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0:00:13 > 0:00:17- A certain ambivalence - surrounds medieval Wales's princes.
0:00:17 > 0:00:21- Some perceive them as leaders, - who fought for the Welsh...
0:00:21 > 0:00:26- ..others as men who wanted power, - for themselves and their families.
0:00:31 > 0:00:34- We shall shed light - on this paradox...
0:00:34 > 0:00:38- ..and place the princes - in the context of the Middle Ages.
0:00:38 > 0:00:41- A little over 100 years - after the death of Hywel Dda...
0:00:42 > 0:00:44- ..Wales was a collection - of small kingdoms...
0:00:45 > 0:00:48- ..when the Normans - conquered England in 1066.
0:00:48 > 0:00:51- From England, they turned to Wales.
0:00:51 > 0:00:55- But in north Wales, - they came across an obstacle...
0:00:55 > 0:00:59- ..a pirate, of Irish, - Welsh and Viking descent.
0:00:59 > 0:01:02- Gruffudd ap Cynan succeeded - in stopping the Normans.
0:01:03 > 0:01:07- He became the most powerful - Welsh leader of his age.
0:01:13 > 0:01:18- PRINCES - Gruffudd ap Cynan
0:01:22 > 0:01:27- The kingdom of Wales was destroyed - by the Normans during Easter 1093.
0:01:28 > 0:01:31- Or at least, that was the opinion - of the Welsh Chroniclers...
0:01:31 > 0:01:34- ..citing Rhys ap Tewdwr, - king of Deheubarth's death...
0:01:35 > 0:01:36- ..near Brecon.
0:01:36 > 0:01:38- It was an exaggeration.
0:01:38 > 0:01:42- But Rhys's death was an important - turning point in Welsh history.
0:01:44 > 0:01:48- Significantly, he wasn't killed by - one of his fellow Welsh leaders...
0:01:48 > 0:01:50- ..but by the Normans.
0:01:50 > 0:01:53- One Welsh prince succeeded in - reviving a Welsh royal dynasty...
0:01:54 > 0:01:58- ..that lasted for 200 years - - Gruffudd ap Cynan.
0:01:59 > 0:02:03- What kind of place was Wales - during Gruffudd ap Cynan's reign?
0:02:04 > 0:02:06- After the Battle - of Hastings in 1066...
0:02:06 > 0:02:09- ..the Normans' attempts - to conquer Wales...
0:02:09 > 0:02:13- ..was clearly an extension - of the conquest in England.
0:02:14 > 0:02:18- Unlike the Vikings, they conquered - great tracts of the country...
0:02:18 > 0:02:20- ..and became a permanent presence.
0:02:20 > 0:02:23- Wales was less - centralized than England...
0:02:23 > 0:02:27- ..and therefore more difficult - for the Normans to conquer.
0:02:27 > 0:02:31- Gruffudd ap Cynan was - a constant thorn in their side.
0:02:33 > 0:02:35- The Normans were of Viking descent.
0:02:35 > 0:02:37- They settled in Normandy...
0:02:37 > 0:02:40- ..after the king of France allowed - them to live in the Seine Valley...
0:02:41 > 0:02:44- ..so he would be left - in peace, in 911.
0:02:44 > 0:02:48- A century later, - by the time of Duke William...
0:02:48 > 0:02:49- ..the victor at Hastings...
0:02:50 > 0:02:54- ..the duchy of Normandy had turned - its back on its Viking roots...
0:02:54 > 0:02:58- ..and was part of the political and - cultural world of northern France.
0:03:03 > 0:03:07- The principal aim of the new - King William after Hastings...
0:03:07 > 0:03:11- ..was to consolidate - the conquest of England.
0:03:11 > 0:03:14- That took a generation or so.
0:03:15 > 0:03:18- Regarding - the English-Welsh border...
0:03:18 > 0:03:22- ..the aim was to fortify it - against attack from the Welsh.
0:03:23 > 0:03:27- He did this by giving Crown land...
0:03:28 > 0:03:34- ..to certain noblemen, - in three centres on the frontier.
0:03:34 > 0:03:38- Chester, Shrewsbury, - and Hereford in the south.
0:03:39 > 0:03:44- The main duty of the chosen three - was to fortify the frontier.
0:03:50 > 0:03:53- This was at the time - the Marches were created.
0:03:54 > 0:03:58- They were used originally as a - corridor between Wales and England.
0:03:58 > 0:04:02- Here, the Norman lords - could do as they pleased...
0:04:02 > 0:04:05- ..free from the constraints - of the laws of England, and Wales.
0:04:06 > 0:04:08- Although they were subjects - of the King of England...
0:04:09 > 0:04:13- ..they could hold courts, - build castles, and go to war.
0:04:13 > 0:04:17- In the Marches, people upon whom - the Norman lords could depend...
0:04:17 > 0:04:20- ..were 'planted', - usually immigrants from England.
0:04:21 > 0:04:25- The idea that towns are alien - to Wales originated from this time.
0:04:28 > 0:04:32- Sometimes people, - perhaps without thinking...
0:04:33 > 0:04:35- ..use the word 'Marches'...
0:04:35 > 0:04:40- ..not in the historical sense, - but to refer to the boundary...
0:04:40 > 0:04:42- ..between Wales and England.
0:04:43 > 0:04:46- But the original Marches - were lands...
0:04:46 > 0:04:50- ..that the Normans - conquered within Wales itself.
0:04:56 > 0:04:58- William fitz Osbern, - Earl of Hereford...
0:04:59 > 0:05:01- ..Roger of Montgomery, - Earl of Shrewsbury...
0:05:01 > 0:05:05- ..and Hugh of Avranches, - or Hugh the Fat, Earl of Chester...
0:05:05 > 0:05:07- ..were hard, merciless men...
0:05:07 > 0:05:10- ..who'd seize every - opportunity they could...
0:05:11 > 0:05:14- ..to extend - their authority and lands.
0:05:14 > 0:05:18- The key to all this - was their castles.
0:05:18 > 0:05:21- The earliest castles - were made of mud and wood...
0:05:21 > 0:05:23- ..the motte and bailey.
0:05:24 > 0:05:28- In Wales we see hundreds - of these motte and bailey castles...
0:05:28 > 0:05:32- ..built when the Normans - moved into an area.
0:05:32 > 0:05:35- A motte and bailey castle is, - basically, a mound of earth.
0:05:36 > 0:05:39- They dug a ditch, and used the soil - from it to build the mound.
0:05:40 > 0:05:44- On top of the mound, - they built a defensive tower...
0:05:44 > 0:05:46- ..usually of wood at first.
0:05:47 > 0:05:51- That was - the castle's stronghold - the motte.
0:05:51 > 0:05:56- At its foot was the bailey, - which was also defended.
