Catrin ferch Owain Glyndŵr facts for kids

The memorial to Catrin in St Swithin's Church Garden, London.

Catrin ferch Owain Glyndŵr (died 1413) was a daughter of Owain Glyndŵr, a famous Welsh leader. Her marriage to Edmund Mortimer, who had a claim to the English throne, was an important move by her father. This marriage helped Owain Glyndŵr gain more support during his fight for Welsh independence.

Catrin's Life Story

Catrin is one of Owain Glyndŵr's children we know the most about. In November 1402, she married Edmund Mortimer. Edmund was a prisoner of war who decided to join forces with Catrin's father. This alliance was a big deal for Owain Glyndŵr's cause.

Capture and Sad End

Edmund Mortimer died in 1409 during a battle at Harlech Castle. The exact reason for his death is not known. After this, Catrin was captured along with her three young daughters. They were taken to the Tower of London, a famous prison. Catrin's mother and one of her sisters were also held there.

Records show that Catrin and her daughters died in the Tower. They were buried at St Swithin's Church in London. However, the cause of their deaths remains a mystery.

Remembering Catrin

Today, there is a special memorial for Catrin in St Swithin's Church Garden. This is where the old church used to stand. The statue was designed by Nic Stradlyn-John and sculpted by Richard Renshaw. It was officially revealed in 2001 by the famous actress Siân Phillips.

We don't know what happened to Catrin's mother, Margaret Hanmer. We only know that Margaret lived longer than Catrin. In 2003, an exhibition was held at the National Library of Wales. It celebrated Catrin's life and her importance in Welsh history. A short poem was also written in her memory by Menna Elfyn. In 2004, a play called Catrin Glyndwr by Heledd Bianchi was performed for the first time.