Gwenllian, a lionheart princess,
MOST people will have heard the names Joan of Arc or Boudica.
But not many might know about one of history’s most fearless and ferocious females – Gwenllian ferch Gruffydd.
Some say she was the original Maid Marian or fema l e Braveheart – but she was the origina l heroine of Wales.
Heavily pregnant and with children in tow, she, alongside her husband, would ride again and again into battle to protect their land from Norman invasion. Even after her brutal death, described by one historian as an “insult” to Wales, the words “revenge for Gwenllian” became a battle cry across the country – inspiring its own revolt.
This is her story. The daughter of the King of the Gwynedd and his wife Angharad, Gwenllian ferch Gruffydd was born in Anglesey. Growing up, she quickly became known for her intelligence and beauty, but was far from a typical princess.
At 16 years old her father received a visit from two men – Prince Grufydd of Deheubarth, now much of South West Wales, and his brother Hywel.
Immediately, Gwenllian and the prince fell in love, he impressed with her sword fighting skills as much as everything else.
In her book Gwenllian ferch Gruffydd, the Warrior Princess of Deheubarth, historian Laurel Rockefeller writes: “In the year 1115 Gwenllian’s hope became reality.
“In a private wedding in the castle chapel she wed her prince at last, cementing in marriage the alliance between Gwynedd and Deheubarth and making both prince and princess the happiest of all men and women in Wales.”
From there it wasn’t long before children followed – Morgan, Ma e l g w n , Owain, Maredudd, and Rhys ap Gruffydd.
By the year 1130 the prince and princess had also welcomed twin daughters Nest and Gwladus.
However, with the growing fear of Norman invasion, there was little time to enjoy an idyllic family life in Dinefwr.
Instead, the family were often forced into thick woodlands and mountains, and from there conduct raid after raid on the enemy.
Ms Rockefeller said: “Britain loves to idolise Owain Glyndwr, but Owain Glyndwr was by himself with a fair army around him.
“Gruffydd and Gwenllian fought together for 20 years with her children in tow. She would be eight months pregnant.
“That’s the strength of a Welsh woman.”
By using a guerilla-style campaign, both Gwenllian and Gruffydd were able to attack Norman and Flemish settlements invading the kingdom.
After redistributing the goods and money, it is said that the pair gained a reputation similar to Robin Hood and Maid Marion.
In 1135 the opportunity came for the family to take back control of their lands. After death of King Henry I of England, both his nephew and daughter began fighting for the crown, taking their eyes away from activity over the border.
By the following year, tension in Wales had begun to rise.
On New Year’s Day 1136, Gwenllian and Gruffydd woke to the sound of alarm bells ringing through Dinefwr Castle
At Carn Goch – six miles away – the battle was already raging as 1,000 Welshman marched up north to take back farms and pastures previously lost to the Normans.
In what became known as the Battle of Llwchwr, it is thought the Normans lost around 500 men, thanks in part to the actions of Gwenllian, Gruffydd and their son Morgan.
By January, the people of Deheubarth were preparing for war. Leaving .