Gwenllian ferch Gruffudd
History of Wales > Nobility

Gwenllian is famous for being a Princess, and in her husband’s absence, leading an army in a raid against the Normans.

Gwenllian scaled
  • The daughter of Gruffydd ap Cynan and Angharad, daughter of Owain ab Edwin.
  • 1166: Married Gruffydd ap Rhys.
  • Her most famous son was The Lord Rhys.
  • 1136: The Great Welsh Revolt started. Gwenllian led, in the absence of her husband, the raid on the Norman fortress at Kidwelly and was killed whilst fighting outside the town at a spot that is still called Maes Gwenllian (The Field of Gwenllian).
  • The only woman recorded in Wales leading an army into battle in the Middle Ages.
  • 1991: A Memorial is built at Kidwelly Castle by Merched y Wawr, and unveiled by Gwynfor Evans.

Place of Birth: Aberffraw, Anglesey

Date of Birth: 1097

Date of Death: 1136

‘Gwenllian was an absolutely exceptional woman in the history of Wales, daughter of King Gruffudd ap Cynan, a heroine
who gave her life fighting for her country when most of it was in the enemy’s possession.’ – Translated from Gwynfor Evans, ‘Seiri Cenedl y Cymru’ (Gwasg Gomer 1986), p. 66

External Links

Wikipedia - Gwenllian ferch Gruffudd

Dictionary of Welsh Biography - Gwenllian ferch Gruffudd