CENEDL GLYNDWR

Hen Senedd-Dŷ Tywysog Owain Glyndŵr Dolgellau ar Fin Cael ei Golli am byth!

2012-01-12T11:15:00.002Z

Gwyddys y mwyafrif yng Nghymru sydd â diddordeb yn hanes ein cenedl - ac yn arbennig yn hanes ein harwr cenedlaethol mwyaf, Owain Glyndŵr a’i Rhyfel am Annibyniaeth, am gysylltiadau tref Machynlleth a’r cyffiniau â’r hanes hynny ond faint, sgwn i, sy’n ymwybodol o gysylltiadau’r arwr â thref Dolgellau a’r ffaith fod yna dystiolaeth ddogfennol yn bod yn nodi iddo ef a’i gynghorwyr gynnal cynulliadau pwysig mewn Senedd-Dŷ yn y dref honno’n ogystal.

Mae sawl ffynhonnell, yn cynnwys y croniclau Seisnig, yn croniclo i Dywysog Owain Glyndŵr anfon ei ganghellor dawnus, Gruffudd Yonge, ynghŷd â John Hamner, ei frawd yng nghyfraith, o Ddolgellau ar y 10fed o Fai 1404 i Ffrainc gyda llythyr pwysig yn eu meddiant yn mofyn cymorth milwrol Siarl V1. Oherwydd y dystiolaeth ddogfennol sydd wedi goroesi, gallem dderbyn yn eithaf hyderus fod yr hanes uchod yn gywir ond, yn anffodus, does dim tystiolaeth bendant wedi dod i’r wyneb - hyd yma, parthed ymhle yn union yn Nolgellau bu i’r llythyr a gyfeiriwyd ato uchod gael ei gyfansoddi. Serch hynny, yn ôl traddodiad lleol - sydd wedi goroesi’r canrifoedd, adeilad o’r enw Plas Cwrt yn Dre, eiddo sylweddol o uchel radd yn ei ddydd ac adeilad a adnabuwyd ar hyd y canrifoedd fel ‘Hen Senedd-Dŷ Owain Glyndŵr’ oedd yr adeilad yn Nolgellau lle arferai Tywysog Owain Glyndŵr gynnal cyfarfodydd gwleidyddol pwysig gyda'i gynghorwyr a phenaethiaid pwysig eraill y genedl.

Hwyrach nad yw ‘traddodiad lleol’ gyfystyr a thystiolaeth ddogfennol bendant ond os cymerir y dystiolaeth ddogfennol bendant bod y llythyr wedi ei gyfansoddi yn Nolgellau i ystyriaeth, ynghyd a’r ffaith fod Plas Cwrt yn Dre wedi cael ei adnabod yn lleol i lawr drwy’r canrifoedd fel hen Senedd - Dŷ Owain Glyndŵr, yna tybiaf fod yna achos digon cryf dros dderbyn dilysrwydd yr adeilad yma fel un o adeiladau Cynulliad Tywysog Owain Glyndŵr - neu Senedd-Dŷ hyd yn oed, fel a’i adnabyddid yn lleol.

Yn ogystal, diolch i arolygiad ac adroddiad a wnaed ar yr adeilad gan bensaer o’r enw A.B.Phipson yn 1885 (a gyfeiria, gyda llaw, at yr adeilad yn ei adroddiad ac yn ei gynlluniau o’r adeilad fel “Old Parliament House Dolgelley”) datgelwyd bod rhannau helaeth o’r adeilad yn perthyn i’r 14eg ganrif. Os felly, roedd yr adeilad ar ei draed cyn cychwyn Rhyfel am Annibyniaeth Owain Glyndŵr.

Ta waeth prun ai Cynulliad neu Senedd-Dy sy’n gywir yng nghyswllt pa ddefnydd a wnaed o’r adeilad gan Dywysog Owain Glyndŵr, beth sy’n bwysig, yn fy nhyb i, yw’r ffaith fod y dystiolaeth ffeithiol, ynghyd a’r gred leol a oroesodd, yn ei hun yn ddigon i roi dilysrwydd i Plas Cwrt yn Dre fel adeilad y dylid fod wedi ei drysori fel trysor cenedlaethol - ond, i gryfhau’r achos ymhellach pam y dylid bod wedi gwarchod yr adeilad yma, ymddengys bod yr eiddo wedi bod yn gartref i’r Barwn Lewis Owen wedi cyfnod Glyndŵr. Roedd y Barwn yn gymeriad pwysig yn Senedd Lloegr yn y 16eg ganrif, yn Ganghellor y Drysorlys ar gyfer Gogledd Cymru ac yn cynrychioli Sir Feirionydd yn y Senedd cyn iddo gael ei ladd gan y Gwylliaid Cochion yn 1555.

Erbyn canol y ddeunawfed ganrif, roedd yr hen Senedd-Dŷ ynghyd a nifer o adeiladau eraill a ffurfiau’r eiddo a adnabyddid fel Plas Cwrt yn Dre yn brysur dirywio ac yn 1874, gwerthwyd y cyfan i Mr Edward Jones, perchennog Gwesty'r ‘Royal Ship’.