0:05:56 > 0:05:59- Most of the castle's - buildings were located here...
0:06:00 > 0:06:04- ..because there wasn't - much room on the motte.
0:06:16 > 0:06:21- Later, magnificent castles were - built, like Chepstow, on the Wye.
0:06:22 > 0:06:26- Its strong, stone tower, - and beautiful, ornate portal...
0:06:26 > 0:06:28- ..may have been built especially...
0:06:29 > 0:06:33- ..for a visit by William - to Wales in 1081...
0:06:33 > 0:06:37- ..although there's no evidence - that he stayed here at that time.
0:06:46 > 0:06:50- The oldest wooden door - in Europe is in this castle.
0:07:00 > 0:07:04- But it was here in Gwynedd that - the Normans were most successful.
0:07:05 > 0:07:08- The campaigns were led - by Hugh, Earl of Chester...
0:07:08 > 0:07:12- ..and his cousin, Robert - of Rhuddlan, captain of his army.
0:07:15 > 0:07:18- Hugh was a fat, - cruel and violent man.
0:07:19 > 0:07:23- His personal retinue - resembled a rapacious army.
0:07:23 > 0:07:26- He had illegitimate offspring - all over north Wales.
0:07:26 > 0:07:30- He even devastated his own lands, - demolishing and burning villages...
0:07:31 > 0:07:34- ..in order to have - more land for hunting.
0:07:40 > 0:07:43- To reinforce his authority, - he built a castle in Rhuddlan...
0:07:44 > 0:07:45- ..near the river Clwyd.
0:07:47 > 0:07:51- There are two points to the location - of motte and bailey castles.
0:07:52 > 0:07:55- They are located in strategic - positions such as...
0:07:55 > 0:07:58- ..the roads leading into Wales.
0:07:58 > 0:08:02- They had to be defended as people - travelled through the mountains...
0:08:02 > 0:08:06- ..for example, along the valley - leading into Snowdonia.
0:08:06 > 0:08:10- They also located - castles on the sites...
0:08:10 > 0:08:13- ..of the old castles - of the Welsh princes...
0:08:13 > 0:08:18- ..to show the ascendancy - of the Normans over the old order.
0:08:19 > 0:08:25- Compared with the stone castles, - they could be built fairly quickly.
0:08:26 > 0:08:30- The smallest ones - took about a month...
0:08:31 > 0:08:33- ..the others, a little longer.
0:08:34 > 0:08:37- Much depended on local resources...
0:08:39 > 0:08:41- ..of stone and wood.
0:08:41 > 0:08:46- It also depended on coercing - local Welsh people...
0:08:48 > 0:08:51- ..into building these castles.
0:08:57 > 0:09:01- At first, only the Normans - built motte and bailey castles.
0:09:02 > 0:09:04- When they moved into an area...
0:09:04 > 0:09:08- ..they were threatened - with attack by the Welsh.
0:09:08 > 0:09:10- They had to build a castle quickly.
0:09:11 > 0:09:14- Evidence shows that they used - the local captive population...
0:09:15 > 0:09:16- ..to work on the castles.
0:09:17 > 0:09:22- They were adept at building castles - with the minimum of effort.
0:09:22 > 0:09:26- They'd often locate them - on an existing hillock.
0:09:26 > 0:09:30- So you could imagine them - building a castle in months...
0:09:30 > 0:09:33- ..in order to swiftly - consolidate their position.
0:09:35 > 0:09:39- We must also remember that - a castle wasn't a place to hide...
0:09:39 > 0:09:43- ..but a secure base from which - they could attack an area.
0:09:52 > 0:09:54- By the time William - the Conqueror died...
0:09:55 > 0:09:59- ..Robert of Rhuddlan was - the master of the rest of Gwynedd.
0:09:59 > 0:10:04- By 1086, the king leased him - 'Nortwales' at a rent of 40 a year.
0:10:05 > 0:10:10- To reinforce his position, - Robert built more castles...
0:10:10 > 0:10:12- ..including Deganwy Castle.
0:10:12 > 0:10:16- It was built on the site - of an old Welsh court...
0:10:16 > 0:10:19- ..that had burnt down - a few years previously.
0:10:20 > 0:10:24- Deganwy Castle was very important - in the age of the princes.
0:10:25 > 0:10:29- Robert of Rhuddlan - built a castle there...
0:10:29 > 0:10:30- ..in the late 11th century.
0:10:31 > 0:10:33- It was a kind of springboard...
0:10:33 > 0:10:37- ..into the stronghold of Gwynedd, - over the Conwy River.
0:10:38 > 0:10:41- Obviously, if the princes of Gwynedd - wanted to be strong princes...
0:10:42 > 0:10:46- ..and oppose England, they had - to recapture Deganwy Castle.
0:10:46 > 0:10:49- There's evidence that it - changed hands many times.
0:10:50 > 0:10:53- Llywelyn the Great built - a castle here, for example.
0:10:53 > 0:10:56- It has an interesting history from - the English kings' standpoint too.
0:10:57 > 0:10:59- Henry III built a castle there...
0:10:59 > 0:11:02- ..which was described at the time - as one of Britain's strongest.
0:11:02 > 0:11:06- A small borough developed - alongside the castle too...
0:11:06 > 0:11:10- ..that became a trading centre - for the area.
0:11:10 > 0:11:14- Then, Llywelyn the Last, - Llywelyn ap Gruffudd...
0:11:14 > 0:11:16- ..razed the castle to the ground...
0:11:16 > 0:11:20- ..because of its strategic - importance to the English...
0:11:20 > 0:11:22- ..during the attacks on Gwynedd.
0:11:36 > 0:11:39- Although the Normans tried - to ensure a presence in the north...
0:11:39 > 0:11:41- ..with castles like Deganwy...
0:11:42 > 0:11:46- ..unlike in south Wales, they only - maintained their hold on Gwynedd...
0:11:46 > 0:11:50- ..for a very short time, - mainly because of Gruffudd ap Cynan.
0:11:50 > 0:11:54- Gruffudd was a king of Welsh, - Irish and Viking descent...
0:11:54 > 0:11:56- ..and is a unique figure - in Welsh history.
0:11:57 > 0:12:01- Although he was a pirate for long - stretches of his eventful life...
0:12:01 > 0:12:05- ..he was also a successful - politician and a statesman.
0:12:17 > 0:12:19- 888
0:12:26 > 0:12:29- Gruffudd ap Cynan was - a flexible and pragmatic leader.
0:12:30 > 0:12:34- For this reason, the kingdom of - Gwynedd was ruled by his family...
0:12:34 > 0:12:37- ..until Edward I - put an end to the dynasty...
0:12:37 > 0:12:40- ..almost 200 years later, in 1282.
