Rhys ap Gruffydd (1132-1197)
Ruler of Deheubarth in south Wales. He is commonly known as The Lord Rhys, (Yr Arglwydd Rhys). Two documents have been preserved in which he uses the title "Prince of Wales" or "Prince of the Welsh". Rhys was one of the most successful and powerful Welsh princes, and after the death of Owain Gwynedd of Gwynedd in 1170 was the dominant power in Wales.
Rhys's family had fought a long battle against Bernard de Neufmarché, his grandfather, Rhys ap Tewdwr being killed at Brecon in 1093 by after which most of Deheubarth was in Norman hands. Rhys's father, Gruffydd ap Rhys, held onto a small portion, and more territory was won back by Rhys's older brothers after Gruffydd's death. Rhys became ruler of Deheubarth in 1155. He was forced to submit to King Henry II of England in 1158. Henry invaded Deheubarth in 1163, imprisoning Rhys and taking most of Deheubarth. A few weeks later he was released and given back a small part of his holdings. Rhys made an alliance with Owain Gwynedd and after the failure of another invasion of Wales by Henry in 1165 was able to win back most of his lands.
In 1171 Rhys made peace with King Henry and was confirmed in possession of his recent conquests as well as being named Justiciar of South Wales. He maintained good relations with King Henry until the latter's death in 1189. Following Henry's death Rhys came into conflict with Richard I and attacked the Norman lordships surrounding his territory (including those in the modern Powys), capturing a number of castles. In his later years Rhys had trouble keeping control of his sons, particularly Maelgwn and Gruffydd, who maintained a feud with each other. Rhys launched his last campaign against the Normans in 1196 and captured a number of castles. The following year he died unexpectedly and was buried in St David's Cathedral.
[R.R. Davies; John Davies: WBO]
Rhys's family had fought a long battle against Bernard de Neufmarché, his grandfather, Rhys ap Tewdwr being killed at Brecon in 1093 by after which most of Deheubarth was in Norman hands. Rhys's father, Gruffydd ap Rhys, held onto a small portion, and more territory was won back by Rhys's older brothers after Gruffydd's death. Rhys became ruler of Deheubarth in 1155. He was forced to submit to King Henry II of England in 1158. Henry invaded Deheubarth in 1163, imprisoning Rhys and taking most of Deheubarth. A few weeks later he was released and given back a small part of his holdings. Rhys made an alliance with Owain Gwynedd and after the failure of another invasion of Wales by Henry in 1165 was able to win back most of his lands.
In 1171 Rhys made peace with King Henry and was confirmed in possession of his recent conquests as well as being named Justiciar of South Wales. He maintained good relations with King Henry until the latter's death in 1189. Following Henry's death Rhys came into conflict with Richard I and attacked the Norman lordships surrounding his territory (including those in the modern Powys), capturing a number of castles. In his later years Rhys had trouble keeping control of his sons, particularly Maelgwn and Gruffydd, who maintained a feud with each other. Rhys launched his last campaign against the Normans in 1196 and captured a number of castles. The following year he died unexpectedly and was buried in St David's Cathedral.
[R.R. Davies; John Davies: WBO]
Rhys ap Gwilym (fl.1545)
"Rees ap Glm Llewellin ap Muryk" is recorded as having a lease of royal demesne lands in Aberedw in 1520. In 1526 he was appointed receiver of the Lordship of Elfael. He was married to Gwenllian daughter of James ap Rhys ap David ap Hywel Vain and was Sheriff of Radnorshire in 1545/6. As Steward of the Lordship of Elfael he lodged a complaint in the Court of Chancery against Lewis ap Morgan, the parson of Aberedw. The said cleric was accused of selling charms for sick livestock and "yonge chyldren that cryeth in their sleape" and failing to declare the Articles of Faith every quarter as required. Rhys died some time before April 1554.
[R 36, 11]
[R 36, 11]
Rhys ap Morris ap Owen (fl.1565)
A member of that branch of the Montgomeryshire Blayney family which settled in Aberbechan. He was a magistrate during the reign of Henry VIII and farmed the rectory of Llanllwchaiarn under the nuns of Llanllugan. He was later escheator for the county and sheriff in 1565. Bards Huw Arwystli and Sir Ieuan of Carno both praised him for his generosity and prudence.
[W.V. Loyd - the Sheriffs of Montgomeryshire]
[W.V. Loyd - the Sheriffs of Montgomeryshire]
Roberts, John (1816-1894)
"Alaw Elwy", a harpist and penillion singer, b. Llanrhaiadr, Montgomeryshire. Great-grandson of Abram Wood; his mother was Sarah Wood, his father John Robert Lewis; enlisted as drummer in the Royal Welsh Fusiliers, 1830; deserted 1839 and married his cousin Ellinor (daughter of Jeremiah Wood); on the run 1839-40; captured at Swansea, deserted again after 3 months; on the run for four more years before he had collected enough from performances to buy his discharge; settled in Newtown by 1850 - where he lived for over 50 years. Won many medals and prizes at Eisteddfodau for harp-playing and penillion singing, and Lady Llanover and others presented him with an ancient Welsh harp as a token of esteem for his exertions in adhering to the national instrument. Besides the harp, he was an excellent player on the violin and other instruments. He had a large family: Mary Ann, 1840; Lloyd Wynn, 1844; Abraham, 1848; Madoc, 1850; Sarah, 1852; John, 1853; James & Reuben (twins), 1855; Albert, 1858; Ann, 1860; Ernest & Charles (more twins) 1862; William, 1865; (Abraham died 1850); most of whom became like himself, excellent players of stringed instruments. On the occasion of Queen Victoria's visit to Wales in 1889, they gave a concert before Her Majesty at Pale Hall, in which he and his talented family solely took part. He and his nine sons were called themselves "The Cambrian Minstrels" and often gave concerts together. From 1884 he adopted the name "Telynor Cymru" ("the Harpist of Wales"). Died 11 May 1894, buried in Newtown parish churchyard. [G.R.]
[DEW: CAO M/D/CL/2/3; Jarman, - The Welsh Gypsies].
[DEW: CAO M/D/CL/2/3; Jarman, - The Welsh Gypsies].
Roberts, John (c.1800-1893)
Hereditary Burgess of Welshpool, currier, ?freemason. His obituary in The Mont. Times mentions his victory in a race against a post-chaise. Lived at Bebbs Yard and Puzzle Square; was living at Sergeant's Row, Severn Road at time of death.
Roberts, Rev. Samuel (d.1885)
Of Llanbrynmair; he was one of a family of nonconformist ministers. Wrote volumes on social and political problems. Social reformer and a moulder of Welsh political opinion. Settled as co-pastor with his father at Llanbrynmair (the pastorate comprising 10 chapels or more). Exponent of: disestablishment and free church; free-trade; free education; postal reform (he instigated the Commission which was continued by Sir Rowland Hill); the right of atheists to vote and sit in Parliament; Welsh nationalism and the promotion of the Welsh language. Won prizes at Eisteddfodau 1820s-1830s - his essays were often on anti-slavery themes. In 1843 he was appointed leader of a campaign to remove the debts of Congregational churches. He published a Hymnal in 1840 (over 1,000 hymns). In 1843 his monthly periodical called the Cronicl appeared, this flourished into one of the most popular monthlies of its time. He represented Wales at the Peace (Hungary) Conference at Franfurt, 1850. On the death of his father he became the tenant of Diosg farm and championed the cause of the tenants. In 1857 Samuel Roberts and a large number from Llanbrynmair emigrated to America and established a Welsh colony in Tenessee. He returned in 1867 and was welcomed back as a hero. In 1878 he started The Celt, a Welsh weekly which was later incorporated into the "Tyst". Died 24 September 1885.
[WPE]
[WPE]
Roberts, Tudor
Lived till 81 years of age. Was born Miss Kate Jones at the Old Castle, Rhayader where she was the youngest of 21 children, though eventually outlived them all despite a battle against ill health in her early years. Both parents lived to be 94. Was a keen churchwoman, possibly fostered by having many near relatives who were vicars at one time or another. Officiated as a soloist at the opening of many local churches including Holy Trinity Church, Llandrindod Wells when it was opened in 1871 and became a devoted member of the choir for many years afterwards. For nearly 20 years from 1880 she was a leading soloist soprano in Wales and won many competitions at eisteddfodau and concerts. Described as “The Nightingale of Wales” by Rev R Lister Venables.
For a time lived in London after she married in 1897, but returned to Llandrindod Wells in 1920 where she still made singing performances. Her skills as a needlewoman also won her first prize at South Kensington Museum. Her funeral took place at Llanbadarn Fawr, the same place as her husband some years previously.
[Wellington Journal 27.1.1940]
For a time lived in London after she married in 1897, but returned to Llandrindod Wells in 1920 where she still made singing performances. Her skills as a needlewoman also won her first prize at South Kensington Museum. Her funeral took place at Llanbadarn Fawr, the same place as her husband some years previously.
[Wellington Journal 27.1.1940]