Ymddengys i’r Hen Senedd-Dy fod yn atyniad i ymwelwyr hyd yn oed yn y cyfnod hynny ac roedd nifer o bwysigion y dref yn dechrau sylweddoli ei werth. Ffurfiwyd pwyllgor gyda’r nod o godi arian i brynu ac adfer yr eiddo a dyna pryd benodwyd A.B. Phipson i gynnal archwiliad ar yr adeilad - ac yn ogystal â chadarnhau yn ei adroddiad fod rhannau helaeth o’r eiddo yn perthyn i’r 14eg ganrif, tynnodd sylw at nodweddion o bwys hanesyddol (megis ffram a drws a cholyn wedi eu naddu o un darn o goed) y dylid eu cadw tran’n atgyweirio.

Amcan bris y gost o atgyweirio oedd rhwng £150 - 200; swm bychan i’w godi i adfer adeilad mor bwysig hyd yn oed yn y dyddiau hynny ac ar y 5ed o Dachwedd 1875, cynhaliwyd cyfarfod cyhoeddus yn Neuadd y dref er mwyn trafod y posibilrwydd o brynu’r adeilad hynafol ar gyfer y dref. Yn ôl papur lleol y Dydd (19 Tachwedd 1875) death Mr Edward Jones i’r cyfarfod a chynnig Plas Cwrt yn Dre i’r dref am y pris roedd o wedi talu amdano yn yr ocsiwn neu, roedd yn barod, hyd yn oed, i osod yr eiddo am bum mlynedd i’r dref am y swm rhesymol iawn o £21 y flwyddyn er mwyn caniatáu digon o amser i’r dref ystyried prynu ond, gwnaed y penderfyniad syfrdanol i beidio â lansio apêl i brynu Plas Cwrt yn Dre am fod Samuel Holland, Aelod Seneddol Meirionydd ar y pryd, wedi lansio apêl arall i godi £1,000 i sefydlu Ysgol fonedd i ferched sef, Ysgol Dr Williams.

Diwinydd o Wrecsam oedd Dr Daniel Williams; doedd ganddo ddim cysylltiad o gwbl â Dolgellau ond ar ei farwolaeth yn 1716, gadawodd swm sylweddol o arian i’w ddefnyddio ar gyfer elusennau addysgol yng Nghymru ac roedd ymddiriedolaeth yr elusen yn cynnig arian tuag at sefydlu a chynnal ysgol yng Ngogledd Cymru ar yr amod fod y swm o £1,000 yn cael eu gwarantu’n lleol, ynghyd a dwy acer o dir ar safle a fyddai’n addas ar gyfer yr ysgol. Byddai wedi gwneud mwy o synnwyr i godi’r ysgol yn Wrecsam, tref y Dr Williams ond roedd Samuel Holland yn benderfynol o gael yr ysgol yn Nolgellau ac oherwydd hynny, collwyd y cyfle i brynu Plas Cwrt yn Dre a blwyddyn yn ddiweddarach, gwerthwyd yr eiddo (ond nid y safle) i Mr Pryce-Jones (a ddaeth yn ddiweddarach yn Syr Pryce Jones) o’r Drenewydd.

Dymchwelwyd Plas Cwrt yn Dre a danfonwyd neuadd, oriel a grisiau allanol yr Hen Senedd-Dŷ, (mewn tri deg a dau o dryciau) ar y rheilffordd i’r Drenewydd. Ailgodwyd y rhan yma o’r adeilad ym Mharc Dolerw ar stad Syr Pryce Jones ond, yn anffodus, doedd y grefft o ail-leoli heb ei berffeithio yn y cyfnod hynny a chollwyd dipyn ar gymeriad yr adeilad holl bwysig yma yn ystod yr ailgodi ond, serch hynny, mae’n parhau i sefyll yn ddarn hynod o bwysig o hanes Cymru o hyd.

Yn ystod y ganrif ddiwethaf, cafodd yr adeilad ei ddefnyddio gan y fyddin yn ystod yr ail rhyfel byd ac yna gan Gymdeithas y ‘Girl Guides’ yn y pumdegau ac yna, yn 1968, yn anghredadwy, cafodd ei ‘rhoi’ yn rhad ac am ddim i’r Crynwyr gan y Fonheddes Sara Pryce Jones - a bu i’r Crynwyr gynnal eu cyfarfodydd yn yr adeilad tan yn weddol ddiweddar hyd nes iddynt benderfynu nad oedd ganddynt mo’r modd i’w gynnal bellach felly, cynigwyd yr hen Senedd-Dŷ am ddim i Sain Ffagan, yn y lle cyntaf, ac yna i Cadw. Yn anhygoel, bu i’r ddau sefydliad yma, sydd a’r cyfrifoldeb dros warchod ein henebion hanesyddol, wrthod y cynnig ar y sail nad oedd tystiolaeth bendant parthed y cysylltiadau hanesyddol - ac yn wir, yn achos CADW (Cipio A Dinistrio Walia) pan aethant ati i gofrestru’r adeilad yn y Drenewydd yn Adeilad Cofrestredig Radd 2 yn 2008, aethant ati yn ddigon hy a haerllug i nodi ar y ddogfen cofrestru “Incorrectly termed Glyndwr’s Dolgellau Parliament House” a hynny heb gymryd unrhyw sylw o dystiolaeth arbenigol y pensaer Phipson na wneud unrhyw brofion arbenigol a manwl o’r adeilad eu hunain o gwbl!

