| Notes |
- Llywelyn, grandson of Owain Gwynedd, was born in 1173, probably at
Dolwyddelan. In 1194 Llywelyn defeated his uncle, Dafydd, whom the
English authorities regarded as Owain Gwynedds successor. He went on
to claim the rest of Gwynedd following the death of his cousin,
Gruffydd, in 1200. By the following year, he was master of the
principality. Llywelyn swore an oath of allegiance to King John in
1201 and at first their relationship was a cordial one, Llywelyn
marrying King Johns daughter, Joan, in 1205.
During the following years, Llywelyn extended his authority in Wales
by gaining land in various parts of the country. But although he was
careful not to antagonise his father-in-law he faced a ferocious
attack by him in 1211 when he stormed across the Conwy to Aber and
Bangor which was burned, Llywelyn was forced to surrender and his
authority severely curtailed. After that, about the Calends of
August, the king (John) returned to Wales in fiercer mood and with a
larger host, and he built many castles in Gwynedd. And across the
river Conwy he went towards the mountains of Eryri. And he incited
some of his host to burn Bangor... And then Llywelyn, being unable to
suffer the oppression of the king, by the council of his leading men,
sent to the king his wife, who was daughter to the king, to make peace
between him and the king on whatsoever terms she could.
But he quickly recovered, exploiting King Johns struggle with his
barons and regained and increased his power. In 1215 he even captured
the important town of Shrewsbury. After King Johns death in 1216,
Llywelyn faced a less formidable English king, his brother-in-law,
Henry III, and during the following quarter of a century both remained
on generally friendly terms. 1215 - And then Llywelyn ap Iorwerth and
the Welsh made for Shrewsbury; and without resistance the town and
castle were surrendered to him.
During the last 20 years of his life, Llywelyn dominated and led most
of native Wales (Pura Wallia), dealing without too much difficulty
with Henry III`s somewhat half hearted attempts to assert his
authority. Llywelyn`s ability to develop and increase the military
and economic strength within Wales is considered to be a key factor in
his success.
Llywelyn died in April 1240 having succeeded 20 years earlier in
gaining Henry III`s support for he feudal rule of succession. This
stated that a single heir should inherit his fathers estate rather
than dividing it among the sons of the deceased ruler. Llywelyn and
Joans son, Dafydd, therefore succeeded him.
The first Prince of Wales who defeated his uncle Dafydd in 1194 and
was acknowledged as overlord by other Welsh princes. At first
Llywelyn was on good terms with King John of England and he married
King John's daughter Joan in 1206. However, after King John attacked
him in 1210, Llywelyn allied hinself with the barons who opposed King
John. When the barons pressured King John to sigh the Magna Charta in
1215, the rights of Llywelyn and the Welsh were recognised.
Llywelyn ap Gruffydd ap Llywelyn Fawr, also known as "Llywelyn the
Last", Prince of Wales from 1246 to 1282). Llywelyn paid homage to
King Henry III in 1247, but after rebelling several times he was
killed in battle on December 11, 1282 during the reign of King Edward
I. Llwelyn was the last of the Welsh princes to rule over an
independent Wales.
Gwladus Ddu "the Dark".
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1173 - 1240 (67 years)