Glendower, Owen (c. 1350–1416)

Welsh nationalist leader. He led a rebellion against Henry IV of England, taking the title ‘Prince of Wales’ in 1400, and successfully led the Welsh defence against English invasions in 1400–02, though Wales was reconquered by the English in 1405–13. He gained control of most of the country and established an independent Welsh parliament, but from 1405 onwards suffered repeated defeats at the hands of Prince Henry, later Henry V.

Glendower allied himself with English rebels, including the Percies, and also the French, but his allies were defeated. He went into hiding and disappeared from history.

Glendower was born the heir to two great Welsh princely families. He was educated in London and served Edward III. He fought for the English in Scotland. He then allied himself with Charles VI of France, who sent a force to Wales in 1405, but they too were beaten. Prince Henry, later Henry V, forced him into hiding.