Page "Rhys ap Gruffydd" Paragraph 17

The king was absent in France in 1159, and Rhys took the opportunity to attack Dyfed and then to lay siege to Carmarthen, which was saved by a relief force led by Earl Reginald of Cornwall.

Rhys retreated to Cantref Mawr, where an army led by five earls, the Earls of Cornwall, Gloucester, Hertford, Pembroke and Salisbury, marched against him.

The earls were assisted by Cadwaladr, brother of Owain Gwynedd, and Owain's sons, Hywel and Cynan.

However they were forced to withdraw and a truce was arranged.

In 1162, Rhys again attempted to recover some of his lost lands, and captured Llandovery castle.

The following year Henry II returned to England after an absence of four years and prepared for another invasion of Deheubarth.

Rhys met the king to discuss terms and was obliged to give more hostages, including another son, Maredudd.

He was then seized and taken to England as a prisoner.

Henry appears to have been uncertain what to do with Rhys, but after a few weeks decided to free him and allow him to rule Cantref Mawr.

Rhys was summoned to appear before Henry at Woodstock to do homage together with Owain Gwynedd and Malcolm IV of Scotland.