Page "Rhys ap Gruffydd" Paragraph 11

Maredudd became ruler of Deheubarth and continued a campaign, begun in 1150, aimed at recovering Ceredigion, which had been held by Gwynedd since 1136.

Maredudd and Rhys were able to drive Hywel ab Owain Gwynedd from Ceredigion by 1153.

The same year Rhys is recorded as an independent commander for the first time, leading an army to capture the Norman castle of St Clears.

Maredudd and Rhys also destroyed the castles at Tenby and Aberafan that year.

Maredudd died in 1155 at the age of twenty-five and left Rhys as ruler of Deheubarth.

Around this time he married Gwenllian ferch Madog, daughter of Madog ap Maredudd, prince of Powys.