0:12:52 > 0:12:53- Gruffudd was born in Ireland.
0:12:53 > 0:12:55- Through his mother, Rhagnell...
0:12:55 > 0:12:59- ..he was related to the Irish - and Scandinavian kings of Ireland.
0:12:59 > 0:13:03- The famous Irish king, Brian Boru, - was his great-great-grandfather.
0:13:04 > 0:13:08- Gruffudd was brought up here, at the - monastery of Swords, near Dublin.
0:13:16 > 0:13:19- His father died when - he was very young, probably.
0:13:20 > 0:13:24- But his mother made sure that - Gruffudd was aware of his claim...
0:13:24 > 0:13:26- ..to the kingdom of Gwynedd.
0:13:28 > 0:13:33- You could say he was part - of a Hiberno-Scandinavian world.
0:13:34 > 0:13:38- We think of him as king of Gwynedd - and founder of the dynasty...
0:13:38 > 0:13:42- ..that would lead to Owain Gwynedd, - Llywelyn the Great...
0:13:42 > 0:13:44- ..and Llywelyn the Last.
0:13:44 > 0:13:49- But the Irish and Viking - influence in his life...
0:13:49 > 0:13:53- ..make him a more - interesting figure.
0:13:54 > 0:13:56- His biography was written...
0:13:56 > 0:14:01- ..that emphasized his claim - to Gwynedd through his ancestry...
0:14:01 > 0:14:05- ..not by the grace - of the King of England.
0:14:08 > 0:14:12- When Gruffudd was about 20 years - old, he decided to attack Gwynedd...
0:14:12 > 0:14:14- ..and claim his throne.
0:14:16 > 0:14:19- He was helped by the king - of Dublin, who lent him a ship...
0:14:19 > 0:14:21- ..to sail to Gwynedd.
0:14:21 > 0:14:25- His great ambition for the next - 25 years would be to win...
0:14:25 > 0:14:27- ..the kingdom of Gwynedd.
0:14:38 > 0:14:42- Gruffudd's tenacious attempts - to gain control of Gwynedd...
0:14:42 > 0:14:44- ..are recorded in a unique work...
0:14:44 > 0:14:48- ..the only medieval biography - of a Welsh king or prince.
0:14:48 > 0:14:52- It was written in Latin in - the age of his son, Owain Gwynedd.
0:14:53 > 0:14:56- It was translated into Welsh - in the 13th century.
0:14:56 > 0:15:00- The biography gives quite - a detailed description of Gruffudd.
0:15:00 > 0:15:02- It praises him, of course...
0:15:03 > 0:15:06- ..because it would be unthinkable - to criticize him at all.
0:15:06 > 0:15:10- It describes his fair hair - and large eyes.
0:15:10 > 0:15:15- He was of moderate height, - and had a lively mind.
0:15:17 > 0:15:20- It also says a little - about his character...
0:15:20 > 0:15:25- ..emphasizing one of the fundamental - virtues of any prince...
0:15:25 > 0:15:27- ..his ferocity in battle.
0:15:28 > 0:15:32- So Gruffudd ap Cynan - wasn't a man to cross.
0:15:32 > 0:15:36- At the same time, it says that - he was merciful to his own people...
0:15:36 > 0:15:38- ..and ready to defend them.
0:15:38 > 0:15:42- So it's a varied image, - but rather stereotypical.
0:15:42 > 0:15:46- It's impossible to say - if the description was based...
0:15:46 > 0:15:48- ..on personal knowledge...
0:15:49 > 0:15:52- ..rather than an idealized - portrait of the prince.
0:15:52 > 0:15:56- Nevertheless, it's interesting - to have a description of Gruffudd...
0:15:56 > 0:15:58- ..unlike the other princes.
0:16:01 > 0:16:03- Ifor Davies, the Penarth artist...
0:16:04 > 0:16:07- ..is familiar with portraying - aspects of Welsh history.
0:16:07 > 0:16:08- This is Gruffudd ap Cynan.
0:16:09 > 0:16:13- I portray Gruffudd - in the middle of the sea...
0:16:13 > 0:16:15- ..between Ireland and Wales.
0:16:16 > 0:16:20- Ireland resembles - the figure of his mother.
0:16:32 > 0:16:37- To some extent, Gruffudd - looks back towards Ireland.
0:16:37 > 0:16:40- He moves towards Wales.
0:16:50 > 0:16:52- He stands on a ship, perhaps.
0:16:52 > 0:16:57- I'm not sure if I'll add - details of the ship, perhaps I will.
0:17:07 > 0:17:10- When Gruffudd arrived, - intent on conquering Gwynedd...
0:17:10 > 0:17:12- ..he wasn't successful at first.
0:17:13 > 0:17:16- He was beaten - by Trahaearn ap Caradog...
0:17:16 > 0:17:19- ..in the Battle - of Bron yr Erw, near Clynnog Fawr.
0:17:19 > 0:17:21- He had to flee to Wexford.
0:17:22 > 0:17:26- Mystery surrounds - the next few years of his life.
0:17:27 > 0:17:29- But all changed in 1081.
0:17:31 > 0:17:35- Gruffudd sailed with a fleet - from Waterford to Porth Clais...
0:17:35 > 0:17:39- ..near St David's, Pembrokeshire, - to attack Wales once more.
0:17:39 > 0:17:42- He came ashore - in this beautiful spot...
0:17:42 > 0:17:46- ..and was aided by the army of - Rhys ap Tewdwr, king of Deheubarth.
0:17:47 > 0:17:50- Gruffudd and Rhys - attacked Trahaearn's army...
0:17:50 > 0:17:54- ..at the fateful battle - of Mynydd Carn, Pembrokeshire...
0:17:55 > 0:17:56- ..where Trahaearn was killed.
0:17:59 > 0:18:02- Gruffudd decided - he had to attack at once.
0:18:02 > 0:18:04- Perhaps that's why they won...
0:18:05 > 0:18:09- ..because they caught the enemy - unawares, camping on the mountain.
0:18:10 > 0:18:13- There's a very detailed, - graphic description...
0:18:13 > 0:18:16- ..in 'Historia Gruffudd - ap Cynan', of killing Trahaearn.
0:18:17 > 0:18:19- An Irishman stabbed him...
0:18:19 > 0:18:22- ..and made bacon out of him, - as if he were a pig.
0:18:24 > 0:18:26- What was the result of the battle?
0:18:26 > 0:18:29- The throne of Gwynedd - and Deheubarth were now empty.
0:18:30 > 0:18:33- The path was clear - for Gruffudd and Rhys...
0:18:34 > 0:18:36- ..to claim the two lordships.
0:18:40 > 0:18:44- Gruffudd went north, celebrating - his victory and seized Gwynedd.
