Gruffudd ap Cynan

The reign of the North Welsh king Gruffudd ap Cynan (1075-1135) marked the culmination of a century of rapid social and political change. A product of three cultures (Welsh, Irish and Scandinavian), Gruffudd faced a Wales divided by Norman incursion and dynastic rivalry, and demonstrated a unique adaptability. His re-creation of his North Welsh kingdom saw him acting on the wider (and often deadly) stage of Anglo-Norman politics, and surviving where more 'traditional' Welsh rulers failed. His reign encouraged a new growth in Welsh literature and creativity, and is often looked upon as a literary 'golden age'. This collaborative biography analyses key aspects of the career and context of this remarkable king.