Dafydd ap Gruffudd was executed at Shrewsbury on 3 October 1283, months after his capture brought organised resistance to Edward I’s conquest of Gwynedd close to an end.

Dafydd was the younger brother of Llywelyn ap Gruffudd, Prince of Wales. His relationship with the English king had not always been hostile. Edward had granted him lands in north-east Wales, where Dafydd built Caergwrle Castle. In March 1282, however, Dafydd attacked the English garrison at Hawarden Castle. The attack began a new Welsh rising and prompted Edward to launch another campaign.

Llywelyn was killed near Builth in December 1282. Dafydd continued the resistance and assumed his brother’s princely position, but Edward’s forces steadily reduced the remaining Welsh strongholds. Dafydd was captured in June 1283 and taken into English custody.

He was tried at Shrewsbury and condemned for treason against Edward. On 3 October he was drawn through Shrewsbury, hanged, disembowelled, beheaded and quartered.

The punishment became an important early example of the form later used for high treason in England. Dafydd’s execution also removed the ruling house of Gwynedd from power.

Edward consolidated his conquest through new castles, fortified towns and a reorganisation of government. Dafydd’s execution was part of the destruction of the native principality and the imposition of English royal authority in conquered Wales.