The British History Podcast
433 – North Wales: I Love Mess
Nov 22, 2023
Explore the rise of King Blevin and power struggles in Wales, with unexpected alliances and treachery. Learn about failed assassination attempts, succession crises, and the story of Grafeth's quest to reclaim his kingdom.
31:05
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Quick takeaways
- King Bleddyn of Gwynedd and Powys was a formidable Welsh leader who survived multiple assassination attempts by the Normans.
- Grafeth, who claimed the throne of Gwyneth, ruled with an iron fist, relying on Irish soldiers but faced challenges in maintaining control.
Deep dives
The Rise of King Blevin and the Attempted Welsh Unification
In 1075, King Blevin of Gwyneth and Powus emerged as a powerful Welsh leader, striking fear into his enemies and surviving multiple assassination attempts by the Normans. His half-brother, King Blevin, seemed likely to continue the project of Welsh unification. King Caradog of southwestern Wales had been annexing neighboring territories, leading to a conflict with King Meredith of Dehaibarth. Rhys Apowain, the brother of King Meredith, resisted Caradog's rule. Rhys gained control over Estrad Tewy, cutting off Caradog's access to Dehaibarth. Feeling squeezed by Caradog and the advancing power of King Blevin, Rhys made an unexpected offer to Blevin, promising him conquest of the south.
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