Y gwir amdani yw nad yw CADW am roi unrhyw ddilysrwydd i unrhyw safle yng Nghymru sydd â chysylltiadau gwirioneddol dilys ag Owain Glyndŵr. Byddai cyfaddef bod hanes ein harwr cenedlaethol mwyaf yn hanes go iawn drwy roi dilysrwydd i safleoedd brwydrau neu adeiladau sydd yn bendant wedi chwarae rhan yn ei Rhyfel Fawr am Annibyniaeth ddim yn boddhau eu meistri Seisnig ac oherwydd, maent yr un mor barod i fanteisio ar bob cyfle i gladdu unrhyw dystiolaeth ddiriaethol sy’n ymwneud a’r hanes cenedlaethol pwysig yma pryd bynnag mae’n dod i’r wyneb - yn union fel ag y bu i haneswyr taeog ei wneud i lawr drwy’r oesoedd wedi i ryfel Glyndŵr ddirwyn i ben.

Dyna’r gwir rheswm, yn fy nhyb i, pam nad oes gan CADW unrhyw ddiddordeb mewn cynnal archwiliad manwl ar yr Hen Senedd-Dŷ a dyna paham nad oedan nhw am dderbyn yr adeilad (fel rhodd) a’i achub ar ran y genedl.

Erbyn hyn, mae’r hen adeilad hynafol yn y broses o gael ei werthu am £55,000 i aelod o’r Crynwyr sy’n byw yn Lloegr ond mae’r Crynwyr yng Nghymru wedi dweud eu bod yn barod i dynnu’r eiddo oddi ar y farchnad os daw cadarnhad oddi wrth CADW, neu’r Ymddiriedolaeth Cenedlaethol eu bod yn bendant am brynu’r trysor cenedlaethol yma ar gyfer y genedl - ac mae yna ychydig o amser ar ôl sy’n caniatáu hyn os gweithredir ar frys gan fod y cyfreithwyr sy’n gyfrifol dros y gwerthiant wedi gofyn i CADW gynnal asesiad newydd o’r eiddo, felly, gellir ddim cario’n mlaen a’r gwerthiant nes y bydd CADW wedi gwneud hynny.

Yn ogystal, mae hyn yn golygu fod yna gyfle i ni fel cenedl achub yr Hen Senedd-Dŷ (neu’r hyn sydd ar ôl ohono) drwy yrru miloedd o lythyrau at Y Cynulliad Cenedlaethol, Cadw a’r Ymddiriedolaeth Genedlaethol yn mynnu, eu bod yn y lle cyntaf, yn prynu’r adeilad hynafol ar gyfer y genedl, ac yn ail, yn ei adfer, cymaint ag sy’n bosibl, i’w ogoniant gwreiddiol cyn ei agor i’r cyhoedd fel amgueddfa a fydd yn olrhain ei hanes o gyfnod Owain Glyndŵr i fynnu i’r presennol. Yn ogystal â bod yn atyniad deniadol a thu hwnt o ddiddorol ar gyfer ymwelwyr ac ysgolion, byddai’n ased pwysig iawn i’r Drenewydd. Felly, apeliaf yn daer ar bawb sy’n darllen yr erthygl yma i lythyru’n ddi-oed at y cyrff a nodwyd uchod. Dewch i ni beidio ag ail adrodd hanes a cholli’r cyfle unwaith ac am byth y tro yma i achub yr adeilad hynafol yma. Dewch i ni sicrhau Plas Cwrt yn Dre fel calennig gwerth ei roi i’r genedl.

Yn ogystal, Os am achub yr hyn sydd ar ôl o'r hen Senedd-Dŷ, arwyddwch y ddeiseb isod.

http://www.cynulliadcymru.org/gethome/e-petitions/sign-petition.htm

Siân Ifan

CYMRU FAWR A WALES THAT MIGHT HAVE BEEN: GLYNDWR ATTACKS ON CLUN CASTLE, THE BORDER WAR 1404 and the TRIPARTITE INDENTURE 1405 RECLAIMING 'FORMER LANDS' FROM OFFA'S DYKE TO THE WEST BANK OF RIVER SEVERN and MERSEY.

2011-10-28T12:30:00.014Z

If Glyndwr had been successful in the Border War of 1404, the Tripartite Indentiture of 1405 might have stood a greater chance of being made a reality. If Glyndwr had been successful in winning the War of National Liberation, his Cenedl Glyndwr surviving then the Wales of today would perhaps be a Cymru Fawr including much of the Eastern Marches on our borders. Certainly Glyndwr's forces attacked across the border in a number of raids but in the spring of 1404 a major military offensive was launched along and crossing the border from North to South.

