Gwenllian ferch Gruffydd | |
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Princess consort of Deheubarth | |
Born | c. 1100 Aberffraw, Ynys Môn, Kingdom of Gwynedd |
Died | 1136 (aged 35–36) Kidwelly Castle, Cydweli, Wales |
Spouse | Gruffydd ap Rhys, Prince of Deheubarth |
Issue | Morgan ap Gruffydd Maelgwyn ap Gruffydd Rhys ap Gruffydd |
House | Aberffraw |
Father | Gruffudd ap Cynan |
Mother | Angharad ferch Owain |
Gwenllian ferch Gruffydd (Gwenllian, daughter of Gruffydd, c. 1100 – 1136) was Princess consort of Deheubarth in Wales, and married to Gruffydd ap Rhys, Prince of Deheubarth. Gwenllian was the daughter of Gruffudd ap Cynan (1055–1137), Prince of Gwynedd and Angharad ferch Owain, and a member of the princely Aberffraw family of Gwynedd. Gwenllian's "patriotic revolt" and subsequent death in battle at Kidwelly Castle contributed to the Great Revolt of 1136.
There are several notable artistic depictions of Gwenllian, often depicting her with a sword in hand, or riding a chariot into battle in the style of Boudicca. She is sometimes confused with Gwenllian ferch Llywelyn, who lived two centuries later.
Gwenllian was the youngest daughter of Gruffudd ap Cynan, Prince of Gwynedd, and his wife, Angharad. She was born on Ynys Môn at the family seat at Aberffraw, and was the youngest of eight children; four older sisters: Mared, Rhiannell, Susanna, and Annest, and three older brothers: Cadwallon, Owain and Cadwaladr. She was the great-great-great-granddaughter of Brian Bóruma mac Cennétig, High King of Ireland.
Gwenllian grew to be strikingly beautiful. After Gruffydd ap Rhys, the Prince of Deheubarth, ventured to Gwynedd around 1113 to meet her father, Gwenllian and Deheubarth's prince became romantically involved and eloped. Gwenllian and Gruffydd had the following children: