Iestyn Ap Gwrgant - Succession

Succession

Caradog ap Iestyn, the eldest son of Iestyn ap Gwrgant, was the only Welsh lord to retain lands in the Glamorgan lowlands after Fitzhamon had conquered them. He retained the land between the River Neath and the River Afan, and he and his descendants were known as the "lords of Afan." His descendants are thought to include the Williams family of Aberpergwm.

There are many people living in South Wales with the surname of Williams who also claim to be descended from Iestyn ap Gwrgan. This may be possible because Iestyn ap Gwrgan had a large family. It might be worth mentioning that many of the old farmsteads and the people who own them also share the surname of Williams and are properly related to one another. These families have lived on their farms for longer than anybody can remember. The occurrence of the surname in the surrounding area of Aberpergwm, such as Cwmgwrach, Bleangwrach, Rigos and Aberdare is very high as is the belief they are descended from Iestyn ap Gwrgan.

Other people who may have been descended from Iestyn ap Gwrgan: The Tudor/Stewart Monarchs of England; Oliver Cromwell whose real surname was Williams and also being of Welsh descent; the Dukes of Marlborough; Winston Churchill; Diana Spencer, Princess of Wales; and many Presidents of the United States of America.