Gruffydd ap Rhys

• Preferred Name: Gruffydd ap Rhys^{[1] [2]}
  
• Gender: M
  
• http://familysearch.org/v1/TitleOfNobility: King of DeheubarthBET 1116 AND 1137
  
• http://familysearch.org/v1/TitleOfNobility: Prince
  
• Death: in Dynevor Castle, Llandeilo, Carmarthenshire, Wales at LATI: N1.8831 LONG: E4.0158 with note: GEDCOM data death year of 1137 is before the birth dates of some children
  
• Residence: spent much of his early years in exile in IrelandBET 1100 AND 1112
  
• http://familysearch.org/v1/TitleOfNobility: Prince of South Wales
  
• FSID: L6N3-VPL
  
• Birth: ABT 1081 in Llandilo, Pembrokeshire, Wales at LATI: N1.9296 LONG: E4.766 with note: Dynevor Castle is not on Family Search's List of Standard Locations
  
• Notes:

  === Life Sketch ===
  Gruffydd ap Rhys (c. 1081-1137) was King of Deheubarth, in Wales. His sister was the Princess Nest ferch Rhys. He was the father of Rhys ap Gruffydd, known as 'The Lord Rhys', who was one of the most successful rulers of Deheubarth during this period.
  
  «b»Early life«/b»
  Gruffydd was born in Llandeilo. Following the death of his father Rhys ap Tewdwr in 1093, Deheubarth was taken over by the Normans, and Gruffydd spent much of his early years in exile in Ireland.
  
  In 1113 Gruffydd visited Gruffudd ap Cynan, King of Gwynedd, at their family seat at Aberffraw on Ynys Môn. The King of Gwynedd owed an honour debt to the House of Dinefwr, as Gruffydd's father, Rhys ap Tewdwr, had aided Gruffudd ap Cynan in his own bid to reclaim Gwynedd from rivals in 1081. In Aberffraw, Gruffydd ap Tewdwr met Gwenllian, the beautiful youngest daughter of Gwynedd's king. After a brief courtship the couple eloped, with Gwenllian joining Gruffydd ap Rhys on his military campaigns.
  
  After several years, Gruffydd was able to raise enough men to attack a number of Norman castles and towns with some success. However an attack on Aberystwyth was defeated and Gruffydd's army dispersed.
  
  Gruffydd came to terms with King Henry I of England and was allowed to rule a portion of his father's kingdom, the Cantref Mawr, although he was soon under pressure from the Normans again and was forced to flee to Ireland for a period in 1127.
  
  «b»Rebellion«/b»
  In 1136 Gruffydd joined Owain Gwynedd and Cadwaladr, the sons of Gruffudd ap Cynan of Gwynedd, in a rebellion against Norman rule. While Gruffydd was away from home, his wife Gwellian raised an army and attacked the Norman castle of Kidwelly, but was defeated and killed.
  
  Gruffydd himself with Owain and Cadwaladr gained a crushing victory over the Normans at Crug Mawr near Cardigan the same year.
  
  «b»Death and succession«/b»
  In 1137 Gruffydd gained further success in Dyfed, but died shortly afterwards in uncertain circumstances.
  
  Gruffydd had four sons by Gwenllian ferch Gruffydd: Maredudd, Rhys, Morgan, and Maelgwn. He also had two older sons from a previous marriage: Anarawd and Cadell, and at least three daughters: Gwladus, Elizabeth, and Nest. He was followed by his eldest son, Anarawd. Of his other sons, Cadell, Maredydd, and Rhys (later known as The Lord Rhys) all ruled Deheubarth in turn.
  
  === Non-standard gedcom data: 1 HEAL FJGZ- ===
  Non-standard gedcom data: 1 HEAL FJGZ-XS
  
  === dead ===
  dead
  
  === Ancestral File Number: FJGZ-XS ===
  Ancestral File Number: FJGZ-XS
  
  === !Brown book 5, chart R2. Lord Rhys. Brot ===
  !Brown book 5, chart R2. Lord Rhys. Brother to Nesta.
  
  === SOURCE CITATION: Title: Ancestral File ( ===
  SOURCE CITATION: Title: Ancestral File (TM) Author: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Publication Information: July 1996 (c), data as of 2 January 1996 Repository Name: Family History Library Address: 35 N West Temple Street Salt Lake City, UT 84150 USA
  
  === !#4568-v3-p120,166; v11-p842,843; ===
  !#4568-v3-p120,166; v11-p842,843;
  
  === wfp Burkes Guide to the Royal Family p 3 ===
  wfp Burkes Guide to the Royal Family p 324 born abt 1090 Prince of Deheubarth
  
  === Gwenllian/verch Gruffydd * ===
  Gwenllian/verch Gruffydd *
  
  === !NOTE: The Church of Jesus Christ of Lat ===
  !NOTE: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Ancestral File (TM); ; June 1998 (c), data as of 5 JAN 1998; ; , Family History Library, 35 N West Temple Street, Salt Lake City, UT 84150 USA
  
  === continues in danielf. file continues in ===
  continues in danielf. file continues in gough.file
  
  === !: SOUR AUTH The Church of Jesus Christ ===
  !: SOUR AUTH The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints TITL Ancestral File(TM) PUBL June 1998 (c), data as of 5 JAN 1998 REPO @R01@ !: SOUR AUTH The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints TITL Ancestral File(TM) PUBL June 1998 (c), data as of 5 JAN 1998 REPO @R01@
  
  === .../... * second wife; had children by c ===
  .../... * second wife; had children by concubines, names not known *
  
  === !LDS Computer Library ===
  !LDS Computer Library
  
  === Gruffydd was three when his father was k ===
  Gruffydd was three when his father was killed by Normans, and he was given sanctuary in Ireland. He reappeared in Wales in 1113, footloose and disinherited but determined to regain a hold on his father's lands. He was captured, then escaped across Cardigan Bay. His patriotic zeal now enflamed he raised an army (or more appropriately a rabble) of young malcontents. At the start of 1116 they began a series of attacks on Norman castles but Gruffydd had little control over his large force and he was defeated. Eventually Henry I awarded him the lordship of Cantref Mawr, 'the Great Cantref' in Ystrad Tywi. Although he styled himself king, it was a title without authority and an ignominious end to a once great kingdom.
  
  === !1. Bartrum, 300-1400, Rs ap T. 4, pg. 7 ===
  !1. Bartrum, 300-1400, Rs ap T. 4, pg. 779, 1, pg. 776 and Gruffudd ap Cynan
  
  === Ruled Deheubarth from 1116-1137, was kil ===
  Ruled Deheubarth from 1116-1137, was killed in battle. - From www.castlewales.com/debarth.html website.
  
  From "The Chronicles of Ystrad Fflur":
  
  1116In this year Gruffudd ap Rhys took the castle near Arberth and burned it. Many young hotheads gravitated to him and they carried off many spoils. And he burnt a castle in Gower and slew many within. And Owain ap Cadwgan was slain.
  
  1123In this year Calixtus II approved the cult of Dewi Sant. And Gruffudd ap Rhys slew Gruffudd ap Sulhaearn.
  
  1127In this year Gruffudd ap Rhys was expelled by king Henry from the portion of land which the king had given him, because he had been accused without cause by the French who were dwelling along with him. And at the close of the year died Daniel, son of Sulien, bishop of Menevia, the man who was mediator between Gwynedd and Powys; and none had found fault with him but rather he was beloved by all.
  
  1137 In this year died Gruffudd ap Rhys, the light and excellence and strength of all South Wales. And Gruffudd ap Cynan, prince of Gwynedd and head and king and defender and pacifier of all Wales, ended his temporal life in Christ after receiving extreme unction and communion and confession and repentance for his sins, and becoming a monk and making a good end in his perfect old age. And for a third time the sons of Gruffudd ap Cynan came to Ceredigion and burned castles.
  
  ___________________________
  
  Gruffydd ab Rhys (d 1137), king or prince of South Wales (Deheubarth), was brought up in Ireland, where in his childhood he had fled with his kinsfolk after the defeat and death of his father Rhys ab Tewdwr, at the hands of Bernard of Neufmarche in 1093. On that fatal day 'fell the kingdom of the Britons,' and nearly all Rhys old kingdom was seized by Norman adventurers. Nest, Rhys' daughter became the bride of Gerald of Windsor, steward of Pembroke. When Gruffydd had grown up to mandhood he became weary of exile and inactivity, and about 1113 he returned to Dyved. For two years he wandered about the country. His return seems to have inspired the conquered Welsh with the hope of regaining their liberty under his rule. It was 'represented that the minds of all the Britons were with him in contempt of the royal title of King Henry's,' and after two years he was 'accused to the king.' His request for a part of his father's lands was refused.
  
  Gruffydd now escaped to North Wales and sought refuge with Gruffydd ab Cynan, the king of Gwynedd. His brother Hywel, who had escaped maimed from the prison of Arnulf of Montgomery, went with him. Gruffydd ab Cynan treated them well at first, but was persmacded by Henry I to give up the fugitived. Gruffydd ab Rhys discovered his treachery, and managed to escape the santmacry of the church of Aberdaron in Lleyn, whence he returned to the south, where 'many foolish young men from every part joined him, being deceived by the desire of spoils or seeking to restore the British kingdom.' He began a vigorous predatory warfare on the French and Flemish settlers in his father's realm. At first he was unsuccessful, but in the spring of 1116 his devastation became so great that they were recorded in the English chronicles. He burnt Narberth Castle, which protected the Flemish district of Dyved from Welsh assaults, and soon after attacked the castle of Llandovery in the vale of Towy, but he only succeeded in burning the outworks. Soon afterwards he failed equally at 'a castle that was near Abertaws' (Swansea). But the smaller Welsh chieftains joined the French, and one of them, Owain ab Caradog, saved the tower of Carmarthen Castle from falling into his hands. Gruffydd then destroyed a castle in Gower, and became so formidable that 'William of London for fear of him left his castle (Kidwelly) and his riches.' Gruffydd was thence invited into Ceredigion, and after defeated the Flemings at Blaenporty Hodnant, marched northwards, destoryed the castle of Ralph, the steward of Earl Gilbert, at Peithyll, and marched against Aberystwith. Owain ab Cadwgan was noow inspired by Henry I to put down 'the thief Gruffydd,' but hs was slain by the Flemings. This failure seems to have secured Gruffydd a position in South Wales.
  
  The chroniclers make no futher mention of Gruffydd for several years, and when he reappears he is in possession of a portion of land which the king had given him. The weak authority of the 'Gwentian Brut' says that in 1121 (probably 1124) he was amde by Henry free lord of 'the vale of Towy, the cantrev of Penwedig in Ceredition, the cantrevs of Caerwedros, Cantrevbychan, Caethinog, Cace, Myves nydd, and other lands, 'but that' the king saw the boundaries were undefined, which furnished him with a pretext to complain of Gruffydd's acts.' But the statement of Giraldus Cambrensis, who was the grandson of Gruffydd's sister, is more probable that in the days of Henry I Gruffydd was only 'lord of a single cymmwd, that of Kaoc in Cantrevmawr.' This seems to be the district of Caio in the modern Carmarthenshrie, among the hills dividing the valleys of the Towy and the teivi. Gruffydd abated nothing of his claims, and Giraldus tells how the very wild fowl of Llangorse Lake testified that he was the rightful prince of South Wales. In 1127 Gruffydd was expelled from his modest lordship 'after he had been undeservedly accused by the French.' He again sought refuge in Ireland, but seems to have returned, and was probably lurking amidst the dense forests of Cantrevmawr, the great hiding-place of the South Welsh, when the death of Henry I an dthe weak rule of King Stephen inspired the Welsh to make a great attempt to recover their freedom. Gruffydd was now again in close alliance with Gruffydd ab Cynan and his warlike sons, and had married Gwenllian, eldest daughter of the North Welsh king. In January 1136 a great Welsh host poured into Gower, and on 15 April Richard Fitzgislbert was slain by them. Gruffydd hurried into North Wales to obtain the assistance of his brother-in-law, while his wife Gwenllian, 'like an Amazon and a second Penthesilea,' commanded his followers in the south. She was slain in battle by Maurice of London, lord of Kidwelly; Morgan, one of her youthful sons by Gruffydd, perished with her, and a second, Maelgwn, was taken prisoner. But Owain and Cadwaladr, sons of Gruffydd ab Cynan, now came down from the north, destroyed Aberystwith Castle, and in the second week of October they fought along with Gruffydd ab Rhys a great battle near Aberteivi (Cardigan), in which they won a decided victory over Stephen, constable of Aberteivi, 'all the Flemings, all the marchers, and all the French from Abernedd to Aberteivi.' No help came to the vanquished from England, and Gruffydd ab Rhys seems to have been restored to considerable portions of his ancient inheritance. 'After the recovery of his lands,' says the 'Gwentian Brut,' 'Gruffydd son of Rhys made a noble feast in the vale of Towy, and provided every dainty, every disputation in wisdom, and every amusement of vocal and instrumental music, and welcomed the bards and minstrels. And Gruffydd ab Cynan and his sons came to the feast. And after the feast Gruffydd son of Rhys convoked the wise men and scholars and took counsel and established courts in every cantrev and cymmwd. And the French and English were sorry and complained to King Stephen; but as Stephen did not know what to do he gave no answer.'
  
  In 1137 Gruffydd was slain through the treachery of the new wife that had replaced Gwenllian. 'He was' says the 'Brut y Tywysogion,' the light, the strenght, and the gentleness of the men of the south.' In recording his death the monks of the Glamorgan abbey of Margam describe him as king of the men of Dyved. His sons Cadell (d 1175), Anarawd. Maredudd, and the Lord Rhys, succeeded to his precarious and doubtful power. [Dictionary of National Biography VIII:752-3]
  
  __________________________
  
  Gruffydd ap Rhys (c 1090-1137), prince of Deheubarth; son of Rhys ap Tewdwr and Gwladus, daughter of Rhiwallon ap Cynfyn. When the old South Wales monarchy disintegrated on the fall of Rhys ap Tewdwr in 1093, Gruffydd, the infant heir, was taken to Ireland where he was given asylum during childhood and early manhood. When he returned in 1113, the patriotic support of his younger countrymen was made useless by the cautious conduct of elements as yet indisposed to resist the Norman monarchy, including Gruffudd ap Cynan, who was prepared to hand his young kinsman over to Henry I when in 1115 he sought sanctmacry in Gwynedd. The failure of the resistance movement which reached its climax in the open rebellion of 1116 was inevitable. Gruffydd ap Rhys nevertheless reached an accommodation with Henry and was given land in the commote of Caco. Apart from a brief intermission in 1127, involving a second exile in Ireland, he appears to have lived a quiet existence there until after Henry's death. There also no doubt were b Maredudd and Rhys, his sons by Gwenllian, daughter of Gruffudd ap Cynan, Anarawd and Cadell being evidently children of an earlier union. In the general revolt which spread throughout Wales when Henry d., he took a prominent part, being present at the decisive battle of Crug Mawr in 1136. In the following year he d., predeceased by the redoubtable Gwenllian. It fell to the lot of his youngest son, Rhys (1132-1197), to rebuild the family fortunes. [Dictionary of Welsh Biography p318]
  
  === Married ===
  1040
  
  === !Family Records, Salt Lake City, Ut. ===
  !Family Records, Salt Lake City, Ut.
  
  === !GENERAL:Pedigree Resource File CD 4, Pe ===
  !GENERAL:Pedigree Resource File CD 4, Pedigree Resource File CD 4, (Salt Lake City, UT: Intellectual Reserve, Inc., 1999) !GENERAL:Ancestral File (TM), Ancestral File (TM), The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, June 1998 (c), data as of 5 JAN 1998 Repository: Family History Library 35 N West Temple Street, Salt Lake City, UT 84150 USA !GENERAL:Ancestral File (TM), Ancestral File (TM), The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, June 1998 (c), data as of 5 JAN 1998 Repository: Family History Library 35 N West Temple Street, Salt Lake City, UT 84150 USA
  
  === From Ancestral File (TM), data as of 5 J ===
  From Ancestral File (TM), data as of 5 JAN 1998.
  
  === THE ROYAL LINES OF SUCCESSION, P.23; EMI ===
  THE ROYAL LINES OF SUCCESSION, P.23; EMINENT WELSHMEN, P.185; HISTORY OF POWYS GADOG, P.77; THE ROYAL TRIBES OF WALES, P.1 THRU 5; HISTORY OF GWYDIR FAMILY, P.12A; ANCESTRAL FILE, LDS GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY;
  
  === 2 SOUR S003586 3 DATA 4 TEXT Date of ===
  2 SOUR S003586 3 DATA 4 TEXT Date of Import: Jun 28, 2002 2 SOUR S003618 3 DATA 4 TEXT Date of Import: Jul 29, 2002 2 SOUR S003758 3 DATA 4 TEXT Date of Import: Aug 27, 2002 2 SOUR S229184 3 DATA 4 TEXT Date of Import: Dec 3, 2002 !NOTE: 2 william morgan.ged;;;;, Source Media Type: Other. Date of !NOTE: Louisa Hays 03.ged;;;;, Source Media Type: Other. Date of Import: !NOTE: L Hays 8-27-02.FTW;;;;, Source Media Type: Other. Date of Import: !NOTE: Corrie Hale Families 11-18-02.FTW;;;;, Source Media Type: Other. !NOTE: GEDCOM File : Corrie Hale Families 12-4-02.ged !BIRTH: 2 william morgan.ged;;;;, Source Media Type: Other. Date of !BIRTH: Louisa Hays 03.ged;;;;, Source Media Type: Other. Date of Import: !BIRTH: L Hays 8-27-02.FTW;;;;, Source Media Type: Other. Date of Import: !BIRTH: Corrie Hale Families 11-18-02.FTW;;;;, Source Media Type: Other. !DEATH: 2 william morgan.ged;;;;, Source Media Type: Other. Date of !DEATH: Louisa Hays 03.ged;;;;, Source Media Type: Other. Date of Import: !DEATH: L Hays 8-27-02.FTW;;;;, Source Media Type: Other. Date of Import: !DEATH: Corrie Hale Families 11-18-02.FTW;;;;, Source Media Type: Other. !MARRIAGE: GEDCOM File : Corrie Hale Families 12-4-02.ged
  
  === Prince of South Wales, ===
  Prince of South Wales,
  
  === From Ancestral File (TM), data as of 2 J ===
  From Ancestral File (TM), data as of 2 January 1996.
  
  === Prince of So. Wales ===
  Prince of So. Wales
  
  === !#4568-v7-p472,474; v10-p798; ^bornL1> o ===
  !#4568-v7-p472,474; v10-p798; ^bornL1> of Ceulan a Maes-mawr; ^bornL2> Llanfihangel Genau'r Glyn;
  
  === Event: Alt. Birth Alt. Birth Abt 1081 4 ===
  Event: Alt. Birth Alt. Birth Abt 1081 4 Event: Alt. Death Alt. Death 1136 4 Event: Marriage fact Marriage Fact Note: AKA Gruffydd ap Rhys Lord of South Wales
  
  === ALIA: Lord of S. /Wales/, Gruffyd an Rhu ===
  ALIA: Lord of S. /Wales/, Gruffyd an Rhun Birth: ABT. 1090 Death: 1137 Event: Personal Note 1137 Ruled only Cantref Mawr; Killed in battle Father: Rhys ap Tewdwr Mawr b: 1078 Mother: Gwladys verch Rhiwallon Marriage 1 Gwenllian ferch Gruffudd Children Gladys ap Gruffydd Rheinallt ap Gruffudd Anarawd ap Gruffydd Cadell ap Gruffydd Maredudd ap Gruffydd Rhys ap Gruffydd b: ABT. 1133 Sources: Title: "Pedigrees of Anglesey and Carnarvonshire Families" by John Edwards Griffith, 1914 ed. Repository: Call Number: Media: Book Page: pp 280 Text: Agnes, d. of the Lord Rhys ap Gruffydd ap Rhys ap Tewdwr Mawr. Title: "Plantagenet Ancestry of Seventeenth-Century Colonists", David Faris, Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc., 1996 Repository: Call Number: Media: Book Text: Turton's "Plantagenet Ancestry." By about 1125, Gruffudd had entrenched himself in the upper reaches of Ystrad Tywi, where he awaited an opportunity to restore the authority of the house of Dinefwr in Dehubarth. He and his wife were killed during an attack against the English.
  
  === Ancestral File Number: FJGZ-PL ===
  Ancestral File Number: FJGZ-PL
  
  === !#4568-v7-p491 ===
  !#4568-v7-p491
  
  === !#4569-v7-p1160; !ASSUMPTION: place of r ===
  !#4569-v7-p1160; !ASSUMPTION: place of residence unknown, placed here for recording purposes;
  
  === !SEALING: @S19159@ !SEALING: @S19159@ ===
  !SEALING: @S19159@ !SEALING: @S19159@
  
  === Prince of South Wales ===
  Prince of South Wales
  
  === !#4569-v3-p362; v5-p749; ===
  !#4569-v3-p362; v5-p749;
  
  === !#4569-v1-p66*; !Ceran, Fforest Nest, Me ===
  !#4569-v1-p66*; !Ceran, Fforest Nest, Merthyr Tudful;
  
  === Still Living. ===
  Still Living.
  
  === !#4569-v3-p491; ^bornL2> Llanfair Caerei ===
  !#4569-v3-p491; ^bornL2> Llanfair Caereinion;
  
  === !#771> Powys Fadog-v4-p352 (FHL 942.9 D2 ===
  !#771> Powys Fadog-v4-p352 (FHL 942.9 D2l); ^bornL2> Mochnant Uwch Rhaeadr cmt;
  
  === !SOURCE: A History of the Morgan Family ===
  !SOURCE: A History of the Morgan Family FHL book. Returned to Wales from exile in Ireland to fight the Normans in 1113. Married Gwenillian, daughter of Griffith ap Cynan, King of Gwynedd, in 1116. Gwenillian was killed leading her husband's army in an attack on the Norman castle at Kidwelly in 1136; the spot where she fell is named Maes Gwenillian in her honor. GRIFFITH continued the rebellion against the Normans. Their sons were Merideth, Morgan, and RHYS.
  
  === !#772> Archaeologia Cambrensis-5s-v4-p30 ===
  !#772> Archaeologia Cambrensis-5s-v4-p306 (FHL 942.9 B2c); ^bornL2> Mochnant Uwch Rhaeader cmt;
  
  === LORD OF SOUTH WALES. LIVED IN IRELAND U ===
  LORD OF SOUTH WALES. LIVED IN IRELAND UNTIL 25. SUCCEEDED IN 1112.
  
  === From Ancestral File (TM), data as of 2 J ===
  From Ancestral File (TM), data as of 2 January 1996.From Ancestral File (TM), data as of 2 January 1996.From Ancestral File (TM), data as of 2 January 1996.From Ancestral File (TM), data as of 2 January 1996.
  
