your comments
M JANSEN
I am fiercely Welsh and always will be, even though I have some English ancestry too. I was born and bred in Wales and learnt about our history and the Welsh princes, Owen Goch among them. Of course we all know about the defeat of Owain Glyndwr (or Glendower) as the English choose to call him. But, as has already been observed, he and his armies were heavily outnumbered. Yet he did not admit defeat but bravely fought on. The Welsh are noted for their tenacity and stoicism. Yes, we are proud of our heritage and of Owain Glyndwr who fought for our country and its people. We honour it with our flag. CYMRU AM BYTH!
Tue Sep 30 08:06:20 2008
Huw Williams from Alberta, Canada
It is good to remember our historic place, the Welsh language is the oldest surviving language in Northern Europe. The Welsh defeated a much larger English Army in 1254 and only due to massive arming by the English, did the Welsh become subjugated by the English. Owain Glyndwr fought for much the same reasons as Robert the Bruce in Scotland, it was the same as today, all about what they could get from some deal with the English Monarch of the time. Braveheart as we all know, was a bastardization of history, we tend to embellish our histories to feel good about being downtrodden for centuries. The Welsh are the true British (Britons) not the English, they came much later in history. The Aboriginal peoples of Canada believe some of their heroes will rise again to drive off the "whiteman" much as Christians believe Jesus Christ will rise again to lead us all to salvation. We all need a hero or something to hang onto. We Welsh can be proud of the fact that over such great odds our language and culture has survived after such domination by a larger neighbour. Canada is in much the same boat sharing a huge border with THE EXCITED STATES OF AMERICA...you have to believe that with the world the way it is the USA will look north for its energy resources in the near future. Maybe 700 years from now some will remember a hero from this time and hope in their resurrection.
Tue Sep 16 08:38:00 2008
Nia Jones
Reading some of the anti-Welsh comments makes me regret even more that Owain Glyndwr didn't create a free Wales. A real national hero of Wales. The reasons why he wanted an independent Wales are still visable today. If I want to consider myself as Welsh, I will. Why should I be forced to be British? I am glad that our country still survives, no thanks to the English government. Thank you for ensuring a better future for Wales, Glyndwr.
Wed Dec 12 16:26:53 2007
Laura Trefor, Y Fenni
I am currently researching Owain's brother, Tudur, and am suprised how little people know about the 'facts' about Owain - so well done for the biog - but be warned - there are many stories out there, and history is mainly written by the winners...Would love to know what anyone knows about Tudur.
Mon Oct 29 14:27:01 2007
Toin Carr from Rhyl
Nice fairy tale.
Thu Oct 25 11:41:54 2007
Chris M
To Iolo, I am very proud of Owain Glyndwr. I love going in Harlech Castle and I touch the stones where I hope he once touched! I am addressing you because I like your name, so much so I have called my dog Iolo.
Fri Sep 28 08:45:58 2007
Iolo, Wrexham
Why shouldn't we proud of Glyndwr? The Scots celebrate Wallace and Bruce. The English honour Alfred, Richard the Lionheart and Marlborough. The Irish adhere to Cuchullain.We all crave a hero to aspire to and Owain did something which many fear to do. He stood up for what he believed in and captured the soul of a nation.
Wed Sep 12 08:10:57 2007
Greg of Halkyn
Everyone has the right to be proud of their heritage and Owain Glyndwr's struggle is what makes the Welsh people so strong and willing to fight in what they believe. The language and unspoilt beauty and historical interest is a national treasure and must be preserved for future generations.
Fri Jun 15 10:02:39 2007
Llewelyn, originaly from Porthmadog.
To everybody who has contributed. It is quite simple! We the Welsh are different, we have our own "mother" tongue, Celtic appearance, music and so on and so on. Owain was a hero for me and will always be. I would like to see Wales go along the road Scotland has. EU money would miss London and go straight to Cardiff. However, how much of that money would travel north past Builth Wells? We were here before the Romans, Anglo Saxons, Normans. You do not have to go too far back in history to see how the "English" tried to change us. Just ask them to explain away the practice of the "Welsh not". Cofion Gorau, Llew.
Mon Jun 11 08:41:46 2007
Fay
I was born in Birmingham - I was christened near Gellinudd. My mother and father spoke fluent Welsh and never taught me a word. I was made to believe it wasn't important. As a child I felt very lonely. I was made to feel inadequate for marrying an English man. My son is proud of his Welsh heritage. I wish he wasn't so dedicated. I love my cousins but will never feel close to them because of this attitude from way back. God Bless Mam - my grandmother - she was Welsh and loved me very much. I will never come to terms with my past situation. I still think I am lucky to be who and where I am today though! I suppose my parents thought they were doing the right thing for me at the time. So how does Owain apply to me - if at all? Love and peace anyway - I am past caring...
