Margaret Hanmer facts for kids

Margaret Hanmer (born around 1362 – died around 1420) was a very important woman in Welsh history. She was the wife of Owain Glyndŵr, a famous Welsh leader who fought for Wales's independence. Sometimes, she was known by her Welsh name, Marred ferch Dafydd.

Early Life and Family

A look from above at Sycharth, where Owain Glyndŵr's court was located.

We don't know much about Margaret's early life. We also don't know the exact date she got married. Her father was Sir David Hanmer, a top judge during King Edward III's time. Her mother was Angharad ferch Llywelyn Ddu. Margaret likely grew up in a Welsh home.

Her father actually taught Owain Glyndŵr when Owain was studying law. It's thought that Margaret and Owain might have married in 1383. This wedding may have taken place in the church of St Chad's in Hanmer. We aren't sure how many children they had or when they were born.

A poet named Iolo Goch wrote a poem praising Margaret. He admired her kindness and generosity. In his poem, he called her "the best of wives" and said she was "most generous by nature." He also mentioned her children, calling them "a beautiful nest of chieftains."

Margaret had three brothers: Gruffydd, Philip, and John. All of them supported Owain Glyndŵr. They stood by him when he became the Prince of Powys in 1400. They were still with Owain when a Welsh parliament declared him Prince of Wales in 1404.

Some modern history books call Margaret the "Princess of Wales." However, there are no records from her time showing that she used this title. Only one wife of a Welsh prince is known to have used the title. That was Eleanor de Montfort, wife of Llywelyn ap Gruffudd, the last Prince of Wales.

Owain Glyndŵr owned lands at Sycharth, Glyndyfrdwy, and other places in North Wales. Margaret and Owain had several children. Their daughter, Catrin, married Edmund Mortimer. Edmund had been captured by Owain in 1402. When the King stopped him from being set free, Edmund joined forces with Owain.

Another daughter, Alys, married Sir John Scudamore. He was a sheriff and controlled several royal castles. Two other daughters, Janet and Margaret, also married important knights. Owain's sons included Gruffudd and Maredudd.

The Rebellion and Capture

Harlech Castle

After Owain declared himself Prince of Powys in 1400, Margaret and her children had to move. They needed to find safer places to live to avoid being captured by the English.

In 1403, their homes at Sycharth and Glyndyfrdwy were burned down. After that, they lived in places like Harlech Castle. However, in 1409, the young Henry of Monmouth (who later became King Henry V) captured Harlech Castle.

When Harlech Castle fell, Margaret was captured. She was then imprisoned in the Tower of London. Her daughter Catrin was also captured with her. Another daughter and Catrin's three daughters were also imprisoned.

Margaret's oldest son, Gruffudd, sadly died in the Tower in 1411. Margaret lived longer than her two daughters and three granddaughters who were also in the Tower. The exact date of her own death is not known. We do know that her son Maredudd was still alive in 1421. Her daughter Alys, Lady Scudamore, also survived her.

See also

• List of unsolved deaths

Family Connections