Alys ferch Owain Glyndŵr facts for kids

Alys ferch Owain Glyndŵr was one of the daughters of Margaret Hanmer and Owain Glyndŵr. Her father, Owain Glyndŵr, was a famous Welsh prince who led a major rebellion in Wales from 1400 to about 1416. This rebellion was against King Henry IV of England. Not much is known about Owain Glyndŵr's children, but Alys is remembered for her marriage and her family's connection to her father's later life.

A Special Marriage

Alys ferch Owain Glyndŵr married Sir John Scudamore. He was a very important person, serving as a sheriff in Herefordshire, England. It is believed their marriage was kept a secret. This was likely because of her father's rebellion against the English king. Marrying the daughter of a rebel leader would have been very risky for Sir John.

Hiding a Hero

Many people believe that Alys and Sir John Scudamore helped hide her father, Owain Glyndŵr, during the last years of his life. After his rebellion, Owain Glyndŵr disappeared and was never captured. Even though there were big rewards for his capture, he was never betrayed. He also refused offers of forgiveness from King Henry V. It is thought he might have been disguised as a family Chaplain or a tutor for children.

Despite the dangers, Alys's family managed to stay safe. They lived quietly in the countryside of Herefordshire. This area is between the Wye Valley and the River Monnow valley.

Family Secrets Today

Alys and Sir John Scudamore's family members still live in the same area today. They reside in Kentchurch, which is right on the border between England and Wales. This location is almost exactly halfway between Abergavenny and Hereford, near the River Monnow.

In 1999, there were claims that Alys's descendants knew where Owain Glyndŵr's secret grave was located.

In 2006, the president of the Owain Glyndwr Society, Adrien Jones, shared an interesting story. He said that a direct descendant, John Skidmore, told them about Owain Glyndŵr's last days. Mr. Skidmore said that Owain Glyndŵr spent his final years and eventually died at Mornington Straddle in Herefordshire. This was where Alys, Owain's daughter, lived. Mr. Skidmore explained that this had been a family secret for 600 years. There is even a small hill where Owain Glyndŵr is believed to be buried at Mornington Straddle.