Owain Glyndrwr
1354-1416
Snowdonia National Park
Famous for:
Being a self-proclaimed Prince of Wales who led a rebellion against the English crown in the early 15th century
More info:
www.owain-glyndwr-soc.org.uk
This statue, showing Owain Glyndwr leading a battle charge, was unveiled in 2007 in Corwen, Denbighshire
Early life
Glyndwr was born into a noble Welsh ruling family and was a direct descendent of the Powys Fadog and Deheubarth dynasties, and an indirect descendent of the Gwynedd dynasty. He studied law in London and served Richard II in France and Scotland.
Loyal subject turns rebel
Glyndwr and his family were loyal to the English crown until 1400 when Glyndwr’s rebellion broke out.
It began over a land dispute with his landowning neighbour in Ruthin, Lord Grey, and escalated into a long-lasting rebellion to throw off the yoke of English rule under new king, Henry IV.
National Park hero
At the National Eisteddfod in 2009 members of the public voted Owain Glyndwr as the number one 'most amazing character' to come out of Snowdonia National Park.
www.eryri-npa.gov.uk/legends_characters
Let battle commence
Glyndwr was a tenacious leader who inspired many to follow him. His campaigns included:
- 1400 Attacks in Ruthin
- 1401 Victory over Royal forces in Plynlimmon
- 1402 Attacks along the Welsh Marches
- 1404 Capture of Harlech, Aberystwyth and Cricieth castles
- 1404 Establishment of a Welsh ‘parliament’ in Machynlleth (parliaments were also held in Dolgellau and Harlech)
- 1404 Treaty with France
- 1405 His ‘Pennal letter’ (from the village of Pennal near Machynlleth) to the Pope of Avignon outlines his vision for a separate ecclesiastical realm in Wales
- 1405 Defeat at Pwll Melyn, in spite of French aid, marks start of English resurgence
- 1408 Defeat at Aberystwyth castle
- 1409 Harlech castle falls (Glyndwr’s family taken prisoner)
- 1412 Glyndwr fades into history and dies four years later
More history: National Library of Wales
For more information
Separating fact from historical fiction is tricky, particularly with a popular figure like Glyndwr who has become a popular Welsh icon in recent years. However, more information can also be found at:
