The Last King of Wales

Gruffydd ap Llywelyn was truly the first and last King of Wales. Although there have been other kings, none of them ruled the entire Welsh territory, as Gruffydd did from 1055 to 1063. Gruffydd was born c. 1013, son of Llywelyn ap Seisyll, King of Gwynedd, Powys and Deheubarth. When Llywelyn died in 1023, Gruffydd was still too young to rule the lands of his father. Iago ap Idwal became the King of Gwynedd and Powys, but in 1039, he was murdered and Gruffydd became the new king.

Gruffydd was then determined to conquer Southwestern Wales, Deheubarth. He was only able to conquer it in 1044, after slaying two of its kings. Gruffydd conquered the remaining parts of Wales by force, and in 1055 was recognized as King of Wales. In the same year, he also allied himself with Ælfgar (son of the Earl of Mercia), who had been exiled for treason. Together they massacred and sacked Hereford. Edward the Confessor, King of England, sent Harold Godwinson to deal with the Welsh king and Ælfgar. They were able to reach an agreement; Ælfgar had his lands restored and Gruffydd swore an oath to King Edward.

In around 1057, Gruffydd married Ælfgar's daughter, Ealdgyth. It is unknown how many children they had; however, none of his children would inherit his kingdom. Ælfgar died in 1062. Harold saw this as an opportunity, and, in the same year, launched an attack against Gruffydd. Harold attacked Rhuddlan, North Wales, where the Welsh court was located. Gruffydd tried to escape, but on August 5th 1063, he was killed by his own men. Harold then sent Gruffydd's head to King Edward.

Wales was once again divided. Harold married Ealdgyth, and became King of England in 1066. However, his reign only lasted a few months, as in the same year the Normans conquered England, and later Wales. And even though Gruffydd ap Llywelyn is the only king to ever rule Wales, he is often forgotten.