Mon Jun 4 08:14:23 2007
Owain Joels from Melbourne, Australia
My grandmother was from Blanfestinyog in Merryonithshire (or something like that) I was apparently named for this great hero, but having read this bio, I'm not sure it's such a great thing...
Wed May 30 09:29:55 2007
Anita Wills, USA
I am a descendant of the Llywelyns of Wales and take great pride in my ancestors. Until finding my lines (through research and DNA), I thought my ancestry began and ended in the US. It is so important to learn about history, and the people in our world. Since tracing my ancestry to Wales, I have been reading everything I can about the Welsh people. Of course I knew who Tom Jones, and Richard Burton were (I am crazy about Tom Jones), but not the average Welshman (or woman). I also know that they look different from the English, and I am just beginning to understand the deeper differences. I believe history is important, as we are all a testament to history. There is no disconnection, we would not be here were it not for our ancestors. I am looking forward to visiting Wales, England, and Scotland someday. I would like to see the places where my ancestors ruled, the castles, and the statutes. Thanks to the Welsh people for leaving a history for me to find.
Thu Mar 1 08:21:29 2007
Roger Smith, Hawarden
I am a South Walian by birth, and have lived amoung you Gogs for a long time. Since I could read, I have been proud to be a Welshmen, and feel nothing but great pride to follow Owen Glendower's fight.
Fri Jan 19 08:00:03 2007
Laura chirk, Wrecsam
This biogaphy reflects a lot of Owains personal side aswell as his loyal duty to his country.
Mon Oct 23 08:37:13 2006
Dylan in Wrexham
Simon from Holywell - why is "that attitude symbolic of the racism shown by the Welsh towards the English"? And does it not work both ways? The Welsh people are constantly belittled and mocked in an English dominated media, yet any nationalist (political) sentiment is always portrayed as bigotry. Although I appreciate our shared histories and understand our peoples have strong cultural links, nonetheless we also have our cultural independence. The anglicanisation of Wales (and Scotland/Ireland) didn't begin until the pious Victorian era but has been relentless since, to the point whereby a willingness to celebrate our nationality is perceived as anti-British and anti-patriotic. Wales produces more graduates per capita than any other home-nation, yet has the lowest average salary and highest per-capita population in council tenancies. Any suggestion Wales is somehow reliant on English economic force is blown apart by Ireland's 'Celtic tiger' economic miracle - from desperately poor British (anglicised) colony with the highest unemployment in Europe to the strongest per-capita economy as a primary member of the EU, in a few decades of replicanism. Quite why anyone would take pride in Britian - invented the concentration camp 50 years before Hitler (Boer War) and oppresed and slaughtered an entire sub-continent (The Indian Mutiny) - is beyond me. Quite why anyone would expect a subjugated people to take pride is even more preposterous. I am no more British than I am a citizen of the world. Give me a vote on Britain and if the democratic answer is yes then I have no argument. Until Wales is given a referendum on a republic I reserve my right to consider myself Welsh, not British. Wales, in my eyes, is England's last colony. Read 'Europe' by Jan Morris - of Anglo-Welsh descent - for an articulate and intelligent view on Wales, and a delightful read on all European cultures to boot. Im afraid, Simon of Holywell, your daughter has been biased by your personal views. Allow her to form her own opinions and ask her again in ten years. Recent studies suggested the overwhelming majority of the under 30s population in Wales - around 70% - are in favour of semi-autocracy (see Catalonia) and a more active role in the EU community at the expense of the British state, which is and always has been a State and not a true Nation (as opposed to Wales, which has always been a Nation, but alas not a State). If you choose to celebrate Britain then that is your ill-informed choice but to accuse the Welsh people of racism (although actually you mean Xenophobia) for a politically-formed stance on Anglicanistaion is both ignorant and offensive. It is hardly suprising Wales chooses to celebrate historical figures when you condider the Welsh culture has been suffocated by 800 years of foreign rule. The fact that a fifth of the people still speak a language which was and is still suppressed by a ruling state fearful of political revolution is testament to the determintion and bloody-mindedness of the Welsh people. Diolch Simon and I hope you will now at least make the effort to understand the views of the significant and growing Repulican movement in Wales, rather than knee-jerk reactions of racism and a lack of British patriotism. You also shouldn't use your 11 year old daughter to prove a point, and instead prove a point with facts not opinions or hearsay. Long live the Queen my backside!
