‘Dial Achos Gwenllian’ (‘Revenge for Gwenllian’) – A Medieval Welsh Battlecry. First came Buddug fighting the Romans… and then came Gwenllian fighting the Normans.

Gwenllian ferch Gruffydd was a Welsh Princess and warrior who lived between the years 1097-1136. As a daughter of Prince of Gwynedd, Gruffudd ap Cynan, she was of Welsh noble blood and became married to Gruffydd ap Rhys – the Prince of Deheubarth and father, with Gwenllian as mother, of the famous Rhys ap Gruffydd.

It was during the Great Revolt of 1136 – a patriotic revolt against the invasive and oppressive Normans – when Gwenllian’s name would be etched forever into Welsh history. Alongside her husband, she would lead the revolt against the Normans.

By 1136, Deheubarth was looking to reclaim lands lost to the Marcher Lords. Of course, this could only be achieved through military victory. This was a time of great turmoil for the Normans, coinciding with ‘The Anarchy’ (1138-1153), and Deheubarth looked to capitalise. Welsh victories were occurring throughout the Kingdoms and this would have no doubt looked like an opportune time to fight back, leading to Gwenllian and Gruffydd’s rebellion.

Sadly, it was not to be.

While Gruffydd had travelled north to seek an alliance with Gwenllian’s father, the Normans – led by Maurice de Londres – had began raiding against Gwenllian and her troops. Though she led them fiercely and defiantly, she would be captured in battle and executed by beheading at Kidwelly Castle; her armies were routed and two of her sons were similarly executed.

Her death would not be in vain, however, as Welsh lands would be regained through more bloodshed once news of her death had reached Gwenllian’s family. Richard Fitz Gilbert de Clare, a powerful Norman lord who controlled Ceredigion, was slain. This led to the Welsh recapture of Ceredigion, Aberystwyth and more.

Gwenllian remains a symbol of Welsh defiance – a strong Welsh woman whose name is today, and forever will be, synonymous with pride.

One year after the Princess’ execution, it is said that her husband passed away, because of his ‘broken heart.’ The Princess was not only a warrior, but also a loyal wife, and a brave leader. Her legacy is therefore continued by the soldiers who cry, ‘Revenge for Gwenllian.’

Today, her ghost is believed to haunt the area of Kidwelly Castle and the field where the battle took place, ‘Field of Gwenllian.’

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Niklas George

Niklas is the founder, owner, manager, editor, writer, video creator, voice over artist, and so forth, of Welsh Histories. He is passionate about the preservation of Welsh culture; the rejuvenation of the Welsh language and the promotion of Welsh history. Niklas currently resides in Pune, Maharashtra, with his beloved wife.