September 05, 2023 3 min read
Owain Glyndŵr, 1350 - 1416, is arguably one of the greatest Welshmen of all time if not the greatest. He sacrificed everything for a dream of Wales as a nation, governing itself with its own self-governing churches, parliament and universities. Owain Glyndŵr was the last Welsh person to hold the title Prince of Wales. His name is still remembered and revered today. More information on the history of Owain Glyndŵr.
The name of Owain Glyndŵr has over the years become a symbol of pride and freedom not only in history but also in modern times. None less than The Sunday Times itself, in its list of the most influential world figures of the last millennium in all fields, chose to rank Owain Glyndŵr seventh.
The nationalist movement in Wales has always held Owain Glyndŵr in high regard, but he is now a figure of mass culture in Wales, with statues and monuments alongside pub and street names commemorating him. Wales has recently established a Glyndŵr University and a semi-professional rugby team in north Wales is known as Rygbi Gogledd Cymru (RGC or North Wales Rugby) 1404 - the 1404 referring to the date that Glyndŵr was proclaimed Prince of Wales in Machynlleth.
September 16th is the anniversary of the proclamation in 1404, of Owain Glyndŵr as Prince of Wales and is now celebrated annually as Owain Glyndŵr Day. In more recent times, the 16th of September has become an unofficial holiday in Wales. It celebrates a national hero of Wales who was the last Welshman to hold the title Prince of Wales. Many considered him an unofficial king of Wales.
Owain Glyndŵr lived over 600 years ago and yet today remains one of the most heroic figures in Welsh history. In the 19th century his life and legacy was beginning to be re-evaluated as the Welsh 'nation' began to find its voice once more. The discovery of his seal and letters were proof that he was a national leader of some importance - a learned head of a country with diplomatic ties as any other head of state might. His vision and leadership of Wales is celebrated on 16th September each year and it is the anniversary of Glyndŵr being named the Prince of Wales in 1404, which sparked his stand against the English crown.
The Owain Glyndwr flag is a popular flag in Wales and is flown, often side by side with the Welsh Dragon Flag all over Wales. There is a life-size bronze Owain Glyndwr statue in the square at Corwen. Created in 2007 by Colin Spofforth and standing on an eight-ton plinth, it shows the great leader on his horse in battle uniform.
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Last updated 5th September 2023