0:18:45 > 0:18:48- He had finally - accomplished his ambition.
0:18:48 > 0:18:51- But he wasn't to celebrate for long.
0:18:57 > 0:19:01- The old Norman enemies of the Welsh, - Hugh, Earl of Chester...
0:19:01 > 0:19:03- ..and his cousin, - Robert of Rhuddlan...
0:19:03 > 0:19:06- ..were determined - to get rid of Gruffudd.
0:19:06 > 0:19:11- He was an obstacle to their hopes of - further expansion in the north-west.
0:19:11 > 0:19:14- Very soon, Gruffudd was duped...
0:19:14 > 0:19:18- ..into attending a meeting - at Rhug in Edeirnion.
0:19:18 > 0:19:21- The remains of the original - motte and bailey castle...
0:19:21 > 0:19:24- ..can still be seen - in the grounds of the mansion.
0:19:25 > 0:19:27- Gruffudd was captured - by Robert of Rhuddlan...
0:19:28 > 0:19:31- ..and was locked, according - to the story, in Chester Gaol.
0:19:32 > 0:19:36- It seems he was imprisoned - here for the next 12 years.
0:19:36 > 0:19:39- But in about 1093, Gruffudd escaped.
0:19:40 > 0:19:44- According to the legend, Hugh the - Fat had bound Gruffudd in chains...
0:19:44 > 0:19:47- ..and dragged him in front - of a crowd in Chester market...
0:19:47 > 0:19:51- ..so that they could humiliate - the 'great king of Gwynedd'.
0:19:52 > 0:19:58- It seems that he was being moved - from one prison to another...
0:19:58 > 0:20:00- ..and a large crowd had gathered.
0:20:01 > 0:20:03- Somehow, he managed to escape.
0:20:04 > 0:20:08- Cynwrig Hir came to his aid - and cut the fetters...
0:20:08 > 0:20:10- ..so he was free to flee.
0:20:10 > 0:20:14- He went to Ireland, - to his mother's family.
0:20:14 > 0:20:15- It's a very exciting story.
0:20:16 > 0:20:19- It also hints at the arrogance - of the Normans...
0:20:19 > 0:20:22- ..appropriating - old Welsh kingdoms...
0:20:22 > 0:20:25- ..and taking for granted - they owned and ruled them.
0:20:26 > 0:20:30- Gruffudd ap Cynan said, - "No, the land is mine. Get out!"
0:20:30 > 0:20:32- And he succeeded.
0:20:34 > 0:20:38- After travelling through Wales, - Gruffudd escaped to Ireland.
0:20:38 > 0:20:41- Then, with the help of Godred, - king of the Isle of Man...
0:20:41 > 0:20:45- ..he captured the Normans' castle - in Nefyn, on the Lleyn Peninsula.
0:20:46 > 0:20:47- But he failed to usurp them...
0:20:47 > 0:20:51- ..from their castle in Aberlleiniog, - near Penmon, Anglesey.
0:20:53 > 0:20:55- It seems that these events...
0:20:55 > 0:20:59- ..were part of a great rebellion - by the Welsh in 1094.
0:21:01 > 0:21:04- The Battle of Aberlleiniog is very - important in the history of Wales.
0:21:05 > 0:21:08- For the first time, we see the - Earls of Chester and Shrewsbury...
0:21:09 > 0:21:12- ..collaborating to recapture - north Wales and Anglesey.
0:21:13 > 0:21:16- Unfortunately for them, - they faced Gruffudd ap Cynan...
0:21:16 > 0:21:19- ..who has just escaped - from Chester Gaol...
0:21:20 > 0:21:23- ..and Magnus Barefoot, - a Norwegian prince.
0:21:23 > 0:21:25- Magnus and Gruffudd knew each other.
0:21:25 > 0:21:29- We're not sure how, - maybe there was a family connection.
0:21:30 > 0:21:32- Magnus hid his ships...
0:21:33 > 0:21:38- ..and, at the last moment, - came to help Gruffudd...
0:21:38 > 0:21:42- ..although at the time Gruffudd - was trying to escape from Anglesey.
0:21:52 > 0:21:55- Aberlleiniog Castle - is now looked after by Menter Mon.
0:21:55 > 0:21:58- Recently, - they have excavated the site...
0:21:59 > 0:22:03- ..and discovered that the castle - was also of strategic importance...
0:22:03 > 0:22:05- ..during Cromwell's Civil War.
0:22:06 > 0:22:10- Aberlleiniog Castle is in - a prime location on the Menai.
0:22:10 > 0:22:12- During the Civil War...
0:22:12 > 0:22:15- ..people realized that it was a - good location to defend Beaumaris.
0:22:16 > 0:22:20- So they came here - and restored the Norman castle.
0:22:20 > 0:22:26- They built towers and new floors, - and then used it as a small fort...
0:22:26 > 0:22:29- ..in case Beaumaris was attacked.
0:22:32 > 0:22:35- Here, we see work - dating from the Civil War.
0:22:35 > 0:22:38- It lies over - the medieval archaeology.
0:22:39 > 0:22:43- We have to study - the Civil War archaeology...
0:22:43 > 0:22:48- ..before digging deeper, to see what - happened in Gruffudd ap Cynan's era.
0:22:52 > 0:22:56- The military link extended - into the 20th century.
0:22:56 > 0:23:00- During World War II, this tower - was adapted as a defence...
0:23:01 > 0:23:02- ..from enemy attack.
0:23:03 > 0:23:05- Although Gruffudd ap Cynan - escaped to Ireland...
0:23:06 > 0:23:09- ..after - the Battle of Aberlleiniog...
0:23:09 > 0:23:12- ..he gained most advantage from the - death of Hugh, Earl of Shrewsbury.
0:23:12 > 0:23:15- When Gruffudd returned - from Ireland the following year...
0:23:15 > 0:23:17- ..it was - from his Anglesey stronghold...
0:23:17 > 0:23:21- ..that he extended his authority - throughout Gwynedd.
0:23:21 > 0:23:25- Things got easier after - the death of Hugh the Fat in 1101.
0:23:25 > 0:23:28- He was so fat at the end of his - life, according to once source...
0:23:28 > 0:23:30- ..that he could hardly walk.
0:23:31 > 0:23:34- Henry I was now ready to recognize - Gruffudd's authority in Gwynedd...
0:23:35 > 0:23:38- ..on condition that Gruffudd - recognized Henry's authority.
0:23:39 > 0:23:43- The relationship between Henry I and - Gruffudd ap Cynan was very fragile.
0:23:43 > 0:23:46- They were both wary of each other.
0:23:47 > 0:23:52- We see that Henry I gave the right - to lands in Eifionydd, Lleyn...
0:23:52 > 0:23:57- ..Ardudwy and Arllechwedd - to Gruffudd ap Cynan in 1101.
