[1] He succeeded to the minor Marcher Lordship of Blaenllynfi after his father's death in 1286.
He was a signatory of the Barons Letter of 1301, that was proposed to be sent to Pope Boniface VIII, as a repudiation of the Pope's claim of feudal overlordship of Scotland, in the papal bull Scimus Fili.
[2] Following the death of King Edward I of England, John granted the reversion of all his lands to the new king, Edward II of England.
In 1309, Edward II issued a charter granting the reversion of these lands to Rhys ap Hywel.
[2] He was succeeded by his son Herbert, by his first wife who is unknown.