Wales had Kings until middle of 12th century
GARETH W Thomas’ letter has provided me with the opportunity to overturn some misconceptions about our history.
The rulers of Wales were, in fact, called Kings until the middle of the 12th century. Rhodri Mawr (844877) was a king, so was Hywel Dda (890-950) and Gruffydd ap Llywelyn (1036-1063). Elystan Glodrydd
(d. 1010) was King of Rhwng Gwy a Hafren (mostly modern Radnorshire) and Rhys ap Tewdwr (1081-1093) was called the ‘Last King of South Wales’. His grandson Rhys ap Gruffydd (1132-1197) was, however, given the title Lord – likely the result of pressure from Henry
II of England. His relative, Madog ap Maredudd (1132-1160) was still referred to as King, as was Madog’s son-in-law Cadwallon ap Madog (1140-1197) of Rhwng Gwy a Hafren.
The Kings of England appear to have been responsible for refusing to recognise the term King for Welsh rulers, leading to their attempt to replace it by the term Prince, but the English kings even refused to recognise this term until Henry III recognised Llywelyn ap Gruffudd [1246-1282] as Prince of Wales by the Treaty of Montgomery in 1267.
Wales thus only existed as an independent Principality from 1267 to 1282 – 35 years. Once the English King Edward I inflicted his son, Edward II, on Wales as Prince of Wales – to prevent any other Welsh ruler using the title, Wales became a Principality in the eyes of the London government. Prince of Wales, like Duke of Cornwall is a title used by the English government to reinforce the dominance of English government in Wales and Cornwall respectively. It is significant that the political party which uses the term most is the Conservative Party.
By the way, if we are thinking of naming the bridge after a Welsh King, it should be Hywel Dda, because he was the king who commuted most regularly across the Severn to the Court of Aethelstan of Wessex in the 10th century.
John H Davies
Llandysul