harold Godwinson. His own men deserted him, and he was murdered by them and his territory broken up among several successors.

Related Topics:
1000 - August 5 - 1063 - Wales - 1055 - Llywelyn ap Seisyll - Rhodri the Great - Iago ap Idwal ap Meurig - 1039 - Gwynedd - Mercia - Deheubarth - 1044 - 1047 - Hereford - Edward the Confessor - Harold Godwinson

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See also Gruffydd ap Llywelyn Fawr

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