Rhys ap Gruffydd (1132–1197) was the ruler of the kingdom of Deheubarth (South Wales) from 1155 until his death. Rhys was one of the more successful and powerful Welsh princes, but even he was forced to acknowledge English supremacy, and did so by accepting the title of "Lord" rather than "Prince" or "King", becoming The Lord Rhys (in Welsh, "Yr Arglwydd Rhys").

Rhys was the youngest son of Gruffydd ap Rhys, a prince of Deheubarth, and of Gwenllian, a sister of Owain Gwynedd. He was probably born in Ireland. Both his parents died when he was around four years old, Gwenllian as a result of leading her husband's army into battle in his absence, Gruffydd himself on his return. He was brother to Anarawd, Cadell, Maredudd. After the death of their father in 1137, all four brothers ruled and worked to expand the kingdom and raid neighbouring princes. Following the death (Anarawd (1143) and Maredudd (1155)) or disablement (Cadell) of all his brothers he became sole ruler of the kingdom by 1155. He proceeded to challenge the new king of England, Henry II (reigned 1154–1189). Having successfully held out against Henry for a year or two, Rhys was defeated and most of his territory was taken from him. This was the point at which he agreed to pay homage to Henry, and peace temporarily reigned.

In 1162, Rhys took advantage of Henry's absence in Normandy to attempt to recover some of his lost lands. This resulted once again in defeat, following which Rhys was taken to England as a prisoner. Once released, however, he went back to his old defiant ways. Henry, preoccupied with domestic problems, could not respond effectively, and the failure of the English troops in Wales and troubles in England helped Rhys to prosper. After the death of Owain Gwynedd in 1170 he was acknowledged leader of the Welsh princes and called himself "Prince of South Wales".

In 1171 he signed a pact with Henry II and helped the king suppress the rebellion of 1173–74. After Henry's death, Rhys was again active, revolting against Richard I and deeply involved in internal Welsh feuds. Rhys found it difficult to maintain his position, and was obliged to enter into a protracted struggle against the Norman lord, William de Braose. He died peacefully, an old man at the peak of his power, in 1197.

He was succeeded by Gruffydd ap Rhys.

External link

• Rhys ap Gruffydd