Owain Glyndŵr's victory at the Battle of Craig-y-dorth

The hill of Craig-y-dorth, is near to the village of Cwmcarvan (Welsh: Cwmcarfan) in Monmouthshire (Sir Fynwy) in south-east Wales. In this month, August 1404, it was the site of a battle between Owain Glyndŵr's forces and those of the English. Glyndŵr was victorious and the defeated English forces were either slain or put to flight. 

Owain Glyndŵr (c.1349-c.1416) was the leader of a Welsh revolt against English rule between 1400 and 1409. Years of attempts to subordinate the Welsh to the English crown and harsh rule had created a climate ripe for popular revolt. Owain Glyndŵr was well placed to lead this fight for freedom. He was charismatic and directly descended from Welsh aristocracy and royalty.

Such was his success that by 1403 the forces of Owain Glyndŵr controlled a major part of Wales. In 1404 he captured the significantly important castles of Aberystwyth, Criccieth and Harlech.  Owain Glyndŵr was crowned as Prince of Wales when the first Welsh Parliament was held at Machynlleth in 1404. He made clear his view of the need for an independent Welsh nation. After 1406 Glyndŵr‘s forces began to experience defeats and in 1409 he lost his power base of Harlech castle.

Owain Glyndŵr was never captured and many believe he moved into the Welsh hills. There is no confirmed record of his death. Owain Glyndŵr's popular uprising and staggering successes almost achieved Welsh aspirations for independence. This leaves him holding a special place in the hearts of the Welsh people. He remains a national hero along with a desire to complete the task of securing Wales’s destiny as an independent and sovereign nation.