Gwenllian ferch Gruffydd
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Gwenllian (died 1136) was of the Aberffraw dynasty and the daughter of Gruffydd ap Cynan, prince of Gwynedd (and sister of prince Owain Gwynedd). Gwenllian was married to Gruffydd ap Rhys, Prince of Deheubarth.
A revolt spread through South Wales in 1136 as a result of the death of Henry I and the ensuing rivalry between Empress Matilda and Stephen of England. Gruffydd ap Rhys set off to Gwynedd 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. Her army was defeated and once captured, she was executed.
This has led some 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 (Welsh: Field of Gwenllian) . A spring in the field is also named after her, supposedly welling up where she was beheaded. 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.
[edit] References
- Lloyd, Sir John E. (1935). A History of Carmarthenshire. Pub. Caerdydd. p.140
