Thanks to Alexandra Devidal and the History of Wales for this Joan (Siwan) - Lady of Wales, the wife of Llywelyn Fawr (Llywelyn the Great) died on 2nd February 1237. Joan was born in c.1191, the illegitimate daughter of King John of England and Regina Clementina (Queen Clemence). In April 1226 Joan obtained a papal decree from Pope Honorius III, declaring her legitimate on the basis that her parents had not been married to others at the time of her birth, but without giving her a claim to the English throne. Little is known of Joans early life but she seems to have spent part of her childhood in France, as King John had her brought to the Kingdom of England from Normandy in December 1203 in preparation for her wedding to Llywelyn. They married some time between December 1203 and October 1204. The stained glass pictured is of Llywelyn and Joan in the Church of St Mary, Trefriw, Conwy, which was reputedly built by Llewelyn for the ease of his princess, who before was obliged to go on foot to Llanrhychwyn a long walk among the mountains.” Joan and Llywelyn had at least two children together: Elen ferch Llywelyn and Dafydd ap Llywelyn. In 1211 King John invaded North Wales and Joan acted as a negotiater between Llywelyn and her father and later in 1216 when Henry III came to the throne, Joan continued to plead Gwynedd’s cause to the English court. At Easter 1230, William de Braose, who was Llywelyns prisoner at the time was discovered with Joan in Llywelyns bedchamber. de Braose was hanged and Joan was placed under house arrest for twelve months, after which she was forgiven by Llywelyn, and restored to favour. Joan died at the royal home at Abergwyngregyn in 1237. Llywelyns great grief at her death is recorded; he founded a Franciscan friary on the seashore at Llanfaes, opposite the royal home, in her honour. Joans stone coffin can be seen in Beaumaris parish church, Anglesey.
Posted on: Sun, 02 Feb 2014 14:47:04 +0000
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