  === !#4569-v5-p810; ===
  !#4569-v5-p810;
  === Life Sketch ===
  Gruffydd ap Rhys (c. 1081-1137) was King of Deheubarth, in Wales. His sister was the Princess Nest ferch Rhys. He was the father of Rhys ap Gruffydd, known as 'The Lord Rhys', who was one of the most successful rulers of Deheubarth during this period.
  
  «b»Early life«/b»
  Gruffydd was born in Llandeilo. Following the death of his father Rhys ap Tewdwr in 1093, Deheubarth was taken over by the Normans, and Gruffydd spent much of his early years in exile in Ireland.
  
  In 1113 Gruffydd visited Gruffudd ap Cynan, King of Gwynedd, at their family seat at Aberffraw on Ynys Môn. The King of Gwynedd owed an honour debt to the House of Dinefwr, as Gruffydd's father, Rhys ap Tewdwr, had aided Gruffudd ap Cynan in his own bid to reclaim Gwynedd from rivals in 1081. In Aberffraw, Gruffydd ap Tewdwr met Gwenllian, the beautiful youngest daughter of Gwynedd's king. After a brief courtship the couple eloped, with Gwenllian joining Gruffydd ap Rhys on his military campaigns.
  
  After several years, Gruffydd was able to raise enough men to attack a number of Norman castles and towns with some success. However an attack on Aberystwyth was defeated and Gruffydd's army dispersed.
  
  Gruffydd came to terms with King Henry I of England and was allowed to rule a portion of his father's kingdom, the Cantref Mawr, although he was soon under pressure from the Normans again and was forced to flee to Ireland for a period in 1127.
  
  «b»Rebellion«/b»
  In 1136 Gruffydd joined Owain Gwynedd and Cadwaladr, the sons of Gruffudd ap Cynan of Gwynedd, in a rebellion against Norman rule. While Gruffydd was away from home, his wife Gwellian raised an army and attacked the Norman castle of Kidwelly, but was defeated and killed.
  
  Gruffydd himself with Owain and Cadwaladr gained a crushing victory over the Normans at Crug Mawr near Cardigan the same year.
  
  «b»Death and succession«/b»
  In 1137 Gruffydd gained further success in Dyfed, but died shortly afterwards in uncertain circumstances.
  
  Gruffydd had four sons by Gwenllian ferch Gruffydd: Maredudd, Rhys, Morgan, and Maelgwn. He also had two older sons from a previous marriage: Anarawd and Cadell, and at least three daughters: Gwladus, Elizabeth, and Nest. He was followed by his eldest son, Anarawd. Of his other sons, Cadell, Maredydd, and Rhys (later known as The Lord Rhys) all ruled Deheubarth in turn.
  
  === !NOTE: The Church of Jesus Christ of Lat ===
  !NOTE: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Ancestral File (TM); ; June 1998 (c), data as of 5 JAN 1998; ; , Family History Library, 35 N West Temple Street, Salt Lake City, UT 84150 USA
  
  === THE ROYAL LINES OF SUCCESSION, P.23; EMI ===
  THE ROYAL LINES OF SUCCESSION, P.23; EMINENT WELSHMEN, P.185; HISTORY OF POWYS GADOG, P.77; THE ROYAL TRIBES OF WALES, P.1 THRU 5; HISTORY OF GWYDIR FAMILY, P.12A; ANCESTRAL FILE, LDS GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY;
  
  === !LDS Computer Library ===
  !LDS Computer Library
  
  === !SOURCE: A History of the Morgan Family ===
  !SOURCE: A History of the Morgan Family FHL book. Returned to Wales from exile in Ireland to fight the Normans in 1113. Married Gwenillian, daughter of Griffith ap Cynan, King of Gwynedd, in 1116. Gwenillian was killed leading her husband's army in an attack on the Norman castle at Kidwelly in 1136; the spot where she fell is named Maes Gwenillian in her honor. GRIFFITH continued the rebellion against the Normans. Their sons were Merideth, Morgan, and RHYS.
  
  === SOURCE CITATION: Title: Ancestral File ( ===
  SOURCE CITATION: Title: Ancestral File (TM) Author: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Publication Information: July 1996 (c), data as of 2 January 1996 Repository Name: Family History Library Address: 35 N West Temple Street Salt Lake City, UT 84150 USA
  
  === !: SOUR AUTH The Church of Jesus Christ ===
  !: SOUR AUTH The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints TITL Ancestral File(TM) PUBL June 1998 (c), data as of 5 JAN 1998 REPO @R01@ !: SOUR AUTH The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints TITL Ancestral File(TM) PUBL June 1998 (c), data as of 5 JAN 1998 REPO @R01@
  
  === Ancestral File Number: FJGZ-PL ===
  Ancestral File Number: FJGZ-PL
  
  === !#771> Powys Fadog-v4-p352 (FHL 942.9 D2 ===
  !#771> Powys Fadog-v4-p352 (FHL 942.9 D2l); ^bornL2> Mochnant Uwch Rhaeadr cmt;
  
  === Prince of South Wales ===
  Prince of South Wales
  
  === !#4569-v3-p362; v5-p749; ===
  !#4569-v3-p362; v5-p749;
  
  === !SEALING: @S19159@ !SEALING: @S19159@ ===
  !SEALING: @S19159@ !SEALING: @S19159@
  
  === From Ancestral File (TM), data as of 2 J ===
  From Ancestral File (TM), data as of 2 January 1996.From Ancestral File (TM), data as of 2 January 1996.From Ancestral File (TM), data as of 2 January 1996.From Ancestral File (TM), data as of 2 January 1996.
  
  === dead ===
  dead
  
  === From Ancestral File (TM), data as of 5 J ===
  From Ancestral File (TM), data as of 5 JAN 1998.
  
  === !Family Records, Salt Lake City, Ut. ===
  !Family Records, Salt Lake City, Ut.
  
