Dafydd ap Gruffydd (11 July 1238-3 October 1283) was Prince of Wales from 11 December 1282 to 3 October 1283, succeeding Llywelyn ap Gruffudd. He was the last independent ruler of Wales, with the next holder of the Prince of Wales being King Edward I of England's son, Edward of Caernarvon (the future Edward II of England).
Biography[]
Dafydd ap Gruffyd was born in Gwynedd, Wales in 1238, the son of Gruffydd ap Llywelyn Fawr, and the brother of Llywelyn ap Gruffudd and Owain Goch ap Gruffydd. In 1255, he joined Owain in challenging Llywelyn's rule, but they were defeated at Bryn Derwin and imprisoned. However, Dafydd was released a year later and restored to favor, although he joined Edward I of England in 1274 to challenge Llywelyn again; once more, in 1277, he returned to his brother's favor. In 1282, he launched a rebellion against England without consenting his brother, as the claims of a rival English nobleman conflicted with his own territorial claims. This led to Llywelyn being forced to join the uprising against the English, and this revolt was destructive. Llywelyn was slain in battle, and Dafydd was captured in battle. On 3 October 1283, he was executed by King Edward, and he was the last independent ruler of Wales.