Pennal Letter facts for kids
The Pennal Letter was a very important letter written by Owain Glyndŵr to King Charles VI of France. Owain wrote this letter in Latin in 1406, from a place called Pennal in northern Wales. In it, he shared his big dream for an independent Wales, free from English rule.
This letter is special because it's the only old document we have that clearly explains what an independent Wales might have looked like, both in terms of government and religion, during the Middle Ages.
In the letter, Owain promised to support Antipope Benedict XIII, who was the Pope in Avignon and was backed by King Charles VI. This was different from Pope Innocent VII in Rome, who was supported by the English king, Henry IV. Owain described the English as "barbarous Saxons" who had taken over Wales. He asked Pope Benedict XIII to judge King Henry IV as a heretic (someone who goes against church teachings) because Henry had burned many churches and executed Welsh church members.
What Was the Pennal Letter About?
The Pennal Letter was sent by Owain Glyndŵr in 1406. He wrote to King Charles VI of France, asking for help in his fight against English rule in Wales. Owain had big plans for Wales. He wanted to create a Welsh church that was separate from England's. He also wanted Welsh priests to be able to speak Welsh. Another important part of his plan was to start two universities in Wales. This would help Welsh people get a good education in their own country.
Where Is the Pennal Letter Now?
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Today, the original Pennal Letter is kept safely in the National Archives of France in Paris. For a short time in 2000, it was shown at the National Library of Wales. Many people in Wales believe the letter should come back home permanently. There's a campaign to have it displayed at the Senedd (the Welsh Parliament building) in Cardiff.
In 2009, the National Library of Wales made six exact copies of the letter. These copies looked just like the original, made on old parchment and sealed with copies of Glyndŵr's own seal. These copies were given to six different Welsh institutions.
Recently, Mark Drakeford, who is the First Minister of Wales (like a prime minister for Wales), saw the letter when he visited Paris. This visit was part of an effort to make the relationship between Wales and France stronger.
Should the Pennal Letter Return to Wales?
The Pennal Letter has been in Paris, France, since Owain Glyndŵr sent it there in 1406. For many years, people have been asking for it to be returned to Wales.
In 1999, a group of 28 members of the UK Parliament signed a document asking for the letter and Glyndŵr's seal to be brought back from France. They said it was "of great historical significance in Wales" and a "rare treasure of Welsh history" that should be shown in Wales. Important politicians like Paul Flynn, Alun Michael, and Ron Davies supported this idea.
More recently, in 2022, Welsh singer Gwilym Bowen Rhys also called for the letter to be returned to Wales.
