DOZENS of people braved the rain to celebrate the homecoming of Wales' 'last Prince'.

The Leader previously reported that a group of history enthusiasts were on a mission for Dafydd ap Gruffydd - builder of Caergwrle Castle - to be properly commemorated.

On Sunday, October 13, dozens of people took to the street to watch the Cambria Drum Band and the unveiling of the plaque commemorating the Prince, at the Crown Inn.

Flintshire historian and author Steve Griffiths told the Leader: "Considering the weather conditions and the short notice as well, I'm pleased with the turnout.

"It's a fantastic achievement of the committee to get something in place for Dafydd.

"I feel today, that this is his homecoming. It's taken 730 years for him to be recognised in his former Lordship so it's a fantastic achievement.

"Also many thanks to the patron of the Crown Inn to allow the plaque here."

Cllr Carrie Harper officially unveiled the plaque in Caergwrle and the Cambria Drum Band was on hand to provide musical entertainment.

Dafydd Ap Gruffudd, a younger brother to Prince Llywelyn the Last of Gwynedd and Wales, was the first nobleman sentenced to die by the agonising procedure of hanging, drawing and quartering.

Historically, he is the only ruling Prince of Wales to suffer execution and he is also the last Welshman to build a castle in Wales.

He built castles at Caergwrle, Ruthin and Denbigh held the lordships at Dyffryn Clwyd (Ruthin), Rhufoniog (Denbigh) and Hopedale, and held a royal residence at Caerwys (a stone tomb inside St Michael's Church, Caerwys is said to represent Dafydd's wife, Elizabeth Ferrers).

During the final phase of Dafydd's colourful and often controversial career he attacked the English occupied castles of Hawarden, Flint and Rhuddlan, a process that resulted in the Edwardian Conquest of Wales (1282-83).