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Birth:          ABT 1081 Llandeilo, Carmarthenshire, Wales
Death:          1137 

Notes
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gruffydd_ap_Rhys
Gruffydd ap Rhys (c. 1081 – 1137)[1] 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.
Early life[edit]

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.

Rebellion[edit]

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.

Death and succession[edit]

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.

Parents
AP TEWDYR Rhys (ABT 1010 - 1093)
VERCH RHIWALLON Gwladus (ABT 1041 - )

Siblings
VERCH RHYS Nest (1073 - BEF 1136)
AP RHYS Gruffudd (ABT 1081 - 1137)

Marriage To VERCH GRUFFYDD Gwenllian II (ABT 1100 - 1136)
    m.  

Notes

Parents
AP CYNAN Gruffydd (1055 - 1137)
VERCH OWAIN Angharad (ABT 1065 - 1162)

Children by VERCH GRUFFYDD Gwenllian II ABT 1100 - 1136
AP GRUFFYDD Rhys (1132 - AFT 24 Apr 1197)

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