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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 NormandyThis article concerns the former country of Normandy. For other uses, see Normandy (disambiguation). Mont Saint Michel is a historic pilgrimage site and a symbol of Normandy Normandy is a former country (a Duchy) situated in northern France occupying the 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 1171Events Saladin abolishes the Fatimid caliphate, restoring Sunni rule in Egypt. The Lord Rhys agrees to negotiate with Henry II of England. Construction of the Cathedral of Saint Sabino in Bari is completed. Serbian ruler Stefan Nemanja begins sole reign. he signed a pact with Henry II and helped the king suppress the rebellion of 1173Events Canonization of Saint Thomas a Becket, buried at Canterbury August 9th Construction starts on the Leaning tower of Pisa Castle at Abergavenny was seized by the Welsh. Conversion to Christianity of Peter Waldo and the subsequent founding of the Wald– 74Events Vietnam is given the official name of Annam by China. Henry II of England acknowledges Rosamund Clifford as his mistress. Revolt of 1173-1174 against Henry II of England ends with defeat of the rebels. William I of Scotland is captured by Henry II. After Henry's death, Rhys was again active, revolting against Richard Ibronze, brandishes his sword outside the Palace of Westminster Richard I ( September 8, 1157 April 6, 1199) was King of England from 1189 to 1199. He was often referred to as Richard the Lionheart Coeur de Lion and Oc et No by the French, and Melek-Ric by 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 BraoseWilliam de Braose was the name of several Norman barons in southern Wales following the Norman Conquest. William de Braose, First Lord of Bramber (d. 1093/ 1096) William de Braose, Third Lord of Bramber (d. 1180) William de Braose, Fourth Lord of Bramber. He died peacefully, an old man at the peak of his power, in 1197.
He was succeeded by Gruffydd ap Rhys .
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