Owain Glyndŵr — Wales's Last Native Prince (Years 5/6)

Owain Glyndŵr — the last Welsh prince

1. 1 Who was Owain Glyndŵr? c.1359-c.1415. The last Welshman to hold the title Prince of Wales. Launched the longest and most successful Welsh rebellion against English rule, lasting from 1400 to about 1410.
2. 2 Why he rebelled Wales had been under English crown control since Edward I's conquest in 1282. The Welsh were treated as second-class subjects — barred from many offices and professions. Owain had a land dispute with a neighbouring English lord, and chose to escalate it into a national cause.
3. 3 Military success Within three years, Owain controlled most of Wales. He formed alliances with France and Scotland (England's traditional enemies). He attacked and burned English towns. He captured Harlech and Aberystwyth castles.
4. 4 The Parliament at Machynlleth (1404) Owain held a Parliament at Machynlleth in central Wales — the first recorded Welsh Parliament. Diplomatic recognition from France as Prince of Wales. A vision for an independent Welsh state.
5. 5 The decline England countered with overwhelming force from 1405. French support faded. Owain's family was captured in 1409. By 1410, organised resistance had ended. Owain himself was never captured — his fate is unknown.
6. 6 Owain's proposals In the Pennal Letter (1406), Owain proposed to the Pope: Welsh church independence, Welsh universities, Welsh civil service. A remarkably modern vision for an independent Welsh nation.
7. 7 Legacy A national hero. Never surrendered, never executed, never forgotten. His memory sustained Welsh national consciousness for centuries. The Welsh National Day of Owain Glyndŵr is 16 September. Owain Glyndŵr Day is a national celebration.