Gruffudd ap Rhydderch (d. AD 1055) was a king ofGwent and part of the kingdom ofMorgannwg in southWales, and later king ofDeheubarth.
Gruffudd was the son ofRhydderch ab Iestyn, who had been able to take over the kingdom of Deheubarth from 1023 to 1033. He received the lordship ofCaerleon in 1031 and strengthened its fortifications.[1] Already king of part of Morgannwg, Gruffudd became involved with Deheubarth when that kingdom was taken over fromHywel ab Edwin byGruffudd ap Llywelyn, already king ofGwynedd, in 1044. Gruffudd ap Rhydderch was, however, able to expel him in 1045 and became king of Deheubarth himself. He was said to be a powerful king who stoutly resisted raids by the Danes and attacks by Gruffudd ap Llywelyn. In 1055, however, Gruffudd ap Llywelyn killed him in battle and recaptured Deheubarth.
In 1049 he is reported raiding up theRiver Severn in alliance with an Irish Viking fleet.[2]
His sonCaradog ap Gruffudd (who received Caerleon in 1057[1]) also attempted to emulate his father and grandfather by gaining control of Deheubarth, but was killed at theBattle of Mynydd Carn.