Idwal Iwrch

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Idwal ap Cadwaladr (c. 650-720; reigned from c. 682) (Latin: Ituvellus; English: Judwald), more commonly known as Idwal Iwrch ('Idwal Roebuck'), was an early medieval king of Gwynedd.

Following the death of Idwal's father, Cadwaladr Fendigaid, the history of Gwynedd enters into a somewhat hazy period. His nickname of 'Roebuck' suggests a young man of small stature, and the historical record indicates that he was probably not involved in any major, prolonged conflicts with neighboring kingdoms, focusing instead on the domestic situation of Gwynedd.

Nonetheless, it was during the time of Idwal's reign that the nearby kingdom of Mercia to the west was growing in power and influence. Idwal may have been involved in a series of raids on Mercian territory carried out by the neighboring Welsh kingdom of Powys during the reign of the Mercian king Coenred. These raids, if they did indeed occur, and if Gwynedd was indeed involved, seem to have been relatively isolated, and did not result in any sort of more organized conflict.


Preceded by
Cadwaladr Fendigaid
Kings of Gwynedd Succeeded by
Rhodri Molwynog