Gruffydd ap Llywelyn, King of Wales

Gruffydd ap Llywelyn was born around 1010 and became the King of Gwynedd and Powys from 1039, later claiming the title King of Wales from 1055 until his death in 1063. He was the offspring of Llywelyn ap Seisyll, a former ruler of Gwynedd and Powys, and Angharad ferch Maredudd. His lineage traced back to Hywel Dda, a significant Welsh figure. Gruffydd was notable for being the only ruler to unite all of Wales under one crown, though his reign over a united Wales was short-lived.

After Gruffydd’s death in 1063, Wales reverted to being divided into separate kingdoms. His life was marked by various military campaigns and battles, which included asserting control over Welsh territories and engaging with neighboring English and Norman forces. He had several children with his spouses, the former wife of Hywel ab Edwin and later Ealdgyth, daughter of Earl Ælfgar of Mercia.