Biography of Gruffydd ap Rhys Dinefwr Prince Deheubarth -1201

Paternal Family Tree: Aberffraw

Maternal Family Tree: Angharad Queen Consort Gwynedd 1065-1162

Gruffydd ap Rhys Dinefwr was appointed Prince Deheubarth.

Gruffydd ap Rhys Dinefwr was born to [his father] Rhys ap Gruffydd "The Lord Rhys" Dinefwr and [his mother] Gwenllian ferch Madog Mathrafal. Coefficient of inbreeding 6.94%.

Around 1155 [his father] Rhys ap Gruffydd "The Lord Rhys" Dinefwr (age 23) and [his mother] Gwenllian ferch Madog Mathrafal were married. She the daughter of [his grandfather] Madog ap Maredudd Mathrafal Prince Powys and [his grandmother] Susanna Aberffraw (age 18). He the son of [his grandfather] Gruffudd ap Rhys King Deheubarth and [his grandmother] Gwenllian Aberffraw Queen Consort Deheubarth. They were first cousins.

The Itinerary of Archbishop Baldwin through Wales: Book 2 Chapter 2. We slept that night in the monastery of St. Dogmael [Map], where, as well as on the next day at Aberteivi [Map], we were handsomely entertained by [his father] prince Rhys (age 55). On the Cemmeis side of the river, not far from the bridge, the people of the neighbourhood being assembled together, and Rhys and his two sons, [his brother] Malgon (age 17) and Gruffydd, being present, the word of the Lord was persuasively preached both by the archbishop and the archdeacon, and many were induced to take the cross; one of whom was an only son, and the sole comfort of his mother, far advanced in years, who, steadfastly gazing on him, as if inspired by the Deity, uttered these words:- "O, most beloved Lord Jesus Christ, I return thee hearty thanks for having conferred on me the blessing of bringing forth a son, whom thou mayest think worthy of thy service." Another woman at Aberteivi, of a very different way of thinking, held her husband fast by his cloak and girdle, and publicly and audaciously prevented him from going to the archbishop to take the cross; but, three nights afterwards, she heard a terrible voice, saying, "Thou hast taken away my servant from me, therefore what thou most lovest shall be taken away from thee." On her relating this vision to her husband, they were struck with mutual terror and amazement; and on falling asleep again, she unhappily overlaid her little boy, whom, with more affection than prudence, she had taken to bed with her. The husband, relating to the bishop of the diocese both the vision and its fatal prediction, took the cross, which his wife spontaneously sewed on her husband's arm.

In 1189 Gruffydd ap Rhys Dinefwr and Maud de Braose were married. They were half fourth cousin twice removed.

In 1190 Robert Beaumont 3rd Earl of Leicester died. His son Robert succeeded 4th Earl of Leicester. [his sister-in-law] Loretta de Braose Countess Leicester (age 5) by marriage Countess of Leicester.

Around 1196 Robert Beaumont 4th Earl of Leicester and [his sister-in-law] Loretta de Braose Countess Leicester (age 11) were married. She by marriage Countess of Leicester. He the son of Robert Beaumont 3rd Earl of Leicester and Petronilla Grandesmil Countess Leicester (age 61).

In 1197 Gruffydd ap Rhys Dinefwr was released.

In 1197 Gruffydd ap Rhys Dinefwr was imprisoned at Corfe Castle, Dorset [Map].

Chronicle of Abbot Ralph of Coggeshall

The Chronicle of Abbot Ralph of Coggeshall (Chronicon Anglicanum) is an indispensable medieval history that brings to life centuries of English and European affairs through the eyes of a learned Cistercian monk. Ralph of Coggeshall, abbot of the Abbey of Coggeshall in Essex in the early 13th century, continued and expanded his community’s chronicle, documenting events from the Norman Conquest of 1066 into the tumultuous reign of King Henry III. Blending eyewitness testimony, careful compilation, and the monastic commitment to record-keeping, this chronicle offers a rare narrative of political intrigue, royal power struggles, and social upheaval in England and beyond. Ralph’s work captures the reigns of pivotal figures such as Richard I and King John, providing invaluable insights into their characters, decisions, and the forces that shaped medieval rule. More than a simple annal, Chronicon Anglicanum conveys the texture of medieval life and governance, making it a rich source for scholars and readers fascinated by English history, monastic authorship, and the shaping of the medieval world.

Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.

On 28th April 1197 [his father] Rhys ap Gruffydd "The Lord Rhys" Dinefwr (age 65) died. He was buried at St David's Cathedral, Pembrokeshire [Map].

In 1199 Gruffydd ap Rhys Dinefwr was captured by Gwenwynwyn ap Owain Mathrafal Prince Powys Wenwynwyn (age 22) at Cilgerran Castle [Map].

In 1200 [his brother-in-law] Bishop Giles de Braose 7th Baron Braose 5th Baron Bramber was appointed Bishop of Hereford.

On 25th July 1201 Gruffydd ap Rhys Dinefwr died. He was buried at Strata Florida Abbey [Map].

On 29th December 1210 [his former wife] Maud de Braose died.

[his daughter] Lleucu verch Gruffydd was born to Gruffydd ap Rhys Dinefwr and Maud de Braose. She married before 1210 Geoffrey Camville of Llanstephan and had issue.

[his son] Rhys Dinefwr was born to Gruffydd ap Rhys Dinefwr and Maud de Braose.

[his son] Owain Dinefwr was born to Gruffydd ap Rhys Dinefwr and Maud de Braose.