Characters

Joanna

Also known as: Joan, Siwan, Lady of Wales

• Born 1191 – Died February 1237
• Married: Llewelyn ap Iorwerth

Joanna was the illegitimate daughter of King John of England, sometimes called John Plantagenet because his family was from the House of Plantagenet. Little is known about Joanna's early life but it is believed she spent some time in France. She was betrothed to Llewelyn ap Iorwerth when King John hoped the marriage would bring peace between England and Wales as he was fighting the French and didn't want to have to fight the Welsh at the same time. The marriage took place in May 1206 at Chester when Joanna was about 15.

The peace between England and Wales was rocky and Joanna proved a worthy political diplomat; she acted as mediator between her father King John and Llewelyn on more than one occasion. At one stage Joanna sent a letter to her father which saved the life of her step-son Gruffydd when King John hanged the other prisoners held with Gruffydd.

In 1230, Joanna was accused of adultery with William de Braose. William was hanged and Joanna was banished for a year before Joanna and her husband were reconciled.

On her death, her husband founded a priory at Llanfaes in her memory. Her coffin now resides in Beaumaris Church.