The Lord Rhys ap Gruffudd of Deheubarth recaptured Cardigan Castle from the Normans during Henry II's failed 1165 campaign into Wales. After the failure of that campaign Henry was forced to recognise Lord Rhys as his principal Welsh ally and appointed him Justiciar of South Wales. Rhys held the first recorded eisteddfod at Cardigan Castle in 1176. His long rule stabilised south Wales and created a brilliant cultural renaissance.
Lord Rhys: c.1,500–2,500 men. Norman garrison: c.100–200 men.
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