This may have been to put the English on their heels and push them away from the West and Machynlleth area in particular where it was being planned to hold a parliament in the Summer of 1404. It is possible that Clun Castle was attacked at this time and so violently that it is recorded the Castle fell into disuse. All this in mind I visited Clun and the Castle this month and there met a charming young girl who became my guide and was later to take us to see the Almshouses, the Allotments and introduced us to her relatives and friends as she took us on a very instructive tour. Thank you Millie who by the way must have been not quite 8/10? but had a great interest in her community and knowledge of Clun history, thank you Millie 'Clun's Little Town Guide'. First Photo is of Clun from the Castle.

Clun - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clun

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Clun is a small town in Shropshire, England. The town is located entirely in the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The 2001 census recorded ...

Geography - Attractions - Facilities - Festivals

Clun Tourist Information and Accommodation - South Shropshire ...
www.shropshiretourism.co.uk/clun/
Clun tourism and visitor information about the Shropshire town of Clun.

Clun Visitor Guide

www.virtual-shropshire.co.uk › Towns

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Most people think of Clun as a village, but it has the distinction of being ... age mounds with the River Clun running past it, makes a scenic picnic spot and a good ...

Clun Castle

www.castlewales.com/clun.html

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in a public park in the village of Clun, Shropshire, England SO 298 809 .... AfterGlyndwr's assault, the castle vanishes from historical records. Clun Castle is ...

Clun Castle, Clun, Shropshire

www.shropshiretourism.co.uk/castles/clun/

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Click here to add your business to the Shropshire Tourism website. ... significance and after Glyndwr's assault, the castle vanishes from the historical records. .

Visitors Graffiti - Some Quite Old.

I shall certainly return to Clun and check out Cefn Einion, interesting a Welsh name survives the ages:

Cefn Einion - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cefn_Einion

Cefn Einion, beneath Bryn Hill. Cefn Einion is a small dispersed village in Shropshire, England. It is located ... The nearest towns are Clun and Bishop's Castle. ...

Possibly good time to visit Clun is at time of the Clun Green Man festival but Millie's Aunty said it's very crowded and busy, so if intending to stay a while book B&B or camp site early for a Glyndwr return to Capture Clun Castle again?

Clun Green Man Festival
www.clungreenman.org.uk/
Clun Green Man Festival is a non-profit community group, promoting community participation, tourism and economic opportunity in and around Clun. © Clun ...

Another must visit Castle across the Border in the Former Lands with a
Glyndwr Connection.

Wigmore Castle
www.castlewales.com/wigmore.html
In historical terms we can go back to the Domesday Book for the first clear reference ...whose family owned Ludlow and its castle in neighboring Shropshire. ... was commissioned to police the March against the forces of Owain Glyndwr, who, ...

Gŵyl Coroni Glyndŵr Machynlleth 2011

2011-06-25T22:34:00.002Z

Cychwynnodd y 18fed gyda'r orymdaith flynyddol trwy dref Machynlleth i arddangos Coron Glyndŵr , symbol o Sofraniaeth y genedl. Croesawyd yr orymdaith yn Y Plas gan y Maer a nifer o'r cynghorwyr a throsglwyddwyd y goron i ofal y Maer gan Ceidwad y Goron Elfyn Rowlands, Cefn Caer, Pennal.

Teyrngedau: Bu farw Glyn Rowlands llynedd a Mr John Parsons, Clerc Cyngor Tref Machynlleth, eleni. Bu'r ddau yn weithgar ac yn gefnogol iawn i waith Llysgenhadaeth Glyndŵr o'r cychwyn parthed Machynlleth a thalwyd teyrnged i'r ddau gerbron y garreg Coffa i Owain Glyndŵr (sydd ar dir Y Plas) gennyf ar ran Llysgenhadaeth Glyndŵr. Yn ystod y deyrnged, pwyntiais allan fod yna gysylltiad diddorol arall rhwng Mr Parsons a Glyn gan mai Mr Parsons oedd twrna Glyn yn 1969 ar adeg achos yr FWA. cynhaliwyd munud o dawelwch i gofio'r ddau ffrind ffyddlon. Roedd gweddw Mr Parsons yn bresennol yn y coffâd.

Dilynwyd y Maer , a'r goron, yn ôl drwy'r dref ac i'r Senedd-dŷ lle bu i'r Maer a Ceidwad y Goron osod y goron yn ei lle ar gyfer ei harddangos i'r cyhoedd am y prynhawn. Roedd yna weithgareddau yn cymryd lle ar Lawnt y Senedd-dŷ fel rhan o'r Ŵyl a diddanwyd y plant yn rhagorol gan Cwmni Cortyn, Mair Tomos Ifans a doniau lleol. Diddanwyd yr oedolion gan Lazarus hyd nes i'r rhaglen swyddogol ar gyfer yr Agoriad Swyddogol gychwyn.

Cafwyd noson yng nghwmni Lazarus yn Nhafarn yr Owain Glyndŵr gyda'r nos.

