Who is Who in Wales at the end of the Eleventh Century

Source: Wikipedia

The most important kingdoms of Wales at the end of the 11th century.

At the end of the 11th century,  the land we now call Wales was not a unified nation but rather a collection of several distinct kingdoms, each with its own rulers. While the Welsh people had a shared culture, of which they were fiercely proud, the kingdoms were in a state of flux.  The Normans had taken advantage of shifting alliances among the kingdoms and fanned the conflict between them to their own advantage.  

Below is an outline of who was who in twelfth-century Wales.

Gwynedd

Gwynedd was one of the most prominent and powerful kingdoms in Wales during the early 12th century. Its ruling dynasty, the House of Aberffraw, held sway over much of northern and western Wales. Gruffydd ap Cynan took Gwynedd into a period of stability that lasted from the late 11th century through to his death in 1137 when his son continued to assist Gwynedd in enjoying prosperity. Strong alliances with Ireland and Norway were important at this time as was Gruffydd’s diplomatic dealings with the Norman king of England Henry 1. Gwynedd became well-known throughout Europe for the flourishing of its culture especially the poetry of the bards who entertained the nobility and whose works spread the fame of its rulers.

Powys

Powys, located in eastern Wales was a very significant kingdom in 1100. It was a kingdom very often caught up in power struggles with the Marcher Lords, the Norman lords who had established themselves along the border between England and Wales.  The sons of Bleddyn ap Cynfyn of the House of Mathrafal traced their lineage back to the early Welsh kings and were powerful rulers of Powys. Cadwgan ap Bleddyn, in particular, fought against the Normans with Gruffydd ap Cynan of Aberffraw. His brothers Iorwerth and Maredudd were also kings.

Dehuebarth

Deheubarth, situated in the southwestern part of Wales was a kingdom known for its turbulent history. It was often divided into smaller regions and various rulers vied for control.  Rhys ap Tewdwr was the last real king of Dehuebarth and his death in 1093 saw the Normans take over much of his land. His son Griffith ap Rhys was spirited away to Ireland until he was of an age to contest his kingship and his life was spent fighting toward that end.

Morgannwg

Morgannwg was a coastal kingdom in the southern part of Wales. It was a region heavily influenced by the presence of Norman lords who had established control over many areas. The Welsh rulers of Morgannwg often had to navigate between Welsh and Norman interests. Iestyn ap Gwrgant, of the House of Morgannwg,  was the last ruler who grappled with the complexities of his kingdom’s political landscape from his seat of government in Cardiff. His lineage stretched back over five centuries to Tewdrig and his house had links through marriage to the descendants of the great king, Rhodri Mawr. Iestyn’s mistake was in inviting the Normans into his kingdom to assist him with a dispute with one of his enemies but once in they never left!

Brycheiniog, Gwent, and the other smaller kingdoms

For the most part, the smaller kingdoms were caught between the Norman might and their larger neighbouring kingdoms. It became increasingly hard for them to rule with real authority. Nevertheless, the rulers in the various kingdoms were respected in Wales and fought to maintain their culture.

If you are interested in historical fiction you may wish to read two books covering this period in Welsh history: ‘The Welsh Traitor’s Daughter ‘ and the sequel, ‘The Welsh Warrior’s Inheritance’.