Rhys ap Gruffudd the Lord Rhys

Rhys ap Gruffudd, the LORD RHYS (c.1132-1197), Prince of Deheubarth and Justiciar of South Wales, was the greatest Welsh ruler of his century after his ally-rival Owain Gwynedd: he rebuilt Deheubarth from nothing, made his peace with Henry II and kept it, founded Strata Florida and Talley, and at Cardigan castle in 1176 held the festival of poets and musicians remembered as the FIRST EISTEDDFOD. He died in the plague year 1197 and lies in St David's.