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ABERLLENIOG CASTLE – ANGLESEY - - Mintir Mon and Harlech Medieval Society Back |
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On Friday 5th June 2009 a schools activity day was organised, a number of schools and children attended. The students were split into three groups and three historical interpretation stations were set up around the castle and the students toured the event, learning Welsh history at a Welsh monument.
The students enjoyed the experience and indicated an interest in returning. Would like to thank Mintir Mon and Mrs Leah Wiliams for the hard work which was put into this event. Below are characters who lived in the castle1) Gruffydd ap Cynan – Welsh Prince. 1055 to 1137Undisputed King of Gwynedd from 1099 to 1137. A descendant of Rhodri Mawr and a member of the princely house of Aberffraw. Fought against the invading Norman armies of Hugh of Chester, Robert of Rhuddlan and Hugh of Shrewsbury. Beseiged and burned Castell Aberlleiniog at the Battle of Aberlleiniog in 1094. Description of Gruffydd from his biography; “A man of middle height, fair-haired, hot-headed, with a round face of good complexion, large shapely eyes, fine eye brows, a comely beard, a round neck, white skin, powerful limbs, long fingers, straight shanks and fine feet”.
2) Angharad – Gruffydd’s wife. C. 1065 to 1162.Together they had 3 sons and 5 daughters. Daughter of Owain ap Edwin. Born in Tegeingl, Flintshire. Remarkably reached the age of 97, outliving Gruffydd by 25 years.
3) Gwenllian – Gruffydd’s youngest daughter. 1097 to 1136.
4) Ragnaillt – Gruffydd’s mother. 1031 to 1120.
5) Hugh of Chester – Norman Baron & the first Earl of Chester. c. 1047 to 1101.One of King William’s most loyal supporters. His armies built Aberlleiniog Castle in about 1080. Captured Gruffydd and imprisoned him in Chester gaol. Known by many different names, including Hugh D’Avranches, Hugh the Wolf, Flaidd (Welsh for wolf), Lupus and Hugh the Fat! Description from Orderic Vitalis (‘Historia Ecclesiastica’ Book IV) “He was more prodigal than generous, and went about surrounded by an army instead of a household. He kept no check on what he gave or received. His hunting was a daily devastation of his lands, for he thought more highly of fowlers and hunters than husbandsman or monks. A slave to gluttony, he staggered under a mountain of fat, scarcely able to move. He was given over to carnal lusts and had a numerous progeny of sons and daughters by his concubines; but almost all of them died miserably in one way or another”.
6) Robert of Rhuddlan – Hugh of Chester’s cousin & commander of his troops. Died c. 1093.Also known as Robert de Tilleul, and ‘the terror of north Wales’. Lord of North East Wales, and for a time, Lord of all North Wales. Thought to have been killed by Gruffydd’s men at the Great Orme by a volley of javelins. A renowned, valiant baron of strength. 7) Hugh of Shrewsbury - An Anglo-Norman aristocrat and a counterpart of Hugh of Chester. Died 1098. Killed by Magnus Barefoot (see below).
8) Cynwrig HirCynwrig the Tall. Very tall, strong Welshman. Helped Gruffydd to escape from imprisonment in Chester by carrying him out of Chester market, fetters and all!
9) Magnus Barefoot – Viking King of Norway & ally to Gruffydd. 1073 to 1103.Also known as Magnus ‘Bareleg’. The story goes that he gained this nick-name after having been greatly taken with the clothing worn by the men of the Hebrides (part of his empire). At that time men would have worn long, ankle length tunics, and Magnus took to wearing short tunics which barely reached the knee! He killed Hugh of Shrewsbury with an arrow to the eye at the Battle of the Anglesey Sound. Had a famous sword called ‘Legbiter’. Described as being very tall with bright yellow hair and bright blue eyes. Only 30 years old when he died. |