Dafydd ap Gruffydd (d. 1283), prince of Wales (1282-3). The third son of Gruffydd ap Llywelyn of Gwynedd, he was the last prince of Wales. Ambitious and disloyal to his elder brother Llywelyn, he allowed himself to be manipulated by English kings. In 1263 he joined Henry III, though when Llywelyn was recognized as prince of Wales (1267) Dafydd was restored to land and position and swore fealty to Llywelyn. In 1274 he plotted Llywelyn's death, after which he fled to Edward I. After Llywelyn's defeat (1277), Dafydd married the king's relative, Elizabeth Ferrers. Dissatisfied with his treatment, he attacked Hawarden (21 March 1282) and Llywelyn was drawn into the war. After Llywelyn's death (December), Dafydd held out and styled himself prince of Wales. He was betrayed by Welshmen and executed for treason (3 October 1283.

A Dictionary of British History. Copyright © 2001, 2004 by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved.