Rise and Fall of Owain Glyn Dwr: England, France and the Welsh Rebellion in the Late Middle Ages

Owain Glyn Dwr is a Welsh military leader who led a rebellion against the Crown of England, defeating superior forces with his innovative strategy. He established diplomatic contacts with surrounding powers and welcomed French forces to campaign with him, winning international recognition. However, his foreign support was fractured by English diplomats, leading to the defeat of the rebellion. Owain emerges as a gifted and honourable leader, giving the Welsh a hero.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 344 pages
Publication date: 25 February 2021
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Owain Glyn Dwr, a prominent figure in Welsh and military history, is the subject of this captivating biography. Initially serving as a loyal subject of the king of England, he reluctantly resorted to armed rebellion against the Crown he had once pledged allegiance to. Despite initial reservations, Owain displayed remarkable leadership skills when directing rebel troops against a seemingly formidable adversary. Gideon Brough, in his account, reveals that Owain was not merely a skilled warrior but also a strategist who conceived and executed a series of successful campaigns. Through these endeavors, his small, under-equipped forces managed to repeatedly defeat Crown troops and dismantle the governance apparatus in Wales.

Following these triumphs, Owain convened native parliaments and established diplomatic relations with neighboring powers. This diplomatic approach led to a treaty with France, culminating in the welcome of French forces to Welsh soil to join the rebels in their fight against the Crown. In essence, Owain established a rebel state and gained international recognition for his efforts. The book provides insightful details about Owain's foreign support, which was eventually fractured by the intrigues of talented English diplomats working within the French court. This shift in dynamics created an environment that allowed Crown forces to focus their efforts on suppressing the rebellion in Wales.

Brough effectively argues that, despite his eventual defeat, Owain emerges from this era as a gifted and honorable leader. He left a lasting impact on the Welsh people, often being recalled as a hero. Owain's legacy continues to inspire and captivate scholars and enthusiasts alike, highlighting his remarkable contributions to Welsh history and his unwavering commitment to his cause.

Weight: 426g
Dimension: 138 x 216 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350200128