The 18th began with the annual 'Displaying of the Glyndŵr Crown (the nation's symbol of Sovereignty) Parade'. The parade was welcomed at Y Plas by the Mayor of Machynlleth and a number of councillors and the crown was transferred to the mayor by its Custodian, Elfyn Rowlands of Cefn Caer, Pennal.

TRIBUTES: Glyn Rowlands had sadly passed away last year and this year saw the departing of Mr John Parsons, the long serving clerk of Machynlleth town council. Both these men had been very supportive and helpful to Embassy Glyndŵr in regards to our work with Machynlleth from the onset and a tribute was paid to both men by myself on behalf of Embassy Glyndŵr. During this tribute, I pointed out that there was another interesting connection between Glyn and Mr Parsons as Mr Parsons had been Glyn's Solicitor during the FWA trial of 1969. A minute's silence took place to remember the two loyal friends. Mr Parson's widow was present at this touching tribute.

The Mayor carrying the crown was followed back through the town and to the Senedd-Dŷ where the Mayor and the Custodian of the Crown placed the Crown for exhibiting to the public during the afternoon. At this time, events had commenced on 'Parliament Green' as part of the festival and the children were entertained by Cwmni Cortyn (puppet show) Mair Tomos Ifans and other local talent whilst the grown ups were entertained by Lazarus until the programme for the official re-opening of the Senedd-Dy commenced.

Lazarus entertained at the Owain Glyndŵr pub during the evening.

LETTER TO WESTERN MAIL FROM EMBASSY GLYNDWR C.E.O SIAN IFAN ON SUBJECT OF CORON GLYNDWR AND SOVEREIGNTY.

2011-06-15T17:12:00.000Z

14 June 2011

Dear Editor,

Some of your readers may wish to know that the annual Machynlleth ‘Crowning of Glyndŵr Festival’ is to take place this Saturday, the 18th June. The Festival will, for the successive 5th year, commence with a ‘Displaying of the Glyndŵr Crown Parade’ which will leave from the war memorial (by M.O.M.A.) at 11am sharp.

We, at Embassy Glyndŵr, along with many other Welsh patriots believe the Glyndŵr Crown to be the most potent symbol of ‘sovereignty’ that Wales has possessed since the establishment of Owain Glyndŵr’s Welsh Parliament at Machynlleth in 1404. And we also believe that the aforementioned annual parade to display our ‘sovereignty. as still being well and truly intact, to be more important than ever this year following the despicable "pomp and pageantry" display that took place at the official opening of the 4th Welsh Assembly at Bae Caerdydd recently with prominent "so called" Cymry openly drooling in their eagerness to "roll over" for the English Monarchy present! And, if that in itself was not enough to make those of us with the strongest of constitutions reach for the bucket! we had to witness Dafydd Elis Thomas, the biggest 'quisling' since the days of George Thomas, proudly declaring in media interviews that we are, after all, strongly tied to and part of the U.K.!

Was he talking on behalf of your readers, do they agree with him? If not, then I would suggest that they come to Machynlleth next Saturday to parade with the Glyndŵr Crown', the symbol of the 'Sovereignty' of our nation, and stand with us, united, by the Owain Glyndŵr memorial that's located on the green at 'Y Plas', Machynlleth to state, loudly and clearly, that they do not consider themselves to be citizens of the U.K. but, rather, Cymric citizens of Cenedl Glyndŵr.

Siân Ifan

CEO Embassy Glyndŵr

2010-07-08T09:15:00.007Z

Anyone out for a sunny drive past Cefn Caer, the Medieval Hall House located up a narrow lane at the village of Pennal on the weekend of the 21st June – ‘Dydd Sofraniaeth' would certainly not have missed the sea of red and yellow Owain Glyndŵr flags and bunting that hung from every building in the picturesque old farmyard. They had been meticulously put up in preparation for the staging of important events that were to take place at the site over the weekend.

The first event, the unveiling ceremony of a reproduction of the historical Pennal Letter took place on Friday afternoon inside the Hall house. Speakers included Lord Richard Livesey of Talgarth and Professor Gruffydd Aled Williams of University College of Wales Aberystwyth. Professor Williams delivered a bilingual lecture outlining why Owain Glyndŵr and his Council had written the original letter to the King of France on the 31 March 1406, and illustrated how the contents of the letter illustrated the Prince’s aspirations for Wales and its people. Lord Livesey declared his admiration for Owain Glyndŵr and spoke of his belief that Wales should have more control over its own governance before he carried out the task of unveiling the letter to the accompaniment of harp music played by the renowned harpist Rhian Bebb. Elfyn Rowlands, the present owner of Cefn Caer, thanked all the participants and announced other events that were to take place at both Cefn Caer and the Gŵyl Dathlu Coroni Glyndŵr at Machynlleth over the weekend prior to requesting that the Welsh National Anthem be sung. A scrumptious buffet was laid on for the 30 invited quests.

