Brian D. George:Information about Gwenllian Ferch Gruffydd
Gwenllian Ferch Gruffydd (d. 1136)
Notes for Gwenllian Ferch Gruffydd:Gwenllian (died 1136) was the daughter of the Welsh ruler Gruffydd ap Cynan (hence the sister of Owain Gwynedd), and the wife of Gruffydd ap Rhys, Prince of Deheubarth.
A revolt spread through South Wales in 1136 as a result of the death of Henry 1st. and the ensuing rivalry between Stephen and Matilda. Gruffydd ap Rhys set off to North Wales to enlist the help of his father-in-law, Gruffydd ap Cynan. In the absence of her husband, Gwenllian led out an army against the Norman English of the Lordship of Cydweli (Kidwelly) commanded by Maurice de Londres, she was defeated and killed.
This has led some, rather exaggerating her historical significance, to christen her "the Welsh Boadicea". The field where the battle is believed to have taken place, close to Kidwelly Castle and north of the town, is known as "Maes Gwenllian". A spring in the field is also named after her, supposedly welling up where her head fell when she was executed. She had two of her four sons with her, Morgan and Maelgwn, the former was slain and the latter captured. Gwenllian's youngest son went on to become a notable leader, The Lord Rhys.
This is the only known example of a woman leading a Welsh army into battle. The total defeat was severe setback for the Welsh cause in this region.
There are several notable artistic depictions of Gwenllian. However, she is often confused with Gwenllian ferch Llywelyn, who lived two centuries later.
Children of Gwenllian Ferch Gruffydd and Gruffydd Ap Rhys are:
- +Rhys Ap Gruffydd, b. 1132, d. 28 Apr 1197.