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Lord Rhys 1132-1197

• Introduction
• /
• More about Lord Rhys

Introduction

Reign: 1155-1197

Kingdom: Y Deheubarth

His full name was Rhys ap Gruffudd.

Rhys was Prince of Deheubarth and appointed by the English king as Chief Justice of South Wales - the only Welsh Prince to be given such a title by an English king Lord Rhys organised the first Eisteddfod held in Cardigan Castle in 1176 – similar festivals held in France may have inspired him.

Rhys sponsored the Order of Cisterian Monks which led the way for many other Welsh princes and has resulted in the magnificent Abbey ruins seen today in such places as Strata Florida.

Ivor Davies
Lord Rhys
Pure yellow pigment on gesso and hessian
183 x 285cm
Photography: Marian Delyth