Hawys Gadarn facts for kids

Hawys Gadarn (born 1291 – died around 1353) was a very important woman in Welsh history. She was also known as the Hardy, the Powerful, and the Intrepid. Hawys was the daughter of Owen de la Pole and the rightful heir to a large area in Wales called Powys Wenwynwyn.

She had to fight to keep her lands. Her uncles tried to take her inheritance because she was a woman. Hawys bravely asked Edward II of England, the King, for help. She later married John Charleton, who helped her secure her lands.

Hawys's Early Life

Hawys Gadarn was born on July 25, 1291. Her parents were Owen de la Pole and Joan Corbet. Sadly, her mother passed away when Hawys was very young.

Her father raised and educated her at Powis Castle. Owen was supposed to inherit Powys Wenwynwyn. However, he decided to give up his claim and instead received a special title from King Edward I of England. Soon after, Hawys's father also died, leaving her an orphan at a young age.

Fighting for Her Inheritance

When Hawys's father died, her only brother, Gruffydd, inherited their family's land in Powys. But Gruffydd passed away in 1309. This meant Hawys became the next in line to inherit everything.

At this time, Hawys was not yet old enough to legally manage her own property. So, her uncles became her guardians. Because she was a woman, four of her uncles argued that she could not inherit land. They wanted to divide her family's property among themselves.

Welsh Law vs. English Law

The old laws in Wales often prevented women from inheriting land. However, Hawys's father had made a special will. In his will, he placed Hawys and her inheritance under the laws of the English crown. This was a very important detail for Hawys.

Meeting the King

Hawys decided to take action herself. She traveled to the Parliament in Shrewsbury. There, she spoke directly to King Edward II of England. She met with him twice to explain her situation.

During their second meeting, the King asked her to choose someone to defend her rights. Hawys chose John Charleton. She later married John in July 1309.

Securing Her Lands

Hawys returned to Powis Castle with John Charleton and a group of English knights. They expected her uncles might try to fight for the land under Welsh law. John Charleton led the English troops. They captured three of her uncles, but one, Griffith Vychan, managed to escape.

Because of her bravery and determination, Hawys became known as Hawys the Hardy, the Powerful, and the Intrepid.

Later Life and Legacy

Hawys Gadarn was known for supporting monasteries. She helped start the work on a Franciscan monastery in Shrewsbury. She was buried there after her death around 1353.

Hawys had two sons. Her son John became the second Baron Cherleton. Her other son, Owen, died without having children. She also had a daughter named Isabella.