**Llywelyn ap Gruffydd**
*Definition:*
Llywelyn ap Gruffydd (c. 1223 – 11 December 1282), also known as Llywelyn the Last, was the last native Prince of Wales who ruled a unified Welsh principality before its conquest by England. He is remembered for his efforts to maintain Welsh independence during the 13th century.
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## Llywelyn ap Gruffydd
Llywelyn ap Gruffydd, often referred to as Llywelyn the Last, was a pivotal figure in Welsh history as the final native Prince of Wales to wield significant power before the English conquest. His reign marked the last period of Welsh political independence in the Middle Ages, and his life and death symbolize the struggle of Wales against English domination.
### Early Life and Background
Llywelyn ap Gruffydd was born around 1223 into the royal house of Gwynedd, a powerful Welsh kingdom in the northwest of Wales. He was the grandson of Llywelyn the Great (Llywelyn ab Iorwerth), who had established a strong Welsh principality in the early 13th century. Llywelyn’s father, Gruffydd ap Llywelyn, died in 1244, leaving Llywelyn and his brothers to navigate the complex and often violent politics of Wales.
During Llywelyn’s youth, Wales was fragmented into several principalities and lordships, often at odds with each other and with the English crown. The English monarchy, under Henry III and later Edward I, sought to extend its influence over Wales, leading to frequent conflicts.
### Rise to Power
Llywelyn’s rise to power was gradual and marked by internal Welsh rivalries and external pressures from England. After the death of his uncle Dafydd ap Llywelyn in 1246, Llywelyn and his brothers contested control of Gwynedd. Llywelyn eventually emerged as the dominant figure by the early 1250s.
In 1255, Llywelyn defeated his brother Dafydd ap Gruffydd at the Battle of Bryn Derwin, consolidating his control over Gwynedd. This victory was crucial in establishing Llywelyn as the leading Welsh prince. Over the next decade, he expanded his influence over other Welsh territories, including Powys and Deheubarth, through a combination of military campaigns, alliances, and diplomacy.
### Prince of Wales
In 1267, Llywelyn secured recognition from King Henry III of England through the Treaty of Montgomery. This treaty acknowledged Llywelyn’s title as Prince of Wales and his authority over much of Wales, a significant diplomatic achievement. The treaty marked the high point of Llywelyn’s power and the last time a Welsh ruler was officially recognized by the English crown as Prince of Wales.
Llywelyn’s rule was characterized by efforts to unify Wales politically and culturally. He sought to strengthen Welsh law and governance, promote Welsh identity, and resist English encroachment. His court at Aberffraw became a center of Welsh political and cultural life.
### Conflict with England
Despite the Treaty of Montgomery, tensions between Llywelyn and the English crown persisted. The accession of Edward I in 1272 brought a more aggressive policy toward Wales. Edward sought to assert English dominance and reduce Llywelyn’s power.
The relationship deteriorated further when Llywelyn’s brother, Dafydd ap Gruffydd, rebelled against English rule in 1282. Llywelyn supported his brother’s uprising, leading to a full-scale war between Wales and England. Edward I launched a major military campaign to subdue Wales.
### Death and Legacy
Llywelyn ap Gruffydd was killed on 11 December 1282 during a skirmish near Builth Wells in mid-Wales. His death marked the effective end of Welsh independence. Following Llywelyn’s death, his brother Dafydd briefly assumed leadership but was captured and executed in 1283, ending native Welsh princely rule.
The English crown subsequently imposed direct control over Wales, incorporating it into the Kingdom of England. Edward I built a series of castles to consolidate his conquest and prevent further rebellion.
Llywelyn’s legacy endures as a symbol of Welsh nationalism and resistance. He is remembered as a unifying figure who sought to preserve Welsh sovereignty and culture in the face of overwhelming external pressure. His life and reign have been commemorated in Welsh literature, folklore, and modern historical scholarship.