Unfortunately, when Owain Glyndŵr and his Council penned the original letter, they did not clearly specify ‘where’ in Pennal they wrote it, but a growing number of history books pinpoint Cefn Caer as the ‘most likely’ location and there is strong evidence to substantiate this probability. However, Cadw and the Welsh Assembly Government have commissioned an 'Owain Glyndŵr Interpretative Plan for tourism that is blatantly bias and very disparaging in regards to Cefn Caer's claim to its Owain Glyndŵr association. I will be dealing with the aforementioned 72 page Interpretative Plan in full very shortly as it is also littered with many other inaccuracies and misconceptions that need attention drawn to them.
.
Siân

LAST PART OF THE PROGRAMME FOR GŴYL DATHLU CORONI GLYNDŴR, MACHYNLLETH 2010

2010-06-13T22:20:00.003Z

ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMME FOR GWYL DATHLU CORONI GLYNDŴR, MACHYNLLETH. 19TH JUNE 2010.

Festival President is Robin Mcbride, Welsh rugby star and now Trainer for the Welsh team.

In The Marquee on Parliament Green.:
12 – 1pm. The Displaying of the Glyndŵr Crown and Rhys Jones will be singing to the accompaniment of Elin Blake.

1 – 2.30pm. Dramatic Storytelling by Millijacdo.

Between noon and 4pm. There will be activities for children taking place in the children’s corner which will include face painting and a puppet show by Cwmni Cortyn who will act out the story of the Coronation of Owain Glyndŵr and the assassination attempt of Dafydd Gam.
There will also be a bbq and other refreshments available.

ON THE STREET:
The Folk Band ‘Y Mari Lwyd and other musicians will be entertaining in different locations throughout the afternoon.

Y PLAS, MACHYNLLETH:
8pm. ‘Gŵyl Dathlu Coroni Glyndŵr Gig’ with…
Hufen Ia Poeth
Y Mari Lwyd
Lazarus & the Lambs (without the lambs)
Huw Chiswell.
Tickets £10 by the door. Bar available.

Come and join in the chorus of Lazarus’s lively song about Owain Glyndŵr (it’s akin to a ghost dance!) Tha challenge is to try and stop yourselves from joining in. Come and dance to Hufen Ia Poeth, Y Mari Lwyd and Huw Chiswell.

Come and join us in the exitement of this the first (since 2004) of many annual ‘Gwyl Dathlu Coroni Glyndŵr festivals to come. We can sustain it with your help and support – and remember, if there are any ‘clerwyr’ (musicians/perfformers) out there who feel like just turning up with an instrument to play inside (or outside any of the pubs etc, please come in your legions. Camping facilities are being provided for free. Just contact John (one of the festival organisers) on 07703503829 for more info on camping arrangements.

AND REMEMBER TO BRING PLENTY OF GLYNDWR FLAGS – TO FLY ON THE MORNING PARADE (STARTING FROM WAR MEMORIAL BY MOMA AT 11AM) AND AT THE OPENING OF THE MEMORIAL GARDEN (AT CEFN CAER AT 3PM) AND DON’T FORGET TO ATTACH SMALL ONES ON YOUR CAR DOOR WINDOWS TO TRAVEL TO MACHYNLLETH.

See you there!.

Siân.

The annual 'Displaying of the Glyndŵr Crown Ceremony' and the official opening of the Glyndŵr Heroes Memorial Garden. 19th June 2010

2010-06-10T15:11:00.003Z

Regular visitors to this blog should by now be familiar with the annual 'Displaying of the Glyndŵr Crown Ceremony' so, rather than repeat information that has appeared in earlier blog posts, I will suggest that those that are unfamiliar with the ceremony will do well to browse through earlier blog postings in the archives of this blog to learn the history of this ceremony as well as its purpose.

Having stated the above it now gives me great pleasure to invite one and all to join us at Machynlleth for this year's ceremony; the programme will be as follows:
Saturday Morning and Afternoon, the 19th June 2010
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.The Displaying of the Crown Ceremony:
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10.45am. Assemble by the War Monument by Moma.
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11am. Parade behind the piper, the Custodian of the crown – and the crown, and the flag escort through the town to ‘Y Plas’ to be met by Machynlleth Town Council reps and the Mayor.
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At entrance to the Plas,The Custodian will ceremonially pass the Glyndŵr crown over to the Mayor. The mayor will give a short speech and then will take his place behind the piper and the flag escort to lead the parade procession through the town to the Parliament House. There he will place. the crown on public display -for an hour only this year. Its usually for the duration of the afternoon but the Custodian of the Crown has to leave, with it, so that he will be at Cefn Caer to welcome participants for the Official Opening of the Glyndŵr Heroes Garden.
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The Glyndŵr Heroes Memorial Garden
.Yes, this year we will be opening a Memorial Garden at Cefn Caer. Embassy Glyndŵr is assisting Cefn Caer to establish this Memorial Garden for Owain Glyndŵr's fallen heroes, that is, the ones that we know of that, either fell, or were captured, tortured and executed during the War of Independence. The garden is to be opened at 3pm on the 19th June during the annual 'Gŵyl Dathlu Coroni Glyndŵr' which is to take place at Machynlleth during that weekend. More on the Gŵyl later

.Cefn Caer itself is paying for a nicely decorated slate plaque which will be placed on the wall alongside the entrance to the garden which will explain (bilingually) what the garden is about and we are hoping that each community in Wales that has a fallen Glyndŵr hero will donate a slate plaque to be placed in the garden in memory of that hero.

