Who was Griffith ap Rhys?
Griffith ap Rhys, a man forged in the crucible of tragedy, witnessed his father, Rhys ap Tewdwr, the king of Deheubarth, fall to the Normans. This cataclysmic event cast him into exile in Ireland, a period that would shape his character and fuel his unyielding quest to reclaim his family’s lands and honour and to secure freedom for his people.
Born amidst tumultuous times in the picturesque town of Llandeilo, Gruffydd’s family had seen how the Norman conquest of Wales swept through the land. His father, Rhys, had made peace with the Normans, paying them so that he could keep what was his. Sadly, despite all agreements, Rhys was killed at Easter 1093, and his family was taken captive, other than Griffith, who was spirited to Ireland.
After a prolonged absence, Griffith ap Rhys returned to his homeland around 1113. He sought refuge with his sister Nest, who had married Gerald of Windsor, a prominent landowner under King Henry of England. It was during this time, amidst the very people who had taken his family captive, that Griffith's resolve to reclaim his homeland from foreign rule grew stronger.
Griffith’s return to Wales was a turning point, attracting a wave of displaced men eager to join his cause. He also demonstrated his political savvy, forging strong alliances, notably with Gruffydd ap Cynan, King of Gwynedd. Some historians, like Darrell Woolcott, speculate that this alliance was cemented through Griffith’s marriage to Gruffydd ap Cynan’s daughter, Gwenllian.
Griffith's life was not without its share of dramatic events. It has been suggested that Gruffydd ap Cynan was summoned to the court of King Henry and persuaded to betray Griffith ap Rhys. This led to a tense situation where Griffith was forced to find sanctuary in the church at Aberdaron, narrowly escaping the troops of Gruffydd ap Cynan. Darrell Woolcott suggests, however, and I agree with him, that the betrayal is unlikely and probably something conjured up to appease King Henry, adding a layer of intrigue to Griffith's story.
Upon leaving Aberdaron , Griffith embarked on a relentless assault on the Norman castles in Wales. His strategic brilliance and unwavering determination led to the successful capture of Llanmyddyfri, Swansea, Carmarthen, and Kidwelly. However, his attempt at Aberystwyth Castle proved less fruitful. Despite these setbacks, Griffith managed to reclaim a small part of his father’s kingdom in the Cantref Mawr. Yet, the call of Ireland was strong, and he was forced to return in 1127, a testament to his resilience and military prowess.
On his return from Ireland, Gruffydd continued his attacks on the Normans and Flemings. Unfortunately, in 1136, while he joined the sons of Gruffydd ap Cynan in a major move, his wife Gwenllian led her troops against the Normans in Kidwelly and was defeated and beheaded. In revenge, Gruffydd and his allies defeated the Normans at Crug Mawr and celebrated the victory for 40 nights.
Sadly, Gruffydd’s life came to an abrupt end shortly after when he died in suspicious circumstances, but following and exceeding his father, his son Lord Rhys was to become one of Wales’ greatest warriors.
Griffith ap Rhys was a great example of how the human spirit can rise against all odds. I have chosen to spell his name ‘Griffith’ to differentiate him from Gruffydd ap Cynan, but most historians write his name as ‘Gruffydd’. He and his wife, Gwenllian, fought tirelessly against the foreign invaders who chose to settle their lands at a tough time in history.
If you would like to immerse yourself in the time of Wales in the Middle Ages, you might enjoy ‘The Welsh Traitor’s Daughter’ and ‘The Welsh Warrior’s Inheritance’.