Rhys ap Gruffudd, Prince of Deheubarth c.1132–1197 WJEC GCSE

Background: Wales at the start of the twelfth century

Learners should be aware of:

• the significance of Norman conquest and rule, the extent of Norman success in subduing Wales and the creation of the March
• important features of life in Wales in the twelfth century, from religion to the nature of its economy, society and culture.

1.1.1 The family background of Rhys ap Gruffudd

Learners should understand:

• the ancestry of Rhys ap Gruffudd, including:
  • the claim of his father, Gruffydd ap Rhys, to the kingdom of Deheubarth
  • the significance of his mother, Gwenllian ferch Gruffydd ap Cynan, a princess of Gwynedd
• the nature and importance of Rhys’s relationship with his brothers, including:
  • the campaigns and death of his half-brother Anarawd in 1143
  • the importance of his surviving brothers Maredudd and Cadell
• the rule of Rhys ap Gruffudd, including:
  • how and why he became ruler of Deheubarth in 1155
  • the importance of his marriage to Gwenllian ferch Madog ap Maredudd, daughter of the Prince of Powys.

1.1.2 The importance of warfare in shaping South Wales between 1146 and 1170

Learners should understand:

• the nature and extent of the Kingdom of Deheubarth, in the early twelfth century, including:
  • the loss of Deheubarth to the Normans in 1093 following the death of Rhys ap Tewdwr
  • the attempt to reclaim Deheubarth territories in 1116 and 1136
• the significance of the wars with Gwynedd, including:
  • the capture of Carmarthen Castle in 1145 and the castle at Tenby in 1153
  • the recapture of Ceredigion from Gwynedd in 1153
• the revolt against English rule, including:
  • the campaigns against England, 1158–1170
  • the outcome of the revolt.

1.1.3 Establishing a peace with Henry II, c.1170–1189

Learners should understand:

• how and why relations with Henry II were developed, including:
  • Rhys’s role as Justiciar from 1172
  • the importance of the Royal Councils at Gloucester, 1175 and Oxford, 1177
• the reasons for and significance of castles and castle building, including:
  • Cardigan Castle, the venue for the first Eisteddfod, held in 1176
  • Dinefwr Castle, the family’s ancestral home
• the importance of religion, including:
  • the patronage of abbeys including Strata Florida
  • support for Gerald of Wales and for the Third Crusade.

1.1.4 The reasons for and impact of further outbreaks of warfare between 1189 and 1196

Learners should understand:

• increasing problems between Rhys and King Richard I of England
  • Prince John’s visit to Rhys to avoid conflict in 1189
  • Richard’s refusal to meet Rhys at Oxford and its implications for his status as a ruler in Wales
• the events and impact of war on Norman neighbours, including:
  • the attacks on Pembroke, Haverfordwest and Gower in 1189
  • the capturing of the castles of St Clears, Laugharne, Llansteffan and Nevern
• Rhys’s successful final campaign, including:
  • capturing the castles at Carmarthen, Colwyn and Radnor
  • defeating the army of Roger de Mortimer and Hugh de Say at Radnor.

1.1.5 The death and legacy of Rhys ap Gruffudd

Learners should understand:

• Rhys’s disputes with his sons and heirs, including:
  • difficult relations with his son, Maelgwn
  • the imprisoning of his sons Rhys Gryg and Maredudd
• the events leading up to the death of Rhys in 1197, including:
  • the cause of death and its immediate impact
  • Rhys’s status at his death: excommunicate, his scourging and his burial at St David’s
• the legacy of Rhys ap Gruffudd, including:
  • the dispute over the succession – the challenge to Gruffudd ap Rhys by Maelgwn
  • Deheubarth becoming a client state of Gwynedd.