Wed Oct 18 13:52:03 2006
Haydn'jones tudweiliog
what was his time of death
Wed Sep 6 08:16:37 2006
Jo from Mold
I would seriously like to speak to John Canning - relating to a project on single fatherhood in North East Wales.
Tue Jun 13 16:13:51 2006
lucas hughes, cardiff
Reflector, thanks for your comments. I'd like to draw your attention to your comment: "theirs (the Celts' was an illiterate society and their 'history' was an aural tradition of storytelling." This is only true up to the Roman Conquest, after which we do have written historical records (in Latin.) By the time of Glyndwr Wales had long developed a tradition of written welsh steeped in antiquity even at that time. Take a look at the LLandeilo Gospels which date from the 8th century. I'm interested as to why you say "theirs" rather than ours.
Mon May 29 17:33:30 2006
Louise Higgs from Surrey
Being the daughter of the aforementioned Methodist minister my only regret is that I was born in England because my father, who has to move around due to his work, was living in England at the time I was born. I do consider myself to be Welsh first and foremost and although again now living in England make sure along with my father that my children know their heritage.
Sun Nov 20 19:37:47 2005
Phil Cooper, Merseyside
I'm interested to read how people tend to show great pride and honour over a man who died over 700 years ago. It seems to me that too many people today tend to live in the past in hope that things shall return to the good old days.
How many people died of disease, starvation, through wars about land, titles and deeds. Yet those that least benefited from these were, of course, the poor. There were as many tyrants living then as there are today and it's sad that people tend to tarnish or use violence on other groups of people because of race, religion, sex, language or history of their origin. But there is one fact that I have to remind everyone. From space none of these matter other than the blue of the sea and the green of the land. History is a fantastic thing to learn and it is great to cherish great men and women. But please don't use it as a tool to live by, there are more important things in life. Phil C a proud human being.
Tue Nov 2 14:12:47 2004
Malcolm Langley - Wrexham
Like him or loathe him, or just tolerate him, Owain Glyndwr is a part of Welsh History. It doesn't really matter if he was right or wrong, or what his motives were - and we can never really know now. He is a rallying and turning point in the history of Wales and should be remembered. As to the English flag coming off cars, was that something to do with football?? I assumed it was a new law that the intellectually challenged had to display a red cross on a white background.
Tue Sep 7 09:10:44 2004
John Canning from Wrecsam
When I was a pupil at New Broughton Junior School our headmaster asked for a pupil to come forward and speak to the entire school on a Welsh historical event. I told my eldest brother of this, the Rev. Vincent Canning, and he gave me a Welsh history book. The part that took hold of my 10 years of age imagination was the chapter on Owain Glyndwr. Ever since he has been my hero, so too Llewelyn, this generated my love of Wales and Welsh/Celtic history, still as strong today at the age of 44 and a single father to Jonathon Hywel, Aron, Dafydd, Ffion and Tirion. All my children have been brought up with the knowledge of the countless attempts of local warriors to have Wales ruled by Welsh lords, and frankly the events that have occurred make me proud of my Welsh roots, even though my father was Scottish.
Welsh narratives describe our Welsh lords as glorious leaders, English narratives describe the Welsh chieftans as failures, but are they failures? They fought against
formidable, heavily outnumbered odds. Even still to this day the sheer stubborness of the Welsh to yield is evident, proof of this is that the language, the hen iaith, is still alive, and the still brewing argument of the George Cross particularly on cars in Wrexham and Wales by English patriots and the burning and snapping of those flags by locals, is clear evidence that the Welsh and our former lords were not failures. They have instilled in their descendants that stubborn pride that will not give in. Glyndwr may not have achieved independence as he strove for, but he united a divided nation, and still to this day his spirit lives on, in me and many more, and my children have been taught their own history, not in school as should have been the case but by their father. As for the St George's flag, and the locals' actions, then various letters from English calling us racist, that we should forget the past, and that having the dragon as our emblem is like believing in fairies. Well, I receive unprovoked racial insults every week. I'm sure if the French and Scandinavians drove round London with their flags the locals would be antagonised, and if someone looks at the royal emblem is there not a unicorn there
or is only believing in fairies a reason to insult an inferior race while in ignorance of their own emblems? Some of the loveliest people I have ever met are English and some of the worst Welsh and I only feel the way I do because of the sheer insults and arrogance shown to me. Glyndwr did succeed, he lives on in so many people and I'm so proud to be one of them. Thank you to all.