0:23:57 > 0:23:59- Gwynedd flourished.
0:23:59 > 0:24:01- People flocked back to the kingdom.
0:24:02 > 0:24:06- Henry I began to worry, as Gruffudd - ap Cynan added to his lands.
0:24:06 > 0:24:10- He decided to attack Gruffudd with - the aim of conquering the Welsh...
0:24:11 > 0:24:13- ..according to 'Brut y Tywysogion'.
0:24:13 > 0:24:17- How determined was Gruffudd - to extend his kingdom after 1114?
0:24:18 > 0:24:21- Gruffudd ap Cynan - was obviously very determined...
0:24:22 > 0:24:24- ..to extend his kingdom after 1114.
0:24:24 > 0:24:28- This is evident in the way - he encouraged his sons...
0:24:28 > 0:24:31- ..to actively campaign - in neighbouring areas...
0:24:31 > 0:24:35- ..to try to recapture them - and bring them under Gwynedd's rule.
0:24:36 > 0:24:40- Killing members of even their - own family was not an obstacle...
0:24:40 > 0:24:42- ..to the ambitions of his sons.
0:24:42 > 0:24:46- The oldest son, Cadwallon, killed - three of his mother's brothers.
0:24:47 > 0:24:50- But seven years later, - in an act of revenge...
0:24:50 > 0:24:54- ..Cadwallon was killed - by the son of one of the brothers.
0:24:55 > 0:24:58- This was a perfect example - of the eternal strife...
0:24:58 > 0:25:02- ..that was an integral part of - the political and social history...
0:25:02 > 0:25:03- ..of medieval Wales.
0:25:04 > 0:25:07- Maybe one reason for this was - that a substantial percentage...
0:25:07 > 0:25:10- ..of the population - consisted of young people.
0:25:11 > 0:25:14- We must remember, - when we refer to these times...
0:25:14 > 0:25:17- ..and even as late - as the 18th century...
0:25:17 > 0:25:21- ..how young the population - was on average.
0:25:21 > 0:25:24- Very few people lived - beyond the age of 40 years.
0:25:25 > 0:25:30- So the leaders of society - were in their teens and twenties.
0:25:32 > 0:25:36- Perhaps the problems - of the society reflected this.
0:25:36 > 0:25:41- We might consider their games - and interests to be childish.
0:25:42 > 0:25:46- But they are youthful traits.
0:25:47 > 0:25:50- The leaders of society - were young people.
0:25:50 > 0:25:54- A girl would be ready to marry - and be a wife at twelve.
0:25:54 > 0:25:57- A boy would be a man - at fourteen, ready to marry...
0:25:57 > 0:25:59- ..and to fight in armies.
0:26:04 > 0:26:08- As a warrior, one of Gruffudd - ap Cynan's chief successes...
0:26:08 > 0:26:12- ..was ensuring the continuation of - the tradition of monarchy in Wales.
0:26:12 > 0:26:16- He made sure that princes, - descended from him...
0:26:16 > 0:26:21- ..would rule Wales through - the 12th and 13th centuries.
0:26:23 > 0:26:27- But one crucial difference between - Wales and England at this time...
0:26:27 > 0:26:31- ..influenced the history of Wales - for the next two centuries.
0:26:31 > 0:26:33- Here, unlike in England...
0:26:34 > 0:26:38- ..the Normans failed to get - rid of Wales's royal families.
0:26:49 > 0:26:51- 888
0:26:56 > 0:26:59- Looking back - on Gruffudd ap Cynan's life...
0:26:59 > 0:27:02- ..his biographer - emphasized three points.
0:27:02 > 0:27:06- His royal lineage, - his courage in battle...
0:27:06 > 0:27:10- ..and the peace and prosperity - he established in Gwynedd.
0:27:13 > 0:27:16- The emphasis on his ancestry...
0:27:16 > 0:27:19- ..was probably an attempt to justify - Gruffudd's regal authority...
0:27:20 > 0:27:22- ..obtained - through the military power...
0:27:22 > 0:27:26- ..of a partly Irish exile - with rather a dubious background.
0:27:27 > 0:27:29- But from what we know of him...
0:27:29 > 0:27:33- ..Gruffudd was much more - than a mere warrior.
0:27:41 > 0:27:44- Gruffudd ap Cynan was certainly - more than just a warrior.
0:27:45 > 0:27:49- He was clearly an amazing diplomat, - and very charismatic...
0:27:49 > 0:27:52- ..or he would never have been - able to persuade Vikings...
0:27:53 > 0:27:56- ..Normans, Welsh and Irish - to fight on his behalf.
0:27:57 > 0:27:59- He was very proud to be a Christian.
0:27:59 > 0:28:03- He began building churches - in Gwynedd and planted forests.
0:28:04 > 0:28:06- The area had economic growth.
0:28:06 > 0:28:10- He tried to draw people back to - Gwynedd and create a strong kingdom.
0:28:10 > 0:28:13- So he was much more than a warrior, - or he wouldn't have lasted...
0:28:14 > 0:28:15- ..as long as he did.
0:28:26 > 0:28:30- And warfare wasn't the only way - of increasing influence and power.
0:28:30 > 0:28:34- In this age, women could - confer power through marriage.
0:28:34 > 0:28:40- Some women, like princess Gwenllian, - fought on behalf of her husband.
0:28:41 > 0:28:43- Owain ab Edwin ruled Tegeingl...
0:28:43 > 0:28:47- ..the area between - the rivers Dee and Clwyd.
0:28:47 > 0:28:49- Gruffudd married Owain's daughter, - Angharad.
0:28:50 > 0:28:54- By so doing, he extended - his power beyond Gwynedd.
0:28:54 > 0:28:57- Angharad is described - in Gruffudd's biography as...
0:28:57 > 0:28:59- ..'a woman of glorious countenance.'
0:29:00 > 0:29:04- They had five children, - Cadwallon, Owain, Cadwaladr...
0:29:04 > 0:29:06- ..Gwenllian and Susanna.
0:29:07 > 0:29:11- An interesting feature - of Gruffudd's biography...
0:29:11 > 0:29:15- ..is the way it tries to elevate - Gruffudd's wife, Angharad.
0:29:16 > 0:29:20- Indeed, there's one reference - to Angharad as his queen.
0:29:22 > 0:29:24- It was a deliberate attempt...
0:29:24 > 0:29:28- ..to state that Angharad - was a person of importance.
0:29:28 > 0:29:32- She is praised for the good counsel - she gave her husband...
0:29:32 > 0:29:37- ..suggesting she had a political - and public role at the time.
0:29:38 > 0:29:42- There's an excellent description of - her in Gruffudd ap Cynan's history.
0:29:42 > 0:29:46- It gives us a picture - of an idealized medieval woman.
0:29:48 > 0:29:50- She has long, slim fingers.
0:29:50 > 0:29:53- Obviously she didn't - wash many dishes.
0:29:53 > 0:29:56- There's a reference, as I recall...
0:29:56 > 0:29:59- ..to her black hair - and dainty feet.
0:29:59 > 0:30:03- But the most important fact - was that she gave him children.
0:30:08 > 0:30:11- It was fairly common - for the wives of kings or princes...
0:30:11 > 0:30:15- ..to have quite - a lot of power and influence.
0:30:15 > 0:30:18- It depends how you define these, - of course.
0:30:18 > 0:30:22- The fact that they were so close - to the king was important.
0:30:23 > 0:30:27- They controlled - who could approach the king.
0:30:27 > 0:30:32- They could speak on behalf of people - who were hoping for favour...
0:30:33 > 0:30:35- ..or patronage from a prince.
0:30:36 > 0:30:38- That gave them a certain influence.
0:30:38 > 0:30:40- Angharad was probably no exception.
0:30:41 > 0:30:45- But it's unusual for sources - to record so much...
0:30:45 > 0:30:49- ..about a prince's wife - as we hear about Angharad.
0:30:56 > 0:30:59- Two of Gruffudd's daughters, - Gwenllian and Susanna...
0:31:00 > 0:31:03- ..married members of other - leading families in Wales.
0:31:03 > 0:31:07- Marriages of this kind tied - the main royal families together...
0:31:07 > 0:31:11- ..and increased - the royal status of the husband.
0:31:12 > 0:31:16- Although land was only - inherited through the father...
0:31:16 > 0:31:20- ..royal status could be inherited - through the mother as well.
0:31:22 > 0:31:24- When the Normans arrived...
0:31:24 > 0:31:28- ..women were very important - for them as well as the Welsh.
0:31:29 > 0:31:33- They were used - in political marriages.
0:31:33 > 0:31:37- Very often, land would come with the - women, so they were very important.
0:31:37 > 0:31:39- One often gets the impression...
0:31:40 > 0:31:43- ..it didn't matter if the men - liked the women or not.
0:31:44 > 0:31:47- They were often very young, - of course.
0:31:54 > 0:31:58- Clearly, some of the Norman invaders - in Gruffudd ap Cynan's time...
0:31:58 > 0:32:02- ..believed that marriage with - women from Welsh royal families...
0:32:03 > 0:32:07- ..would confer legal status - to their hold on their new lands.
0:32:11 > 0:32:15- Gerald of Wales, himself - three-quarters Norman, said...
0:32:15 > 0:32:18- ..that his grandfather, - Gerald of Windsor...
0:32:18 > 0:32:21- ..married Nest, - daughter of Rhys ap Tewdwr...
0:32:22 > 0:32:25- ..so that he and his family would - have deeper roots in those areas.
0:32:27 > 0:32:31- Gerald of Windsor wasn't the only - one to be enchanted by Nest.
0:32:31 > 0:32:35- She also bore children to Stephen, - the Norman constable of Cardigan.
0:32:36 > 0:32:40- And she had a child with none other - than the king - Henry I...
0:32:40 > 0:32:44- ..who fathered about twenty - illegitimate offspring in all.
0:32:46 > 0:32:49- After marrying Gerald of Windsor...
0:32:49 > 0:32:54- ..Nest had at least three sons - with him and two daughters.
0:32:54 > 0:32:57- In 1109, she and her husband...
0:32:57 > 0:33:01- ..were in a castle - known as Cenarth Bychan.
0:33:01 > 0:33:05- No-one is sure - where Cenarth Bychan was located.
0:33:05 > 0:33:09- The people of Cilgerran say it was - in Cilgerran but we're not sure.
0:33:09 > 0:33:13- In any case, Nest's cousin, - Owain ap Cadwgan...
0:33:13 > 0:33:18- ..had seen her at a Christmas feast, - according to the story.
0:33:18 > 0:33:20- He'd fallen in love at first sight.
0:33:21 > 0:33:24- He came to the castle - with his men and captured Nest.
0:33:25 > 0:33:29- She went with him - quite willingly, apparently.
0:33:29 > 0:33:31- Her husband, Gerald of Windsor...
0:33:31 > 0:33:35- ..had been shown a way of escaping - from the castle by Nest...
0:33:36 > 0:33:40- ..down a hole in the privy, - on the wall of the castle.
0:33:40 > 0:33:44- As you know, - they were called 'garde-robes'...
0:33:44 > 0:33:46- ..the toilets inside the towers.
0:33:51 > 0:33:55- That's how Gerald of Windsor - escaped unhurt...
0:33:56 > 0:33:59- ..but perhaps not very fragrantly...
0:34:00 > 0:34:02- ..from this difficult situation.
0:34:07 > 0:34:10- Nest and Owain lived - as fugitives for a time.
0:34:10 > 0:34:13- But Nest returned - to her husband eventually.
0:34:13 > 0:34:17- This wasn't the end - of her story.
0:34:17 > 0:34:21- Nest had children by a number - of other Norman lords...
0:34:22 > 0:34:25- ..in south-west Wales.
0:34:25 > 0:34:29- They all fell in love with her, - according to the legend.
0:34:29 > 0:34:33- But perhaps they too, - like Gerald of Windsor...
0:34:33 > 0:34:36- ..wanted to have the children - of a princess of Deheubarth...
0:34:36 > 0:34:40- ..and to see their children - having a royal lineage.
0:34:43 > 0:34:46- Others argue - that Nest took advantage...
0:34:47 > 0:34:49- ..of her ancestry and beauty...
0:34:49 > 0:34:53- ..to extend her family's influence - amongst the Norman invaders...
0:34:53 > 0:34:55- ..in Gruffudd ap Cynan's day.
0:34:56 > 0:34:59- We really should - re-evaluate Nest's situation.
0:34:59 > 0:35:03- History was generally written - by men until the 20th century.
0:35:04 > 0:35:08- Men believed that women - were the husband's property...
0:35:09 > 0:35:13- ..after marriage, and the father's - property before marriage.
0:35:13 > 0:35:18- Now, we're re-assessing - the history of women.
0:35:18 > 0:35:22- We don't believe - the romantic stories any more...
0:35:23 > 0:35:25- ..or the spin put on them by men.
0:35:30 > 0:35:32- Women had little independent status.
0:35:32 > 0:35:36- This can be seen in historical - documents of the time...
0:35:37 > 0:35:42- ..and also, of course, in poetry, - and myths like the 'Mabinogion'.
0:35:42 > 0:35:44- Gwenllian was an exception.
0:35:45 > 0:35:47- She led her husband's army...
0:35:48 > 0:35:50- ..but paid the ultimate price.
