© 2008 Canolfan Owain Glyn Dŵr Centre
t: +44(0)1654 702932
e: canolfanowain@btconnect.com
e: canolfanowain@btconnect.com
Canolfan Owain Glyn Dŵr Centre
Heol Maengwyn
Machynlleth
Powys
SY20 8EE
Machynlleth
Powys
SY20 8EE
DURING THE SUMMER OF 1404 a unique meeting took place in Machynlleth, in mid Wales. Representatives of communities from many parts of Wales and dignitaries from France, Scotland. and Castile (Spain) came to the coronation of Owain Glyn Dŵr as prince of an independent Wales. At his coronation, Glyn Dŵr had his government around him with people such as John Byield, Bishop of Bangor and John Trefor, Bishop of St Asaph.
Why did the coronation take place in Machynlleth?
Although we cannot be absolutely sure why thls location was chosen, there are many pointers as to why Owain chose Machynlleth:-
The river Dyfi formed a natural border between North and South Wales.
Llywelyn the Great had called other Welsh princes to a meeting at Aberdyfi in 1216 in order to secure their allegiance to his son. Aberdyfi is 9 miles from Machynlleth.
Machynlleth is in mid Wales and had no English castle.
A few miles distant, at Pennal, Glyn Dŵr and his government drew up their famous letter to the King of France in 1406. Glyn Dŵr recognised the Avignon Papacy and in return asked the King of France to recognise his ambition to establish two Welsh universities an independent church and an independent Welsh Government.
….. it is the widespread support in Wales and from other countries, along with his long term vision far his country that sets Glyn Dŵr apart from other Welsh princes ..
Was the Glyn Dŵr rebellion inevitable? No.
He had been trained as a lawyer at the Inns of Court in London.
His father in law was Sir David Hanmer who by 1383 was one of the chief justices at the King's Bench. Glyn Dŵr had trained to become a knight.
In the 1380's Glyn Dŵr fought alongside King Richard 1.
By the 1390's he led a comfortable squire's existence on his estates at Glyndyfrdwy and Sycharth.
So, the key questions are:-
Why did the coronation take place in Machynlleth?
Although we cannot be absolutely sure why thls location was chosen, there are many pointers as to why Owain chose Machynlleth:-
The river Dyfi formed a natural border between North and South Wales.
Llywelyn the Great had called other Welsh princes to a meeting at Aberdyfi in 1216 in order to secure their allegiance to his son. Aberdyfi is 9 miles from Machynlleth.
Machynlleth is in mid Wales and had no English castle.
A few miles distant, at Pennal, Glyn Dŵr and his government drew up their famous letter to the King of France in 1406. Glyn Dŵr recognised the Avignon Papacy and in return asked the King of France to recognise his ambition to establish two Welsh universities an independent church and an independent Welsh Government.
….. it is the widespread support in Wales and from other countries, along with his long term vision far his country that sets Glyn Dŵr apart from other Welsh princes ..
Was the Glyn Dŵr rebellion inevitable? No.
He had been trained as a lawyer at the Inns of Court in London.
His father in law was Sir David Hanmer who by 1383 was one of the chief justices at the King's Bench. Glyn Dŵr had trained to become a knight.
In the 1380's Glyn Dŵr fought alongside King Richard 1.
By the 1390's he led a comfortable squire's existence on his estates at Glyndyfrdwy and Sycharth.
So, the key questions are:-
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What happened in England and Wales in 1399/1400 to change Glyn Dŵr’s mindset?
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Why did the Yorkists support Owain militarily and by marrying into the family?
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Why did the King of France support him and send an army to Wales in 1405?
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For answers to these questions about this remarkable man and to why Shakespeare caused him to say
‘ All the courses of my life show
That I am not in the role of common men’
…….visit our exhibition!
Owain Glyndwr
Glyndwr’s seal
Glyndwr’s flag