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## Historical Context
### Wales in the 13th Century
The 13th century was a turbulent period for Wales, marked by internal divisions and increasing pressure from England. Wales was divided into several principalities, including Gwynedd, Powys, and Deheubarth, each ruled by different dynasties. The English crown, particularly under Henry III and Edward I, sought to extend its influence and control over these territories.
The Welsh princes often engaged in alliances and conflicts with each other and with the English monarchy. The struggle for dominance within Wales was complicated by the ambitions of the English kings, who viewed Wales as a territory to be brought under their direct rule.
### The Treaty of Montgomery (1267)
The Treaty of Montgomery was a landmark agreement between Llywelyn ap Gruffydd and King Henry III of England. It recognized Llywelyn’s title as Prince of Wales and his authority over much of the country. This treaty was significant because it was the first time an English king formally acknowledged a Welsh ruler’s sovereignty.
However, the treaty also required Llywelyn to pay homage to the English crown and limited his ability to expand his power. The fragile peace it established was undermined by subsequent English policies and the ambitions of Edward I.
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## Political and Military Achievements
### Consolidation of Gwynedd
Llywelyn’s initial achievements centered on consolidating his control over Gwynedd, the most powerful Welsh principality. By defeating his brothers and rivals, he unified the region and established a strong base of power.
### Expansion of Influence
Beyond Gwynedd, Llywelyn extended his influence over other Welsh territories. Through military campaigns and strategic marriages, he brought Powys and parts of Deheubarth under his sway. His ability to unite much of Wales under his leadership was unprecedented since the time of his grandfather, Llywelyn the Great.
### Diplomatic Relations
Llywelyn was also a skilled diplomat. His negotiation of the Treaty of Montgomery demonstrated his ability to engage with the English crown on relatively equal terms. He maintained alliances with other Welsh lords and sought to balance internal Welsh politics with external threats.
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## Downfall and Conquest
### Edward I’s Campaigns
Edward I’s accession to the English throne marked a turning point. Unlike his predecessors, Edward was determined to bring Wales under direct English control. He launched a series of military campaigns against Llywelyn and his allies.
### The 1282 Rebellion
The rebellion led by Dafydd ap Gruffydd in 1282 reignited conflict. Llywelyn’s support for the uprising led to a full-scale war. Despite initial resistance, the Welsh forces were eventually overwhelmed by the better-equipped and organized English army.
### Death and Aftermath
Llywelyn’s death in December 1282 was a decisive blow. His brother Dafydd’s capture and execution in 1283 ended native Welsh princely rule. Edward I’s subsequent policies effectively annexed Wales, ending centuries of Welsh independence.
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## Cultural Impact and Legacy
### Symbol of Welsh Nationalism
Llywelyn ap Gruffydd remains a potent symbol of Welsh identity and resistance. His efforts to unify Wales and defend its sovereignty resonate in Welsh cultural memory.
### Commemoration
Llywelyn has been commemorated in Welsh literature, poetry, and folklore. His life has inspired numerous historical studies and remains a subject of interest for scholars and the Welsh public alike.
### Influence on Welsh History
The end of Llywelyn’s reign marked a significant turning point in Welsh history. The loss of independence led to centuries of English dominance, but also to a distinct Welsh cultural and national identity that persisted despite political subjugation.
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## Conclusion
Llywelyn ap Gruffydd’s life and reign represent the final chapter of native Welsh princely rule. His achievements in unifying Wales and negotiating with England were remarkable, but ultimately insufficient to withstand the military and political might of Edward I. His death in 1282 symbolized the end of an era and the beginning of a new phase in Welsh history under English rule. Today, Llywelyn the Last is remembered as a national hero and a symbol of Welsh resilience and identity.
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**Meta Description:**
Llywelyn ap Gruffydd, known as Llywelyn the Last, was the final native Prince of Wales who sought to unify the Welsh principalities and resist English conquest in the 13th century. His death in 1282 marked the end of Welsh independence before English rule was established.