Owain Glyndŵr was one of Wales’ most famous leaders. He was the last Welsh person to hold the title of Prince of Wales and led a 15-year rebellion against Henry IV and English rule in the 15th century.
He's an important figure in Welsh history and even has his own celebration day and flag.
Owain Glyndŵr Day takes place on September 16th each year to commemorate Owain Glyndŵr and his life. It takes place on this date which is the same date he started the revolt in 1400.
In this guide, I'll explain what on Owain Glyndŵr Day and little more about the man himself.
How Do We Celebrate Owain Glyndŵr Day?
Owain Glyndŵr Day isn't as widely celebrated in Wales as St Davids Day or St Dwynwen's Day, but there are still some celebrations across the country.
He is seen as an icon to many who believe passionately in Welsh independence, and who are proud of Welsh heritage and tradition.
Some of the biggest Owain Glyndŵr Day events take place in Corwen (where he was proclaimed Prince of Wales) and Machynlleth (where he called the first-ever Welsh parliament).
Owain Glyndwr Statue in Corwen
CADW, the arm of the Welsh government responsible for look many historic buildings in Wales, often held smaller events at castles across Wales associated with Glyndŵr, such as Harlech Castle.
Across Wales, you might notice the below flag being raised, this is the Owain Glyndŵr flag.
Owain Glyndŵr Flag at Carw Castle
The flag design is of four lions printed on a background split into four quarters (red/yellow and yellow/red), and it is what was said he carried into battle against the English. A version of this is still used by the Prince of Wales today
It has become somewhat of an icon for people who want Welsh independence.
His revolution against English rule attracted people from across Wales to follow his lead, but despite early victories, and a formal coronation in 1404 as Prince of Wales, the rebellion ultimately failed.
When is Owain Glyndŵr Day?
September 16th is the day that Owain Glyndŵr is celebrated. This day was chosen as it is the same date, in 1400, that the instigation of his revolt against Henry IV began.
| Year | Date of Owain Glyndŵr Day |
|---|---|
| 2024 | Sunday 16th September |
| 2025 | Wednesday 16th September |
| 2026 | Thursday 16th September |
| 2027 | Friday 16th September |
More About Owain Glyndŵr
Owain ap Gruffydd, more commonly known as Owain Glyndŵr, was born in 1359 into a powerful family in Wales, at quite a peaceful time in Anglo-Welsh relations.
By the way, Glyndŵr is pronounced phonetically as ‘Glyn-duwr’
As he grew older he married and joined a military force in 1384. He quickly rose up the ranks, and then enlisted in the Marches area, at the border between Wales and England
In 1399, the English throne was seized by Henry IV, and it's thought that the King’s unwillingness to mediate in a dispute was what prompted Glyndŵr to take matters into his own hands.
On September 16th 1400, Owain began a revolt against Henry IV, a day now celebrated as Owain Glyndŵr Day.
The revolution wasn’t just about this mediation, it was a bigger issue of how Wales was treated by the English monarchs.
Glyndŵr and his followers led battles across the country, often holding siege to the castles in Wales under English control.
In 1404 he created the first Welsh Parliament in Machynlleth to rule an independent nation, and he was later proclaimed the Prince of Wales in Corwen.
Although there were successes in the revolution, England’s resources and wealth enabled them to take back control, and extinguish the revolution. It's said that Glyndŵr was cornered at Harlech Castle in 1409, only escaping by disguising himself as an elderly man.
He retreated into the background in the following years. Although some of his followers attacked English forces from time to time, it was nothing like the scale seen in the years before.
He twice ignored offers of a pardon from the new King, Henry V.
He died in 1415, aged approximately 56, leaving a strong legacy, not just in Welsh memories but as a historical figure in general.
Glyndŵr even features in William Shakespeare’s play Henry IV, as a wild and magical man named Owen Glendower.
Places You Can Visit To Learn More
Here are some of the places in Wales you can visit to learn more about Owain Glyndŵr:
- Owain Glyndŵr Statue in Corwen - This life-sized statue of Owain Glyndŵr on horseback stands upon an eight-ton plinth, and was created in 2007.
ㅤ - Owain Glyndŵr Centre Machynlleth - The Parliament House and Glyndŵr Institute, situated in Powys, is said to be the site where Glyndŵr held a parliament, after being crowned Prince of Wales. It has been extensively rebuilt since those days, and it is now a hub for community, historical and cultural activities
(source: Owain Glyndŵr Heritage Centre) .
ㅤ - Monument in Y Plas, Machynlleth - The slate monolith was unveiled on September 16th 2000, the six-hundredth anniversary of the day that Glyndŵr was proclaimed Prince of Wales.
Published: 12 July 2022 · Last updated: 5 March 2024