Owain Glyndwr… when rebellion came to Kidwelly, on the 13th August 1403 a major attack was launched against our castle and settlement by Owain’s forces which included French and Breton soldiers led by Welsh Gentleman Henry Dwn of Llangyndeyrn, this attack was successfully repelled, though this resulted in a loss of life and serious damage to buildings of the settlement, including the courthouse, the castle was then put under siege which was not lifted until winter set in.
Fearing another attack was inevitable the settlement people sought refuge in the castle, October 1403 the Constable of the castle wrote to The King for assistance, his description of the situation was that ”please send aid, rescue or succour for the preservation of said Castle and before all your lieges there are destroyed and undone forever” there was no relieving force though guns and various military equipment was sent by sea.
Before they were attacked again the castle inhabitants managed to repair the defences and restock the stores to feed the large number people within the castle, the subsequent attack on the castle during August 1404 was again unsuccessful, as part of this attack the now abandoned settlement was put to the torch, the rebels eventually withdrew though the threat of further attacks was a continual danger until Henry IV eventually regained control over Wales in 1409 from this point Owain reverted to guerrilla tactics.
A footnote here… A testament to the castle’s defences that the garrison stationed at the castle at the time of the rebellion was only seven archers and fourteen other men standing against a much larger force.
As for Owain Glyndwr he was never captured his death is not clear though contemporary chronicler Adam of Usk writes of 1415…
“After four years in hiding from the king and kingdom, Owain Glyndwr died and was buried by his followers in the darkness of night. His grave was discovered by his enemies, however, so he had to be reburied, though it is impossible to discover where he was laid.”