  === !1. Bartrum, 300-1400, Rs ap T. 4, pg. 7 ===
  !1. Bartrum, 300-1400, Rs ap T. 4, pg. 779, 1, pg. 776 and Gruffudd ap Cynan
  
  === .../... * second wife; had children by c ===
  .../... * second wife; had children by concubines, names not known *
  
  === Event: Alt. Birth Alt. Birth Abt 1081 4 ===
  Event: Alt. Birth Alt. Birth Abt 1081 4 Event: Alt. Death Alt. Death 1136 4 Event: Marriage fact Marriage Fact Note: AKA Gruffydd ap Rhys Lord of South Wales
  
  === Ancestral File Number: FJGZ-XS ===
  Ancestral File Number: FJGZ-XS
  
  === Still Living. ===
  Still Living.
  
  === LORD OF SOUTH WALES. LIVED IN IRELAND U ===
  LORD OF SOUTH WALES. LIVED IN IRELAND UNTIL 25. SUCCEEDED IN 1112.
  
  === Married ===
  1040
  
  === wfp Burkes Guide to the Royal Family p 3 ===
  wfp Burkes Guide to the Royal Family p 324 born abt 1090 Prince of Deheubarth
  
  === !#4568-v3-p120,166; v11-p842,843; ===
  !#4568-v3-p120,166; v11-p842,843;
  
  === 2 SOUR S003586 3 DATA 4 TEXT Date of ===
  2 SOUR S003586 3 DATA 4 TEXT Date of Import: Jun 28, 2002 2 SOUR S003618 3 DATA 4 TEXT Date of Import: Jul 29, 2002 2 SOUR S003758 3 DATA 4 TEXT Date of Import: Aug 27, 2002 2 SOUR S229184 3 DATA 4 TEXT Date of Import: Dec 3, 2002 !NOTE: 2 william morgan.ged;;;;, Source Media Type: Other. Date of !NOTE: Louisa Hays 03.ged;;;;, Source Media Type: Other. Date of Import: !NOTE: L Hays 8-27-02.FTW;;;;, Source Media Type: Other. Date of Import: !NOTE: Corrie Hale Families 11-18-02.FTW;;;;, Source Media Type: Other. !NOTE: GEDCOM File : Corrie Hale Families 12-4-02.ged !BIRTH: 2 william morgan.ged;;;;, Source Media Type: Other. Date of !BIRTH: Louisa Hays 03.ged;;;;, Source Media Type: Other. Date of Import: !BIRTH: L Hays 8-27-02.FTW;;;;, Source Media Type: Other. Date of Import: !BIRTH: Corrie Hale Families 11-18-02.FTW;;;;, Source Media Type: Other. !DEATH: 2 william morgan.ged;;;;, Source Media Type: Other. Date of !DEATH: Louisa Hays 03.ged;;;;, Source Media Type: Other. Date of Import: !DEATH: L Hays 8-27-02.FTW;;;;, Source Media Type: Other. Date of Import: !DEATH: Corrie Hale Families 11-18-02.FTW;;;;, Source Media Type: Other. !MARRIAGE: GEDCOM File : Corrie Hale Families 12-4-02.ged
  
  === continues in danielf. file continues in ===
  continues in danielf. file continues in gough.file
  
  === Non-standard gedcom data: 1 HEAL FJGZ- ===
  Non-standard gedcom data: 1 HEAL FJGZ-XS
  
  === !#4569-v5-p810; ===
  !#4569-v5-p810;
  
  === !#4568-v7-p491 ===
  !#4568-v7-p491
  
  === Prince of So. Wales ===
  Prince of So. Wales
  
  === Gwenllian/verch Gruffydd * ===
  Gwenllian/verch Gruffydd *
  
  === ALIA: Lord of S. /Wales/, Gruffyd an Rhu ===
  ALIA: Lord of S. /Wales/, Gruffyd an Rhun Birth: ABT. 1090 Death: 1137 Event: Personal Note 1137 Ruled only Cantref Mawr; Killed in battle Father: Rhys ap Tewdwr Mawr b: 1078 Mother: Gwladys verch Rhiwallon Marriage 1 Gwenllian ferch Gruffudd Children Gladys ap Gruffydd Rheinallt ap Gruffudd Anarawd ap Gruffydd Cadell ap Gruffydd Maredudd ap Gruffydd Rhys ap Gruffydd b: ABT. 1133 Sources: Title: "Pedigrees of Anglesey and Carnarvonshire Families" by John Edwards Griffith, 1914 ed. Repository: Call Number: Media: Book Page: pp 280 Text: Agnes, d. of the Lord Rhys ap Gruffydd ap Rhys ap Tewdwr Mawr. Title: "Plantagenet Ancestry of Seventeenth-Century Colonists", David Faris, Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc., 1996 Repository: Call Number: Media: Book Text: Turton's "Plantagenet Ancestry." By about 1125, Gruffudd had entrenched himself in the upper reaches of Ystrad Tywi, where he awaited an opportunity to restore the authority of the house of Dinefwr in Dehubarth. He and his wife were killed during an attack against the English.
  
  === From Ancestral File (TM), data as of 2 J ===
  From Ancestral File (TM), data as of 2 January 1996.
  
  === Prince of South Wales, ===
  Prince of South Wales,
  
  === !#772> Archaeologia Cambrensis-5s-v4-p30 ===
  !#772> Archaeologia Cambrensis-5s-v4-p306 (FHL 942.9 B2c); ^bornL2> Mochnant Uwch Rhaeader cmt;
  
  === !#4569-v1-p66*; !Ceran, Fforest Nest, Me ===
  !#4569-v1-p66*; !Ceran, Fforest Nest, Merthyr Tudful;
  
  === !Brown book 5, chart R2. Lord Rhys. Brot ===
  !Brown book 5, chart R2. Lord Rhys. Brother to Nesta.
  
  === !#4568-v7-p472,474; v10-p798; ^bornL1> o ===
  !#4568-v7-p472,474; v10-p798; ^bornL1> of Ceulan a Maes-mawr; ^bornL2> Llanfihangel Genau'r Glyn;
  
  === !#4569-v3-p491; ^bornL2> Llanfair Caerei ===
  !#4569-v3-p491; ^bornL2> Llanfair Caereinion;
  
  === Gruffydd was three when his father was k ===
  Gruffydd was three when his father was killed by Normans, and he was given sanctuary in Ireland. He reappeared in Wales in 1113, footloose and disinherited but determined to regain a hold on his father's lands. He was captured, then escaped across Cardigan Bay. His patriotic zeal now enflamed he raised an army (or more appropriately a rabble) of young malcontents. At the start of 1116 they began a series of attacks on Norman castles but Gruffydd had little control over his large force and he was defeated. Eventually Henry I awarded him the lordship of Cantref Mawr, 'the Great Cantref' in Ystrad Tywi. Although he styled himself king, it was a title without authority and an ignominious end to a once great kingdom.
  
  === !GENERAL:Pedigree Resource File CD 4, Pe ===
  !GENERAL:Pedigree Resource File CD 4, Pedigree Resource File CD 4, (Salt Lake City, UT: Intellectual Reserve, Inc., 1999) !GENERAL:Ancestral File (TM), Ancestral File (TM), The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, June 1998 (c), data as of 5 JAN 1998 Repository: Family History Library 35 N West Temple Street, Salt Lake City, UT 84150 USA !GENERAL:Ancestral File (TM), Ancestral File (TM), The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, June 1998 (c), data as of 5 JAN 1998 Repository: Family History Library 35 N West Temple Street, Salt Lake City, UT 84150 USA
  
  === Ruled Deheubarth from 1116-1137, was kil ===
  Ruled Deheubarth from 1116-1137, was killed in battle. - From www.castlewales.com/debarth.html website.
  
  From "The Chronicles of Ystrad Fflur":
  
  1116In this year Gruffudd ap Rhys took the castle near Arberth and burned it. Many young hotheads gravitated to him and they carried off many spoils. And he burnt a castle in Gower and slew many within. And Owain ap Cadwgan was slain.
  
  1123In this year Calixtus II approved the cult of Dewi Sant. And Gruffudd ap Rhys slew Gruffudd ap Sulhaearn.
  
  1127In this year Gruffudd ap Rhys was expelled by king Henry from the portion of land which the king had given him, because he had been accused without cause by the French who were dwelling along with him. And at the close of the year died Daniel, son of Sulien, bishop of Menevia, the man who was mediator between Gwynedd and Powys; and none had found fault with him but rather he was beloved by all.
  
  1137 In this year died Gruffudd ap Rhys, the light and excellence and strength of all South Wales. And Gruffudd ap Cynan, prince of Gwynedd and head and king and defender and pacifier of all Wales, ended his temporal life in Christ after receiving extreme unction and communion and confession and repentance for his sins, and becoming a monk and making a good end in his perfect old age. And for a third time the sons of Gruffudd ap Cynan came to Ceredigion and burned castles.
  
  ___________________________
  
  Gruffydd ab Rhys (d 1137), king or prince of South Wales (Deheubarth), was brought up in Ireland, where in his childhood he had fled with his kinsfolk after the defeat and death of his father Rhys ab Tewdwr, at the hands of Bernard of Neufmarche in 1093. On that fatal day 'fell the kingdom of the Britons,' and nearly all Rhys old kingdom was seized by Norman adventurers. Nest, Rhys' daughter became the bride of Gerald of Windsor, steward of Pembroke. When Gruffydd had grown up to mandhood he became weary of exile and inactivity, and about 1113 he returned to Dyved. For two years he wandered about the country. His return seems to have inspired the conquered Welsh with the hope of regaining their liberty under his rule. It was 'represented that the minds of all the Britons were with him in contempt of the royal title of King Henry's,' and after two years he was 'accused to the king.' His request for a part of his father's lands was refused.
  
  Gruffydd now escaped to North Wales and sought refuge with Gruffydd ab Cynan, the king of Gwynedd. His brother Hywel, who had escaped maimed from the prison of Arnulf of Montgomery, went with him. Gruffydd ab Cynan treated them well at first, but was persmacded by Henry I to give up the fugitived. Gruffydd ab Rhys discovered his treachery, and managed to escape the santmacry of the church of Aberdaron in Lleyn, whence he returned to the south, where 'many foolish young men from every part joined him, being deceived by the desire of spoils or seeking to restore the British kingdom.' He began a vigorous predatory warfare on the French and Flemish settlers in his father's realm. At first he was unsuccessful, but in the spring of 1116 his devastation became so great that they were recorded in the English chronicles. He burnt Narberth Castle, which protected the Flemish district of Dyved from Welsh assaults, and soon after attacked the castle of Llandovery in the vale of Towy, but he only succeeded in burning the outworks. Soon afterwards he failed equally at 'a castle that was near Abertaws' (Swansea). But the smaller Welsh chieftains joined the French, and one of them, Owain ab Caradog, saved the tower of Carmarthen Castle from falling into his hands. Gruffydd then destroyed a castle in Gower, and became so formidable that 'William of London for fear of him left his castle (Kidwelly) and his riches.' Gruffydd was thence invited into Ceredigion, and after defeated the Flemings at Blaenporty Hodnant, marched northwards, destoryed the castle of Ralph, the steward of Earl Gilbert, at Peithyll, and marched against Aberystwith. Owain ab Cadwgan was noow inspired by Henry I to put down 'the thief Gruffydd,' but hs was slain by the Flemings. This failure seems to have secured Gruffydd a position in South Wales.
  