The slate plaques, made from Blaenau Ffestiniog slate, will all be A4 in size and will carry a message for the hero of each community. We have decided that the plaques in the garden will be in 'Cymraeg' only as everyone (from wherever they may come) can make the effort to learn the few words that will be on the plaques and should they need assistance to read them, then Elfyn Rowlands, present owner of Cefn Caer will be happy to assist.
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Each plaque will cost £100 and we would have liked to have been able to unveil 5 on the 19th June. They were to be in memory of Philip Scudamore of Troy, Gwent, Rhys Ddu of Ceredigion, Rhys and Ednyfed ap Tudur of Ynys Môn and Bishop Trefor of St Asaph. Its the 600th anniversary of the deaths of these five heroes this year. The first four were all captured in 1409 and hung, drawn and quartered in 1410 and Bishop Trefor died in exile in Paris in the same year.
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However, to date, we have 3 plaques ready for unveiling on the 19th. The people of the communities of Ceredigion and Denbigh have payed for their plaques for Rhys Ddu and Bishop John Trefor and two donors have paid for a plaque for the 'Gwerin Owain. These three plaques will be unveiled on the 19th June this year.
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We then have £50 in hand for a plaque for one of the Tudur Brothers of Penmynydd, Môn. We need another £150 from Anglesey patriots to pay the remaining cost for the one plaque and the full price for the other and we have £20 in hand from the patriots of Gwent to pay for a plaque for Philip Scudamore. Now, as we all know, Glyndŵr's heroes came from all over Wales and a roll call of the names of the ones we know of will be read out in the Memorial Garden on the afternoon of the 19th June. If your community has a 'Glyndŵr hero' and you would like that hero commemorated with all the others in the Ardd Goffa Arwyr Glyndŵr', then please raise the necessary £100 for the plaque and give me (Sian) a ring on 01792 533806. m.07772321511 for instructions as to where to send your cheque.
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In due course, all the plaques will be attached to a central plinth that will also be the base for a central memorial. More about this in due course, in the meantime, see below the programme for the opening of the Memorial Garden.
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Opening of 'Glyndŵr Heroes Memorial Garden' at Cefn Caer, Pennal. 3pm Sat 19th June 2010.

3pm. Piper will play a lament by the entrance to the garden.
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Elfyn Rowlands will welcome everyone to Cefn Caer for the opening of the Glyndŵr Heroes Memorial Garden.
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Siân Ifan of Llysgenhadaeth Glyndŵr will give a roll call of the Glyndŵr heroes that we know of – and that will, hopefully, in due course, all be remembered in the garden.
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Mayor of Machynlleth will be invited to come forward to open the garden.
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Those present will line up behind the Mayor to enter the garden to participate in the unveiling of three plaques.
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A representative of the Community of Ceredigion will be called on to unveil the plaque to Rhys Ddu.
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Terry Breverton, author of ‘Owain Glyndwr: The Story of the Last Prince of Wales’, will present a brief history on the life and death of Glyndŵr hero Bishop John Trefor..
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A representative of the Community of Denbighshire will be called on to unveil the plaque to Bishop Trefor.
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Llysgenhadaeth Glyndŵr will present a brief history on the Glyndŵr heroes ‘The Gwerin Owain’.
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One of the two donors of this plaque will unveil it.
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The National Anthem will be sung to the accompanment of the Piper..
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A Member of the Gŵyl Dathlu Glyndŵr Machynlleth will be invited to come forward to announce further events to take place in Machynlleth during the rest of the Gŵyl.

Gŵyl Blynyddol Dathlu Coroni Glyndŵr Machynlleth.
.Please note that the first 'Dydd y Senedd' (21 Mehefin 1404) National Glyndŵr Festival, since the huge successful 600th Anniversary Commemoration organised in 2004 by Embassy Glyndŵr, is to be held this year in Machynlleth on the weekend of 17- 19 June 2010. This year's 'Gŵyl Dathlu Coroni Owain Glyndŵr' is an entirely local community Initiative which aims to organise such annually as the premier National Glyndŵr festival around and about the 21st June mid summer anniversary of the most signifigant event in our nation's history. Embassy Glyndŵr of course supports fully this magnificent effort by Pobl Glyndwr - Ardal Machynleth in advancing this great Gwaith Glyndŵr Commemorative Initiative and call upon all Pobl Glyndŵr Cymru to fully support by making every effort to attend a full and worthy programme of events and activities. This is merely an advance notice that the festival is on so that you can all get prepared to make your way to Machynlleth next weekend 17th - 19 June - especially Saturday. I have not revieved the full Festival programme yet, but when I do, I will immediately post it so, 'watch this space' - as is said!