Mon Aug 16 21:13:19 2004
'Reflector' (Deeside)
Marc's comments are timely, and put my earlier contribution into perspective, diolch. My beef was with the above description of OG, not the man himself and he is rightly celebrated as one of Wales' greatest heroes, possibly second only to King Arthur. Arthur, another man of Fflint, is said to have ruled over the Britons - presumably including Celts, Picts, Scotti and others. I don't realy understand how someone can have a strong Irish, Welsh, English or Scots identity without also being British, a native of the British Isles. (But I can get along with someone who wants to look at things that way, that's his or her perogative.) I have always felt that the nature of our ancestors as islanders defined their collective identity much more than their bloodline(s), and this could be said to be as true and relevant to 'Britishness' today as it ever was. The people become the land, as the land shapes its people. Music and poetry are two powerful forces with which I find ready associations with Wales, but 'silver spoons' and privilege are not.
Tue Aug 3 13:21:45 2004
Marc
'Reflector' and Simon! What can I say?
The "English" invaders who tore Wales apart were essentially the French "English" who lost to and became French following the events of 1066.
They relentlessly fought the Welsh who at least hung on longer than the 'English' did but of course we eventually lost. Owain played their game for a while as a 'loyal subject' but was betrayed and in the end fought superior numbers by resorting to guerilla tactics. It may have been harsh but how else was he to re-unite Wales?
As for being British, that is a joke! We all deserve our right to be Welsh, Scottish, Irish and even, yes, English! This British thing is a laugh! Adopted by the English in an attempt to unify us all! If you want to play that game, let's cut out British and call ourselves "EUROPEAN". At the end of the day, Owain was a true hero who should be celebrated. Whatever his motives he fought for our identity and more besides! CYMRU AM BYTH.
Fri Jul 30 23:26:49 2004
Dark Overlord from Wrecsam
To be born Welsh is to be born privileged. Not with a silver spoon in your mouth. But with music in your blood. And poetry in your soul
Fri Jul 30 00:55:22 2004
'Reflector' ap Dyrfdwy
The biography of Glyndower reads like that of a disaffected brat, intent on causing maximum pain and embarrassment to his family. His defeat in law led to his self-proclamation as monarch of a non-existant kingdom - without the trouble of moving from his armchair - a medieval Jim Royle, if you will. Glyndower (English spelling, as it would have been spelt in his lifetime) is lauded as a noble warrior and fighter for all of Wales, but this is with the embellishment of time and no little regret. He used the Welsh 'cause' as an excuse to kill, rob and rampage and his defeat was as inevitable as his motives were questionable. In the absence of any serious canon of written Celtic history, (theirs was an illiterate society and their 'history' was an aural tradition of storytelling) we are left with a handful of supposedly reliable accounts of hundreds of years of Welsh "truth" which are never questioned nor verified.
Tue Jul 6 16:13:31 2004
Simon from Holywell
So you laughed when all the English flags came down did you? That attitude is symbolic of the racism shown by the Welsh towards the English. I don't feel the need to berate my fellow countrymen - and that includes you - by bleating on about the apparent lack of nationalistic displays. Like you, I'm proud of my heritage but unlike you, I wear my flag on the inside instead of using it simply as a means of antagonising people. My daughter is Welsh but fortunately, my wife and I have brought her up to be tolerant of other people's feelings. I have tried as best I can to give an unbiased account of the history between England and Wales but like me, she considers herself to be BRITISH first and foremost - I think you could learn a lot from this 11 year old!
Fri Jul 2 13:59:09 2004
Dark Overlord from Wrecsam
I only bacame aware of Owain's struggle in the early 90's when I attended a rally for Plaid Cymru in Aberystwyth and Mad Pablo took us to his parliament at Machynlleth. I strived to learn more but then I got the Internet and learnt all of his struggle with the English tyrants. He rose a century or so after Llewelyn's body was buried at Cymer Abbey, while his head was sent to London as proof of his death. Welsh rule was over until Owain fought for his country. For a brief moment in history Wales was united again! All I ask is that every Welsh man and woman reads up on their Welsh history and realise why we laughed when ALL of the St George car flags came down overnight (after England were knocked out of Euro 2004 in June) whilst the Welsh ones remain strong. Owain is my personal hero and I am sure that when he rises again as per the legend, he too will laugh at the flags that come out for sporting events, unlike those of the Welsh which we are proud to display always!
Fri Jul 2 00:40:25 2004
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Welsh noble who revolted against the English and crowned himself Prince of Wales.
