On September 16th 1400 Owain Glyndwr began a struggle to gain Welsh independence that was to last for 16 years. He roundly defeated Henry IV's army at Hyddgen on the slopes of Pumlumon in the summer of 1401 and then marched victoriously into southern Wales. In response Henry led a huge army from Worcester to capture Owain and crush the rising in its early stages. He arrived in the Llandovery area and press-ganged Llywelyn ap Gruffydd Fychan, a landowner from Caeo who was in his mid 60s, into his service to help him find Glyndwr's base.
Llywelyn was known as a host of great generosity and was well loved by his people. He had two sons serving in Owain's army and determined never to betray his country, family or Prince. He led the English king through the uplands of Deheubarth for several wasted weeks on a wild goose chase to allow Owain the chance to make his escape to Gwynedd where he could consolidate a position of strength.
Henry eventually lost his patience and Llywelyn was forced to admit that he was a loyal follower of Glyndwr and believed passionately in the cause of Welsh freedom. From the outset he knew what fate lay in store for him but was prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice so that others could carry on the struggle.
Maddened with anger and frustration, Henry had Llywelyn dragged to Llandovery where, at the gallows in front of the castle gates, he was publicly disembowelled and dismembered. The torture lasted for hours before death released him from his agony. His salted remains were sent to other Welsh towns for exhibition in order to deter patriots from joining Owain's army, but ironically this barbaric act did quite the opposite.
In the face of impossible military odds, Glyndwr's war of liberation eventually faltered. England possessed one of the largest and most ruthless armies in medieval Europe, as the French found to their cost a few years later in 1415 at Agincourt. But Owain was never captured or betrayed and had united the whole nation behind his cause. Of Llywelyn, who tenaciously refused to betray his people or accept the bribes and privileges dispensed by a tyrant, we can truly say, "there was no braver heart".
Robert ap Steffan
More:Memorial project to remember Llywelyn
your comments
We're making some changes to the sites shortly and although this form will be closing, you will have other opportunities to contribute on our new-look site.
Eulene Maddox (Madoc)
Prince Madoc -Is there a way to trace ancestory that far back when nothing is known about your ownpersonal kinship to him?
Wed May 13 09:05:08 2009
Gareth John Bailey, Llandudno
There should be a film made about our Welsh history, it's such a great but tragic one. I can't believe there isn't one already out there.
Tue Mar 31 10:49:30 2009
Jesse, Clarinda, Iowa, America
I have been researching the Llewelyn name...My Gr. grandfather's mother was a Llewelyn. And his gr. grandfather was Wm. Llewelyn who came over to America around 1820, from Wales. He had passed down to his kids that they were decendents of Prince Llewelyn the Great. I am planning on going to Scotland to look up some family history there and hope to get down to Wales and England. This is all interesting to me and I hope to find more info.
Mon Mar 31 10:32:11 2008
Linda Sikos, Pennsylvania, USA
A cousin who I have never met from England and share the same Gr Grandfather sent me this site because of Gr. Grandmother Price who was born in Cayo. Unbeknown to him that Llewelyn is in our genealogy. I would love to find more information on him and his ancestors and decendents. I have always dreamed of going to Wales since my Grandmother came from there and now I must!
Wed Mar 19 10:13:20 2008
Rhys JONES from Anglesey
I visited the monument and am gratified to see that such great patriots are begining to be honoured. It's about time that we as a nation honour our heroes instead of being made ashamed of them because they stood against the English crown.
Wed Nov 7 17:03:20 2007
Ian Assheton-Cooper, Australia
On my 6th birthday here in Australia I was given a book that was called 'This Land of Kings' by Ida Foulis. My father said to me, "Happy Birthday Ian, this is from mum and I, and the story that goes with this book is that in the book is a story of your great ancestor. You are related to a Welsh prince Grufydd ap Llewellyn and are you a direct relation through the distaff line, which is your grandmother Molly Griffiths from the Vale of Clwydd. I was proud as punch. As we know that is Gywnedd. The Royal House of Gywnedd.
Thu Aug 23 16:24:02 2007
Emily, 13 Swansea
My father was born in the beautiful town of LLandovery and I`ve always pass it but never take notice but since I read this I think I will!! I would like to see in formation on Williams williams Penticelyn as I dont really no much about him and local features such as Poor mans wood, Lynn Brianne damn and even the cave of Sion Cati thanks Emily x x x
Fri May 18 12:08:59 2007
Anita Wills - San Leandro CA USA
I am a descendant of Llywelyn ap Gruffydd, and am writing about the statue of this great man. I have been researching my family history for over thirty years, and my Lewis (Llywelyn) line is the longest line I have traced. I am planning to tour the area where my ancestors lived in Wales, Scotland, and England. It is gratifying to see that the Welsh people are keeping the history alive for all of us. I look forward to seeing the places where my ancestors lived and seeing the statutes, which guarantee them immortality.
Tue Mar 6 10:47:03 2007
alun rhondda
i visit llandovery often and still stand open mouthed under the monument and wonder why there has been no film been made about our brave heart's we have more than any other country.
Wed Jul 26 08:50:52 2006
Dai from Canada
I visited this site when I was in Wales it is very beautiful and interesting the best part is the little information centre aross the parking lot, any one visiting should cheak it out.
Sat Feb 25 21:22:15 2006
Did you know about Llewelyn's story? Llywelyn's story? Are there any other historical figures you'd like to read about on the site.
