Who was the Welsh Traitor's Daughter?

Wales is full of myths, legends as well as fabulous tales but the story of Angharad, the daughter of the Welsh traitor, Owain Fradwr, has been little told. Angharad was the Queen of Gwynydd from around 1098 to 1137. When her son, Owain Gwynydd, succeeded his father, her influence was still great enough that Owain was bereft on her death in 1162.

Angharad, a fitting name meaning ‘much loved’ was brought up in Tegeingl, an area in modern-day Flintshire. Her father, Owain ap Edwin was proud of his heritage citing ancestors from both Welsh and Saxon royalty. Angharad was brought up as a god-fearing lady known for her piety, generosity, charity, and eloquence. It also helped that she was beautiful. Angharad was blonde, tall, long- limbed and with musician’s fingers perfect for playing the harp. Here is where part of the mystery comes in. Angharad did indeed marry well. She married Gruffydd ap Cynan who was the king of Gwynedd and a famed warrior.

A daughter with such advantages was a huge asset to her father and he would have wanted her to marry well thus enhancing the family’s fortunes. Gruffydd, however, was betrayed to the Normans in 1098 by none other than her own father Owain ap Edwin, or as he then became known, Owain Fradwr (Owain the Traitor). Darrell Wolcott has written a very interesting article on Owain here.

Owain’s treachery meant that Grufydd needed to flee into exile in Ireland. After Gruffydd’s return, it took many years to repair the damage to Anglesey as well as to restore the confidence of its people. We are uncertain as to when Angharad married Gruffydd but if it was before 1098 why would Owain betray his son-in-law and daughter? If it was after 1098 then why would Gruffydd chose to marry the daughter of such a traitor?

Angharad lived at a time that was undergoing huge change as Norman influences put pressure on the Welsh. It was also a time when Wales was renowned throughout Europe for its learning and culture. Wales was in fact one of the only countries to write its stories in Welsh rather than just in Latin. Constant warmongering drove insecurity among the countries of Europe. It was also a time beset by plague, famine and subsequent poverty. Gwynedd, however, grew prosperous and powerful under Gruffydd and Angharad’s careful management. Despite this, the threat of the Normans was ever near and, at times, the family needed to flee to safety in the mountains.

Angharad went on to become the mother of eight beautiful children, some of whom found fame in their own right. As a parent, she experienced grief and loss and as a queen, she needed to navigate difficulties she could not have imagined as a child.

Her story is the story of a woman surviving against the odds in a difficult world in which she managed to bring joy and gain the respect and love of those who knew her.

Angharad’s life inspired me to write, ‘The Welsh Traitor’s Daughter’ and if you would like to delve into Wales in the Middle Ages it is worth the read.