Gruffydd ap Cynan
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Gruffydd ap Cynan (c. 1055–1137) was a Prince of Gwynedd.
Much of the information about Gruffydd's life comes from a tract of disputed authority: The Life of Gruffydd ap Cynan. According to this text, Gruffydd was born near Swords, County Dublin in Ireland. He was the son of a Welsh Prince, Cynan ap Iago, who was a claimant to the Kingship of Gwynedd but was probably never king of Gwynedd. His mother was a member of the Hiberno-Norse dynasty that ruled Dublin. Through his mother, Grruffydd claimed relationships with many of the leading spets in Ireland, including those of the Ua Briain.
During his many struggles to gain the kingship of Gwyneed, Gruffydd received considerable aid from Ireland, both from the Hiberno-Norse at Dublin, but also those at Wexford, and also from Muirchertach Ua Briain.
During his lengthy reign, considered to be a "Golden Age" for Wales, he retook much of Gwynedd from its English conquerors. He was succeeded by his son Owain Gwynedd.
| Preceded by: Trahaearn ap Caradog | Prince of Gwynedd 1081–1137 | Succeeded by: Owain Gwynedd |