  The chroniclers make no futher mention of Gruffydd for several years, and when he reappears he is in possession of a portion of land which the king had given him. The weak authority of the 'Gwentian Brut' says that in 1121 (probably 1124) he was amde by Henry free lord of 'the vale of Towy, the cantrev of Penwedig in Ceredition, the cantrevs of Caerwedros, Cantrevbychan, Caethinog, Cace, Myves nydd, and other lands, 'but that' the king saw the boundaries were undefined, which furnished him with a pretext to complain of Gruffydd's acts.' But the statement of Giraldus Cambrensis, who was the grandson of Gruffydd's sister, is more probable that in the days of Henry I Gruffydd was only 'lord of a single cymmwd, that of Kaoc in Cantrevmawr.' This seems to be the district of Caio in the modern Carmarthenshrie, among the hills dividing the valleys of the Towy and the teivi. Gruffydd abated nothing of his claims, and Giraldus tells how the very wild fowl of Llangorse Lake testified that he was the rightful prince of South Wales. In 1127 Gruffydd was expelled from his modest lordship 'after he had been undeservedly accused by the French.' He again sought refuge in Ireland, but seems to have returned, and was probably lurking amidst the dense forests of Cantrevmawr, the great hiding-place of the South Welsh, when the death of Henry I an dthe weak rule of King Stephen inspired the Welsh to make a great attempt to recover their freedom. Gruffydd was now again in close alliance with Gruffydd ab Cynan and his warlike sons, and had married Gwenllian, eldest daughter of the North Welsh king. In January 1136 a great Welsh host poured into Gower, and on 15 April Richard Fitzgislbert was slain by them. Gruffydd hurried into North Wales to obtain the assistance of his brother-in-law, while his wife Gwenllian, 'like an Amazon and a second Penthesilea,' commanded his followers in the south. She was slain in battle by Maurice of London, lord of Kidwelly; Morgan, one of her youthful sons by Gruffydd, perished with her, and a second, Maelgwn, was taken prisoner. But Owain and Cadwaladr, sons of Gruffydd ab Cynan, now came down from the north, destroyed Aberystwith Castle, and in the second week of October they fought along with Gruffydd ab Rhys a great battle near Aberteivi (Cardigan), in which they won a decided victory over Stephen, constable of Aberteivi, 'all the Flemings, all the marchers, and all the French from Abernedd to Aberteivi.' No help came to the vanquished from England, and Gruffydd ab Rhys seems to have been restored to considerable portions of his ancient inheritance. 'After the recovery of his lands,' says the 'Gwentian Brut,' 'Gruffydd son of Rhys made a noble feast in the vale of Towy, and provided every dainty, every disputation in wisdom, and every amusement of vocal and instrumental music, and welcomed the bards and minstrels. And Gruffydd ab Cynan and his sons came to the feast. And after the feast Gruffydd son of Rhys convoked the wise men and scholars and took counsel and established courts in every cantrev and cymmwd. And the French and English were sorry and complained to King Stephen; but as Stephen did not know what to do he gave no answer.'
  
  In 1137 Gruffydd was slain through the treachery of the new wife that had replaced Gwenllian. 'He was' says the 'Brut y Tywysogion,' the light, the strenght, and the gentleness of the men of the south.' In recording his death the monks of the Glamorgan abbey of Margam describe him as king of the men of Dyved. His sons Cadell (d 1175), Anarawd. Maredudd, and the Lord Rhys, succeeded to his precarious and doubtful power. [Dictionary of National Biography VIII:752-3]
  
  __________________________
  
  Gruffydd ap Rhys (c 1090-1137), prince of Deheubarth; son of Rhys ap Tewdwr and Gwladus, daughter of Rhiwallon ap Cynfyn. When the old South Wales monarchy disintegrated on the fall of Rhys ap Tewdwr in 1093, Gruffydd, the infant heir, was taken to Ireland where he was given asylum during childhood and early manhood. When he returned in 1113, the patriotic support of his younger countrymen was made useless by the cautious conduct of elements as yet indisposed to resist the Norman monarchy, including Gruffudd ap Cynan, who was prepared to hand his young kinsman over to Henry I when in 1115 he sought sanctmacry in Gwynedd. The failure of the resistance movement which reached its climax in the open rebellion of 1116 was inevitable. Gruffydd ap Rhys nevertheless reached an accommodation with Henry and was given land in the commote of Caco. Apart from a brief intermission in 1127, involving a second exile in Ireland, he appears to have lived a quiet existence there until after Henry's death. There also no doubt were b Maredudd and Rhys, his sons by Gwenllian, daughter of Gruffudd ap Cynan, Anarawd and Cadell being evidently children of an earlier union. In the general revolt which spread throughout Wales when Henry d., he took a prominent part, being present at the decisive battle of Crug Mawr in 1136. In the following year he d., predeceased by the redoubtable Gwenllian. It fell to the lot of his youngest son, Rhys (1132-1197), to rebuild the family fortunes. [Dictionary of Welsh Biography p318]
  
  === !#4569-v7-p1160; !ASSUMPTION: place of r ===
  !#4569-v7-p1160; !ASSUMPTION: place of residence unknown, placed here for recording purposes;

1. Rhys ap Gruffydd, b. 1123 in Dinefwr Castle, Llandilio, Carmarthenshire, Wales     d. 28 APR 1197 in Pebidiog, Pembrokeshire, Wales

1. Rhys ap Gruffydd, b. 1123 in Dinefwr Castle, Llandilio, Carmarthenshire, Wales     d. 28 APR 1197 in Pebidiog, Pembrokeshire, Wales

1. Title: Gruffydd ap Rhys, "Find A Grave Index"
   Author: "Find A Grave Index," database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:6FY3-Y6LM : 20 October 2022), Gruffydd ap Rhys, ; Burial, , ; citing record ID 239899197, Find a Grave, http://www.findagrave.com.
   Publication: Name: https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:6FY3-Y6LM;
   
2. Title: Findagrave.com
   Publication: Name: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/239899197/gruffydd_ap-rhys;