Prior to Norman occupation of lower Gwynedd, the Perfeddwlad, Rhuddlan was the site of a Welsh cantref and served as the seat of government for the Welsh king Gruffydd ap Llywelyn (1007 – August 5, 1063), whose family may have been the traditional Welsh lords of Rhuddlan for generations.
From here the Lords of Rhuddlan commanded the lands of North East Wales (Welsh Perfeddwlad) on behalf of Gruffydd ap Llywelyn (1007 – August 5, 1063), the last ruler of all Wales.