Gruffydd ap Cynan: more than a fine Welsh warrior

The Middle Ages seems to be a time so far away that many of the heroes and heroines of that time are largely overlooked. If you are interested in true Welsh heroes, though, it would be a mistake to overlook Gruffydd ap Cynan. In the Middle Ages he was famous enough to have a book written about him.

I first discovered Gruffydd ap Cynan when I was looking into Gwenllian, the Welsh warrior princess. I wondered what in Gwenllian’s upbringing had led her to become a woman who inspired the whole of Wales. I discovered an interesting article by Darrell Wolcott http://www.ancientwalesstudies.org/id46.html

which talks about Gruffydd ap Cynan, Gwenllian’s father and the more research I did, the more fascinating Gruffydd became.

Gruffydd grew up in the Royal House of Aberffraw on Anglesey until his father who would have been heir to the throne died when Gruffydd was spirited away to Ireland to the protection of his mother’s family. At that time there was much competition for the throne and it would be easy for a child to fall sick or succumb to a nasty accident leaving the way clear.

In Wales you were not considered old enough to rule until you were 28 years old and by the time he reached that age, Gruffydd was not only a formidable warrior but a man of culture. Things were not so simple for Gruffydd , however, and in order to achieve his kingship in Gwynedd, he needed to prove that he was indeed a warrior of note and gain acceptance and recognition not only from the Welsh but also from the Normans.

Gruffydd lived at a time when the Norman Marcher Lords had run through Wales taking land by force and showing little respect for the Welsh. The way in which the Normans threatened Welsh people and culture infuriated Gruffydd ap Cynan and he garnered support enough to inflame rebellion against the Norman overlords. From 1093 to 1098 he fought in many battles, becoming a thorn in the side of the Normans to such an extent that they sent a mighty army to destroy him and the Island of Anglesey from where he ruled. The Normans were assisted by Owain ap Edwin, later known as Owain the Traitor (Owain Fradwr) father of Gruffydd’s wife Angharad. Despite the betrayal, Gruffydd returned stronger than ever, restoring Gwynedd to prosperity.

Gruffydd was a strategist and throughout his life he tried to create peaceful but powerful alliances. He chose his wife, Angharad, daughter of the powerful Lord of Tegeingl, known for her beauty, kindness and generosity in order to cement his strength in Gwynedd. He also cultivated ties with Ireland and Norway, both powerful at the time, as well as with other Welsh kingdoms.

Gruffydd’s contribution to the Welsh church saw him highly praised and his body now lies in honour in Bangor Cathedral. Little whitewashed churches were built all over Gwynedd because of Gruffydd’s support. He was also largely responsible for introducing Irish bards to enhance the works of the Welsh bards for whom he was a major benefactor.

More than what he accomplished himself, Gruffydd provided a safe sanctuary where others could flourish, including his children. If you would like to learn more about this remarkable man and the exciting times he lived in, ‘The Welsh Traitor’s Daughter’ is an easy read.