younger son of Rhys Gryg. His share in the 'lord' Rhys's dominions lay at first in the north east of Ystrad Tywi and included the castle of Llandovery; later his lands were considerably enlarged and embraced the region round Dryslwyn castle. The rivalry with his brother, Rhys Mechyll, and later with the latter's son, Rhys Fychan of Dynevor, led to his expulsion from the south, and finding sanctuary in Gwynedd, he accompanied Llywelyn ap Gruffydd on his victorious expeditions of 1256, his reward being lands round Llanbadarn and Cantref Buellt. He took a leading part in the Welsh victory of Cymerau (1257), but Rhys Fychan having come over to the Welsh side in the course of the battle, Maredudd's sympathies veered in the opposite direction as early as October 1257. Though he participated in the general homage sworn to Llywelyn early in 1258, and in the Scottish agreement in March, later in the year he transferred his allegiance to the king. His action gave rise to a notable trial, the first of its kind in Wales : on 28 May 1259 he was charged with treason before a council of native lords, was condemned, and imprisoned for a time in Criccieth castle. The terms of his reconciliation with Llewelyn in 1261 were severe, but his services to the royal cause were rewarded by the deliberate retention of his homage by the king in the peace of Montgomery (1267). In 1270 this homage was conceded to Llywelyn. Maredudd died on 27 July 1271, at Dryslwyn, and was buried at Whitland abbey. Rhys ap Maredudd was his son.
Published date: 1959
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