Gwyl y Fflam
Autumn Fires

Gŵyl y Fflam

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Who was Owain Glyndŵr?

 

On 16 September 1400, Owain Glyndŵr proclaimed himself Prince of Wales and instigated a 15-year Welsh revolt against the rule of King Henry IV of England.  In 1403 Glyndŵr defeated a large English invasion force reputedly led by King Henry IV himself at the Battle of Stalling Down in Glamorgan.  By 1404 four English military expeditions had been repelled and Owain solidified his control of Wales; he was officially crowned Prince of Wales and held a parliament at Machynlleth.

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In 1409 Glyndŵr was cornered and besieged at Harlech Castle, but he managed to escape and retreated to the wilderness with a band of loyal supporters, continuing the war with guerrilla tactics throughout Wales and the English borderlands.  His death was recorded by a former follower in the year 1415, at the age of approximately 56. 

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With his death, Owain acquired a mythical status along with Cadwaladr, Cynan and Arthur as a folk hero awaiting the call to return and liberate his people, Y Mab Darogan (The Foretold Son). Glyndŵr is often referred to as "the last Prince of Wales".

What is Gŵyl y Fflam?

Gŵyl y Fflam translates from Welsh as 'Festival of Flame' and is a traditional celebration of the life of Owain Glyndŵr and the history of Wales.  Our Shire has decided that it means fighting, fencing, family and fun!