Llywelyn ap Seisyll
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| Llywelyn ap Seisyll | |
|---|---|
 A fanciful illustration of Llywelyn ap Seisyll from the Historie of Cambria (1584)[1] | |
| King of Powys and Deheubarth | |
| Reign | 999–1023 |
| Predecessor | Maredudd ab Owain |
| Successor | Rhydderch ab Iestyn |
| King of Gwynedd | |
| Reign | 1018–1023 |
| Predecessor | Aeddan ap Blegywryd |
| Successor | Iago ab Idwal ap Meurig |
| Died | 1023 |
| Spouse | Angharad ferch Maredudd |
| Issue | Gruffydd ap Llywelyn |
| Father | Seisyll |
| Mother | Prawst ferch Elisedd |
Llywelyn ap Seisyll (died 1023) was a king of Gwynedd in the 11th century who ruled over the Welsh kingdoms of Gwynedd, Powys and Deheubarth.[2]
Llywelyn was the son of Seisyll, about whom little is known. Llywelyn's mother, Prawst, was the daughter of Elisedd, a younger son of Anarawd ap Rhodri, King of Gwynedd (d. 916). His paternal great grandparents were Angharad ferch Meurig and Rhodri Mawr (d. 878).[3] Llywelyn was married to Angharad, daughter of Maredudd ab Owain ap Hywel Dda (d. c. 999), who ruled in Gwynedd, Deheubarth and Powys.[4]
He first appears on the record in 1018, when he defeated and killed Aeddan ap Blegywryd and his four sons, subsequently obtaining control of Gwynedd and Powys.[5][6]
In 1022, Rhain the Irishman, who claimed to be a son of Maredudd ab Owain and thereby asserted a claim to Deheubarth, was made its king. Rhain's claim was contested by Llywelyn, as Maredudd's daughter Angharad was Llywelyn's wife. A battle ensued at Abergwili in 1022, where after significant casualties on both sides, Rhain was killed and Llywelyn took control of Deheubarth.[5][6]
According to the Brut y Tywysogion, Llywelyn's reign was prosperous, and he was dubbed "King of the Britons" by the Annals of Ulster.[6] Llywelyn died in 1023, and despite his accomplishments, his son Gruffydd ap Llywelyn did not immediately succeed him, potentially due to his young age.[7][8]