Hywel Dda Worksheets
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Summary
- Background and early life
- Reign
- Legacy
Key Facts And Information
Let’s find out more about Hywel Dda!
Hywel Dda descended from Rhodri the Great, who was the first to rule a significant portion of present-day Wales. He became the ruler of Dyfed in 904/905 and inherited Seisyllwg from his father in 920. By the latter part of his reign, he became king of almost all of Wales, except for Glywysing and Gwent, owing to his strategic decisions and alliance. He is remembered for the codification of traditional Welsh law, which resulted in the Laws of Hywel Dda. His legal code was used across Wales over the centuries following his death in 949/950. Whilst it was completely abolished in the 16th century, it survived as an important symbol of Welsh identity.
An imaginary portrait of Hywel Dda by Hugh Williams, 1909
Background and early life of Hywel Dda
- Born around 880–890, Hywel Dda, also known as Hywel ap Cadell, was one of the four known sons of Cadell ap Rhodri, King of Seisyllwg, who is regarded as the founder of the Welsh royal House of Dinefwr. Cadell was the son of Rhodri Mawr of Gwynedd, also called Rhodri the Great.
- At the time of Hywel’s birth, Wales was divided into several kingdoms, each with a different ruler.
- Some rulers expanded their influence over other Welsh territories, often conquering the lands of their rivals.
- Internal conflicts and external pressure from the English, as well as the inheritance system practised in Wales, prevented Welsh unity.
- Consequently, for a sole ruler to govern the whole country during the early medieval period became exceedingly rare.
- The first to rule a significant portion of present-day Wales was Hywel’s grandfather, Rhodri, in the 9th century. However, his realms were not solely transferred to just one heir on his death, leading to more divisions.
- The kingdom of Seisyllwg, which included Ceredigion and Ystrad Tywi, was left without a ruler in the 870s. Rhodri did not have a strong claim to this kingdom, but was able to establish his son Cadell as a subject king.
- In 904/905, Hywel joined his father in conquering Dyfed and was subsequently installed as the ruler in that region. This position was secured by his marriage to Elen, daughter of Llywarch ap Hyfaidd, King of Dyfed.
- In 909, Cadell died and left the kingdom of Seisyllwg to his sons Hywel and Clydog. The two brothers appeared to have governed this territory together. When Clydog died around 918/920, Hywel ruled the whole realm solely. Around the same time, he paid homage to Edward the Elder, King of the Anglo-Saxons from 899 until 924.
Reign
- Hywel soon merged Seisyllwg and Dyfed and created for himself a new kingdom, which became known as Deheubarth. This proved to be the first notable event of his reign. He ensured that Deheubarth dominated the diverse Welsh kingdoms.
- In 928, Hywel became the first Welsh ruler to undertake a pilgrimage to Rome. In the same year, his wife died.
- Upon his return from the trip, he formed close relationships with the king of the English, Æthelstan.
- Æthelstan was determined to establish his authority and influence across Britain. Hywel’s agreeing to be subservient to Æthelstan meant keeping peace with the neighbouring country. He took advantage of this relationship whenever possible.
- His cousin Idwal Foel, King of Gwynedd, also allied with Æthelstan, visiting the English court and signing charters a few times.
- In fact, both Hywel and Idwal supported the English king’s invasion of Scotland and marched against the kingdoms of Alba and Strathclyde in 934, following the collapse of the concordat between Æthelstan and the northern kings
- In 939, Æthelstan died and was succeeded by his half-brother Edmund I. The new English king also inherited overlordship over the kings of Wales.
- Idwal appeared to have capitalised on Edmund I’s initial vulnerability to withhold his allegiance. He also believed that Hywel’s primary aim for his English alliance was to take over Gwynedd. He feared that the English would back Hywel in ousting him.
Map of the extent of Hywel’s power
- In 942, Idwal mounted an attack against the English in Wales along with his brother Elisedd. Idwal and Elisedd were killed in battle.
- In accordance with custom, the throne should have passed to Idwal’s sons, Iago and Ieuaf. However, Hywel saw this as an opportunity to expand his authority and invaded Gwynedd between 942 and 950. He also sent Idwal’s sons into exile in order to establish himself as ruler over Gwynedd.
- Around the same time, Hywel captured Powys from Llywelyn ap Merfyn.
- Consequently, Hywel became king of almost all of Wales, except for Glywysing and Gwent in the south.
- Hywel maintained friendly relations with England. In 945, he backed Edmund I’s invasion of Strathclyde. In about 946, he became the only Welsh ruler to issue coins from a mint in Chester. The coin was likely produced as a gesture by the English to the Welsh ruler. Hywel integrated ideas about government from studying English law. His approach to state-building solidified his place in Welsh history.
Legacy
- In 949/950, Hywel died and his territories were soon divided. Gwynedd was recovered by Idwal’s sons Iago and Ieuaf, while Deheubarth was shared between Hywel’s sons Owain, Rhodri and Edwin. Hywel’s reign is known for a long period of peace with England, owing to his strategic decision and alliance. However, what set Hywel apart from other medieval Welsh kings was the codification of traditional Welsh law.
- The codification of what became known as Cyfraith Hywel or Laws of Hywel Dda is believed to have occurred at Whitland around the 940s. Hywel intended to draw up a code that could be applied across his entire realm.
- This was the first time that traditional Welsh law was consolidated, since it had been originally passed down verbally by jurists and bards over many centuries.
- The earliest surviving manuscripts of Hywel’s legal code date from the early 13th century and are written in Latin rather than in Welsh.
- It was revised by a few rulers, particularly the 11th-century Welsh king Bleddyn ap Cynfyn. It was also updated by jurists in response to changing circumstances and in order to reflect local adaptations.
- Consequently, the surviving manuscripts are unlikely to be an accurate portrayal of Hywel’s first code.
- In the 10th-12th centuries, the legal code became standard throughout Deheubarth, Gwynedd, Powys, and other Welsh territories. Multiple legal manuscripts were produced during this period.
- Furthermore, the laws were divided into two main branches, such as the Latin and Welsh Redactions.
- Major versions of the laws were written down. Increasing clerical influence on Welsh law was apparent.
Notable features of the Laws of Hywel Dda
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- Welsh society was categorised into five classes, each with distinct rights and responsibilities. The privileges, penalties, and obligations due by law varied with the social status of the person concerned.
- Women were granted more rights compared to many contemporary legal systems, particularly in relation to marriage and separation, inheritance rights and protection from abuse.
- Compensation was emphasised over punitive measures for any breach of the law. Detailed compensation scales were established for various injuries. Meanwhile, murder was normally dealt with by a payment to the family of the deceased.
- Property laws were designed to ensure fair distribution. Upon a landowner's death, land was divided equally among sons, both legitimate and illegitimate, provided they were acknowledged by the father.
- Justice was administered through a tiered court system. Judges, often professionals, played a key role in maintaining order and ensuring the laws were upheld.
- Following the Edwardian conquest of Wales, the Statute of Rhuddlan (1284) replaced most Welsh law with English common law, particularly in criminal and administrative matters. Meanwhile, Welsh civil law remained in use in some areas. In the succeeding centuries, the Laws of Hywel Dda continued to be consulted and used in local courts, particularly for civil cases. When the Acts of Union in 1535 and 1542 officially annexed Wales to England, the use of Welsh law in official courts was abolished, and English law was imposed as the only legal system. Whilst their legal use declined, the Laws of Hywel Dda served as an important symbol of Welsh identity and cultural heritage.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hywel Dda
- Who was Hywel Dda?
Hywel Dda (Hywel the Good) was a 10th-century Welsh king who ruled much of Wales and is best known for codifying native Welsh laws. He was a just and wise ruler who promoted peace and unity in Wales.
- What was Hywel Dda famous for?
Hywel Dda is most famous for creating the "Laws of Hywel Dda" — a codified legal system that was progressive for its time. These laws emphasised fairness, compensation over punishment, and women's rights.
- Did Hywel Dda have contact with other nations?
Yes. He is recorded as the first Welsh ruler to have made a pilgrimage to Rome. He also maintained peaceful relations with the Anglo-Saxon king Æthelstan of England.