Owain Glyndŵr
Owain Glyn Dŵr was born into an aristocratic family in north-east Wales in 1354. His father, Gruffudd Fychan, was heir to the princes of Powys Fadog, and his mother, Elen, daughter of Thomas ap Llywelyn, was descended from the princes of Deheubarth. Owain Glyndŵr, or Owain ap Gruffudd, or Owain Glyndyfrdwy was the last Welshman to be called Prince of Wales. He led the Welsh in a rebellion against the King of England between 1400-1415, which began on 16 September, as his campaign spread throughout the north-east.
On 12 January 1405 a formal agreement was signed with the king of France to ally against Henry IV, king of England. Then, just over a month later, on 28 February 1405, the Tripartite Agreement was signed between Owain and his ally Henry Percy, 1st Earl of Northumberland (father of Hotspur) and Edmund Mortimer. This agreement divided the Island of Britain (excluding Scotland) between them as sovereign, independent chiefs. However, although an important document setting out the prince's intentions was produced following a Welsh assembly at Pennal near Machynllyeth in March 1406, and that a letter was sent by Owain to King Charles VI of France outlining the conditions of his loyalty to him, the tide was already turning against the rebellion. The King of England began to regain some of his Welsh lands and suceeded to recapture some of the castles. Little is known about Owain after 1412 and there is also uncertainty about the exact circumstances and date of his death. He is remembered as a skilled statesman and courageous leader who has been an inspiration to nationalists throughout the centuries. Over the years many have identified Owain Glyndŵr with the legend of 'The Son of Prophecy' (' Y Man Darogan'), who would come to lead the Welsh to a final victory against the English.
September 16th, the day the rebellion began, is unofficially known as Owain Glyndŵr's Day. This collection includes the seal of Owain Glyndŵr, art works and monuments depicting him as well as locations which were of importance during his rebellion.