0:35:50 > 0:35:53- Gwenllian was the daughter - of Gruffudd ap Cynan.
0:35:54 > 0:35:58- According to Gerald of Wales, she - was a second queen of the Amazons.
0:36:03 > 0:36:06- When Gwenllian's husband went to - the North in 1135 to ask for help...
0:36:06 > 0:36:10- ..from his wife's family, - in fighting the king of England...
0:36:11 > 0:36:14- ..Gwenllian decided, - probably of her own accord...
0:36:14 > 0:36:16- ..to attack Kidwelly Castle.
0:36:16 > 0:36:18- She died on the battlefield...
0:36:19 > 0:36:23- ..which is called - Maes Gwenllian to this day.
0:36:29 > 0:36:32- A princess from Gwynedd, - who fought in Deheubarth...
0:36:32 > 0:36:36- ..is our only example - of a medieval warrior princess.
0:36:37 > 0:36:41- But I wonder how many - of them led armies...
0:36:41 > 0:36:45- ..and held high status - amongst their people...
0:36:46 > 0:36:49- ..because they belonged - to a royal family?
0:36:52 > 0:36:56- The status of women was low in - the eyes of the church and the law.
0:36:56 > 0:36:57- For this reason...
0:36:58 > 0:37:02- ..we only have a few glimpses of - women's lives in medieval sources.
0:37:02 > 0:37:06- Nevertheless, - Nest and Gwenllian's examples...
0:37:06 > 0:37:10- ..show that this aspect - of Welsh royalty was very important.
0:37:21 > 0:37:23- 888
0:37:28 > 0:37:32- People didn't live to a great age - in the Middle Ages.
0:37:32 > 0:37:36- Gruffudd ap Cynan was an exception. - He lived to the age of 82.
0:37:37 > 0:37:41- Like other European kings - and leaders, he believed that war...
0:37:41 > 0:37:46- ..and godliness were two sides - of the same Christian coin.
0:37:50 > 0:37:54- So, in order to prepare for death, - Gruffudd made bequests of money...
0:37:54 > 0:37:57- ..to churches - in Ireland and Wales...
0:37:57 > 0:38:01- ..and to the Norman monasteries - of Chester and Shrewsbury.
0:38:01 > 0:38:06- His body was anointed with holy - oil by clerics at his deathbed.
0:38:06 > 0:38:10- Amongst them was Dafydd, - Bishop of Bangor.
0:38:10 > 0:38:12- He also blessed his sons...
0:38:12 > 0:38:16- ..and commanded them to be brave and - resist their enemy with ferocity...
0:38:16 > 0:38:18- ..as he did, in his youth.
0:38:19 > 0:38:23- In his elegy to Gruffudd, Meilyr - Brydydd praised the brilliance...
0:38:23 > 0:38:25- ..of the king's military career...
0:38:26 > 0:38:30- ..and also promised that Gruffudd - would be welcomed in heaven...
0:38:30 > 0:38:32- ..by angels and saints.
0:38:36 > 0:38:40- "When the leader of brave men - hath the light of confidence
0:38:40 > 0:38:44- "And the courtesy of angels, - I shall not be in want."
0:38:46 > 0:38:49- In Meilyr Brydydd's elegy - to Gruffudd ap Cynan...
0:38:50 > 0:38:53- ..the principal element - is the heroic one, obviously.
0:38:53 > 0:38:55- Gruffudd ap Cynan, the warrior.
0:38:55 > 0:38:57- Maybe the poem is remarkable too...
0:38:58 > 0:39:02- ..because of its many - religious references.
0:39:03 > 0:39:07- I'd suggest that the poem - was perhaps recited...
0:39:07 > 0:39:09- ..before an ecclesiastic audience.
0:39:11 > 0:39:15- There are very definite references - towards the end...
0:39:15 > 0:39:20- ..to the hope that Gruffudd ap Cynan - would have eternal life in heaven.
0:39:21 > 0:39:23- There's a hint in the poem too...
0:39:24 > 0:39:28- ..that there are more important - concerns than worldly politics...
0:39:29 > 0:39:34- ..and that the eternal soul - is of more everlasting importance...
0:39:34 > 0:39:38- ..than subjects like - the politics of Gwynedd.
0:39:42 > 0:39:45- Gruffudd was buried - in Bangor Cathedral.
0:39:45 > 0:39:47- Dafydd, Bishop of Bangor...
0:39:47 > 0:39:50- ..had been consecrated - by the Archbishop of Canterbury...
0:39:51 > 0:39:53- ..at Gruffudd's request in 1120.
0:39:53 > 0:39:55- The appointment was a sign...
0:39:55 > 0:39:58- ..of broader changes in the church - in Wales, in Gruffudd's day.
0:40:00 > 0:40:03- In Gruffudd ap Cynan's day, - the see of Canterbury...
0:40:03 > 0:40:07- ..was trying to extend - its influence in Wales...
0:40:07 > 0:40:12- ..by getting new bishops - in Wales to swear obedience...
0:40:13 > 0:40:15- ..to the Archbishop.
0:40:15 > 0:40:19- That happened quite soon after - the Norman conquest in the south.
0:40:20 > 0:40:22- Bishop Urban in Llandaff...
0:40:22 > 0:40:27- ..followed by Bernard, former - chaplain to the queen...
0:40:27 > 0:40:29- ..of king Henry I, in St David's.
0:40:32 > 0:40:36- Not all Wales's clerics were happy - with the fact that the dioceses...
0:40:37 > 0:40:41- ..were subject - to the Archbishop of Canterbury.
0:40:42 > 0:40:46- Ironically perhaps, a Norman, - Bishop Bernard of St David's...
0:40:46 > 0:40:50- ..was the first to try - and obtain some independence...
0:40:50 > 0:40:53- ..from Canterbury, - for the Church in Wales.
0:40:53 > 0:40:55- But he failed.
0:40:56 > 0:41:00- Ultimately, we have - to wait until the 20th century...
0:41:00 > 0:41:04- ..until 1920, - to see the Church in Wales...
0:41:04 > 0:41:08- ..separated from - the Church of England.
0:41:16 > 0:41:19- The process of creating - formal dioceses also began...
0:41:20 > 0:41:22- ..in Gruffudd ap Cynan's time.
0:41:22 > 0:41:25- The boundaries were fairly - undefined before this.
0:41:25 > 0:41:29- It was an attempt - to establish a church system...
0:41:29 > 0:41:32- ..like the ones - in England and Europe.
0:41:36 > 0:41:39- Each diocese was divided...
0:41:39 > 0:41:42- ..into archdeaconries - and rural deaneries.
0:41:42 > 0:41:44- Wales's parishes were also defined.
0:41:45 > 0:41:49- These were all new units - which have lasted to this day.
0:42:16 > 0:42:19- Gruffudd's bequests to Chester - and Shrewsbury's monasteries...
0:42:20 > 0:42:24- ..show that the king endorsed - a new kind of religious life...
0:42:24 > 0:42:27- ..introduced to Wales - by the Normans.
0:42:31 > 0:42:33- By the time the Normans arrived...
0:42:33 > 0:42:36- ..there had been major developments - in western Europe.
0:42:37 > 0:42:41- The Benedictine Order had - introduced very strict rules...
0:42:41 > 0:42:43- ..about the monks' activities...
0:42:44 > 0:42:46- ..and how monasteries - should be governed.
0:42:47 > 0:42:48- Maybe most significantly...
0:42:49 > 0:42:53- ..they began to build - beautiful churches of stone...
0:42:53 > 0:42:55- ..with arches and windows.
0:42:58 > 0:43:01- Architecture of this kind is costly, - of course.
0:43:01 > 0:43:04- But although Gruffudd - endorsed the Normans' religion...
0:43:04 > 0:43:08- ..he gave many more bequests - to old, important establishments...
0:43:09 > 0:43:13- ..like Penmon and Meifod, - cornerstones of the Welsh church...
0:43:13 > 0:43:15- ..before the Normans arrived.
0:43:16 > 0:43:18- It was a different story...
0:43:18 > 0:43:22- ..in the lands conquered - by the Normans in the south.
0:43:22 > 0:43:24- Although the Normans were fierce...
0:43:24 > 0:43:27- ..they were religious - in their own way...
0:43:27 > 0:43:31- ..and believed it was essential for - them to control the Welsh church.
0:43:35 > 0:43:39- When the Normans came to Wales, - they found these huts and 'clasau'.
0:43:40 > 0:43:42- 'Clas' means an enclosed area...
0:43:42 > 0:43:46- ..where a church made of earth - or wood was built.
0:43:46 > 0:43:49- There weren't any - majestic stone buildings.
0:43:50 > 0:43:53- The Normans couldn't see - any establishments...
0:43:53 > 0:43:55- ..corresponding to monasteries...
0:43:56 > 0:43:59- ..or what they understood - by this term.
0:43:59 > 0:44:03- They felt that the religious - communities of Wales...
0:44:04 > 0:44:07- ..were old-fashioned, - maybe corrupt...
0:44:07 > 0:44:09- ..and not proper churches.
0:44:09 > 0:44:14- Very often, the abbot - was the son of the previous abbot.
0:44:14 > 0:44:18- Very often, one family would - practically 'own' the monastery.
0:44:19 > 0:44:23- They regarded it as a deficiency, - that there were no communities...
0:44:23 > 0:44:28- ..obeying any version - of St Benedict's 6th century Rule...
0:44:28 > 0:44:33- ..which had become the basis of - European monastic life by this time.
0:44:33 > 0:44:36- They saw nothing like this in Wales.
0:44:37 > 0:44:41- They viewed these enclosures, - with mud and wood huts...
0:44:42 > 0:44:46- ..hereditary abbots - who were married, and so forth...
0:44:46 > 0:44:50- .. with scorn - and felt they should be swept away.
0:44:51 > 0:44:55- After a time, the Welsh - themselves began to support...
0:44:55 > 0:44:57- ..the Benedictine monasteries.
0:44:57 > 0:45:01- Indeed, Gruffudd ap Cynan - was the first prince we hear of...
0:45:01 > 0:45:04- ..who gave patronage - to houses of this kind...
0:45:05 > 0:45:09- ..by giving gifts to the abbeys - of Chester and Shrewsbury...
0:45:09 > 0:45:12- ..at the end of his life.
0:45:17 > 0:45:20- So the Church in Wales - was opened to new influences...
0:45:20 > 0:45:22- ..in Gruffudd ap Cynan's day.
0:45:22 > 0:45:26- In reality, it was a compromise - and combination of old and new.
0:45:26 > 0:45:29- Nevertheless, - Gruffudd ap Cynan showed...
0:45:29 > 0:45:32- ..that the Welsh were ready - to look towards the future.
0:45:32 > 0:45:36- European ecclesiastic patterns - and fashions were adopted...
0:45:37 > 0:45:40- ..that had been originally - introduced to the country...
0:45:40 > 0:45:42- ..by the Norman conquerors.
0:45:53 > 0:45:58- He succeeded in retaining his hold - on Gwynedd from the 1090s...
0:45:59 > 0:46:02- ..until his death in 1137...
0:46:03 > 0:46:08- ..nearly 40 years of unbroken rule - by Gruffudd ap Cynan.
0:46:08 > 0:46:12- The Chronicle - Buchedd, - describes...
0:46:12 > 0:46:16- ..how he planted small, lime-washed - churches all over Anglesey...
0:46:16 > 0:46:19- ..like stars in the firmament.
0:46:19 > 0:46:23- People would feel secure - when they planted crops...
0:46:24 > 0:46:27- ..that those crops - would be harvested.
0:46:27 > 0:46:31- He created the stability - that's essential for culture...
0:46:31 > 0:46:35- ..civilization, - and political growth.
0:46:37 > 0:46:41- As he established himself - as king in Gwynedd...
0:46:42 > 0:46:47- ..Gruffudd was drawn ever more - into the Anglo-Norman world.
0:46:48 > 0:46:52- In a way, - he bridges these two worlds...
0:46:52 > 0:46:56- ..the Irish world, based around the - Irish Sea's coasts, on one hand...
0:46:57 > 0:47:01- ..and the Anglo-Norman world, with - its centre in England, on the other.
0:47:05 > 0:47:09- Because of Gruffudd ap Cynan's - successes...
0:47:09 > 0:47:13- ..he was able defend - the concept of a Welsh monarchy.
0:47:13 > 0:47:17- Were it not for him, the whole - concept of Welsh sovereignty...
0:47:17 > 0:47:19- ..would have disappeared.
0:47:25 > 0:47:29- Gruffudd ap Cynan has a unique - place in Welsh history.
0:47:29 > 0:47:32- From being a pirate - of Irish descent...
0:47:32 > 0:47:35- ..pillaging the coasts - of the Irish Sea...
0:47:35 > 0:47:38- ..he became an astute - and successful politician.
0:47:38 > 0:47:41- Gruffudd bridged - the old and the new...
0:47:42 > 0:47:46- ..and gave his country peace - and prosperity for thirty years.
0:47:46 > 0:47:50- By restoring the kingdom - of Gwynedd, Gruffudd succeeded...
0:47:50 > 0:47:54- ..where more traditional - Welsh leaders failed.
0:48:34 > 0:48:36- S4/C Subtitles by:- GWEAD
0:48:37 > 0:48:38- .