David Hanmer facts for kids

Hanmer Mere and the Church of St Chad in the village of Hanmer

Sir David Hanmer (born around 1332, died 1387) was an important judge from Wales in the 1300s. He is best known as the father-in-law of Owain Glyndŵr, a famous Welsh leader. Sir David's sons also became key supporters of Owain Glyndŵr.

Sir David Hanmer's Career

After becoming a lawyer, David Hanmer worked on different legal cases. In 1376, he became a serjeant-at-law. This was a special type of lawyer who advised the King and worked in the highest courts. Some people think he might be the inspiration for the "Sergeant of the Lawe" character in Geoffrey Chaucer's famous book, Canterbury Tales.

In 1377, Sir David became a King's Serjeant. This meant he was a top legal advisor to Richard II, the King of England at the time. He represented the King in court, handled criminal cases, and had a lot of power in the legal system. In his first year as King's Serjeant, he even helped judge an important case in Parliament.

On February 26, 1383, Sir David Hanmer was given an even higher job: he became the only Justice of the King's Bench. This was one of the most important positions a lawyer could ever hope to achieve. From 1383 to 1387, he was part of Parliament in the House of Lords. There, he helped decide on important requests and complaints from the public.

King Richard II made David Hanmer a knight in 1387. This means he was given the title "Sir." His name stopped appearing among the judges later that year, and he passed away by 1388. After his death, his son-in-law, Owain Glyndŵr, helped manage Sir David's property.

Sir David Hanmer's Family History

The Hanmer family got their start in Wales after Llywelyn ap Gruffudd, the last independent Prince of Wales, was defeated. Sir Thomas de Macclesfield, an officer for King Edward I, received land in a Welsh area called Maelor Saesneg. This is where the Hanmer family eventually got their name.

The Hanmers married into important Welsh families. This helped them gain more land in places like Hanmer and Bettisfield. Sir David's great-grandfather, John of Upton, was the first to use the Hanmer family name. He lived at Hanmer and was the Constable of Caernarfon Castle.

Sir David's family had many connections to important Welsh leaders. His grandmother, Hawis ferch Einion, was a descendant of Welsh princes. This made Sir David distantly related to his famous son-in-law, Owain Glyndŵr.

Another family link came from Sir David's mother, Nest. Her family was also related to the family of Owain Glyndŵr. So, Sir David and Owain Glyndŵr were related in several ways through their families.

Sir David married a woman named Angharad. She was the daughter of a landowner from a nearby area. David and Angharad had at least four children: three sons named Gruffudd, Philip, and John, and a daughter named Margaret. All of their children likely spoke Welsh, as well as French, and perhaps some English.

It's possible that Sir David Hanmer helped raise Owain Glyndŵr after Owain's father died. Sir David's children also became important figures:

• Gruffudd, the oldest son, became a lawyer and advised Owain Glyndŵr.
• Philip, the second son, was also probably a lawyer.
• John, the third son, held important government jobs. His descendants later became the Hanmer baronets.
• Margaret, Sir David's daughter, married Owain Glyndŵr. They had about nine children together.

Connection between the Hanmers, Glyndŵr, and the Mortimers