DATHLIADAU 'DYDD Y CORONI 2009/CORONATION DAY CELEBRATIONS

2009-06-22T19:47:00.017Z

I drove into Machynlleth on Saturday the 20th to be pleasantly greeted by a sea of Glyndŵr flags. Every shop, pub and cafe along Maelgwyn St had the flag flying from its flagpole and so did the Senedd-Dŷ which stayed open all day until 5pm allowing visitors the opportunity to visit and browse the excellent exhibition within which now, of course, includes a 'large as life' copy of the Pennal Letter and, the good news is, that the Senedd-Dŷ now has secured funding to employ a local bilingual person to man the Senedd-Dŷ for six months but unforunately, only English speakers have shown an interest in the job to date so c'mon Welsh speakers, there must be plenty of them in the Mach area who would love to work in such an interesting building even if it is only for six months.

The custodian of the 'Glyndŵr Crown', Elfyn Rowlands had carried out his duty magnificantly and bought the crown into Machynlleth to be displayed to the people of Machynlleth and the rest of Wales but, not only had he done that, he had also set up an exhibition on the history of Cefn Caer and Owain Glyndŵr and had organised a sound system for, both, the speakers and for the loud playing of patriotic songs which served well to attract a crowd to the entrance of the Senedd-Dŷ for the annual Civic Ceremony of the displaying of the crown - the symbol of Welsh sovereignty.

Speeches were delivered by last year's Mayor, Mr Bob Dunn, and by the new Mayoress, Mrs Sylvia Rowlands and it was very encouraging to see an increase in the number of councillors and their wives at this year's ceremony but very sad to witness the absence of the town council's clerk, Mr Parsons, who has been a loyal supporter of the annual 'Dydd y Coroni and Dydd y Senedd' event since 2004 but was, sadly, unable to attend this year as he has just come out of hospital following treatment. Embassy Glyndŵr wishes him a speedy recovery.

Mr Bob Dunn, during his speech, revealed that plans are underway to ensure the growth of this event as a civic event by next year alongside a major Gŵyl y Coroni Festival and it was great to see all round enthusiasm amongst all present to cooperate to ensure the success of such venture.

Any local group or school in the Machynlleth area interested in being part of the Gŵyl y Coroni Venture should make known their interest either to John Duckett at the Owain Glyndŵr Hotel or to Bob Dunn and/0r Sylvia Rowlands, both of which can be located at the Council's new headquarters at 'Y Plas' (Used to be Celtica)

It was 'low key' this year but, nevertheless, a successful afternoon with passers by stopping to look at and enquire about the crown and its significance and last, but certainly not least, praise must be given to John Duckett for, in the first instance, purchasing all the Glyndŵr flags and then, spending all of the Friday and Saturday morning, up a ladder all around Machynlleth, placing them on flagpoles. Are there any more like him around Cymru I wonder? Also, Gwyndaf's contribution in regards to the sound system and music must be applauded, it certainly drew the crowds and created a brilliant patriotic celebratory atmosphere. Dydd y y Senedd and Gŵyl y Coroni 2010 looks very promising. We will, of course, keep you all posted as news of developments arrives at the Embassy.

Siân.

Gwyl Glyndŵr Abercraf 2008

2008-09-29T09:42:00.022Z

Another wonderful Gŵyl Glyndŵr held at Abercraf again this year. Glyndŵr is most definitely pleased with the efforts of 'The Sleeping Giant Foundation' in regards to organising this event. The weather was brilliant throughout the weekend. The non stop entertainment was very entertaining and of the highest class with something for everyone - children and adults alike. Likewise, the food was mouth watering - especially the hog roast, and the real ales!mmmmm, i think they had definitely been enchanted with some Glyndŵr magic.

Merlin made an appearance or, was it 'Y Crach? He legged it past the Embassy Glyndŵr stall so quickly to escape from all the children that were in pursuit that it was hard for me to be sure. The giant Glyndŵr knight legged it in the same way, as the children tried to chop off his legs with sponge swords! Throughout the weekend, the kids were kept very busy between following 'Merlin or 'Y Crach'? participating in life at the medieval village and learning archery and other miltary warfare with the armies of the 'Sons of the Dragon' and the 'Freemen' of Gwent.

This event has become so popular that the organisers had to refuse a number of stall holders this year due to lack of space and although the event is really well supported by surrounding communities, visitors are now travelling from much further afield. There's a great sense of community spirit and comradeship amongst the stall holders, reenactors and entertainers and the organisers were kept very busy throughout the weekend directing cars in and out of the site and
seeing to it that everyone was enjoying themselves and they did a brilliant job.

See above, Jason displaying to a young reenactor how 'Cleddyf y Genedl' was made and the young man looking 'longingly' at a replica of the 'Cleddyf'

Great News!!! A representative of 'Gŵyl Coroni Glyndŵr' Machynlleth came to the Abercraf event this year so that he could see how things are done at this festival and so that he could establish some contacts with stall holders, entertainers, reenacters and technicians for next year's June event at Machynlleth. The SGF committee met with the representative and have vowed to help in any way they can, so, we can look forward to a wonderful 'Gŵyl y Coroni' event at Machynlleth in June next year. More news on this event to come soon so, start work on your medieval costume now! Let's ensure that Gŵyl y Coroni Machynlleth gets the same support annually that has been witnessed at Abercraf.

Congratulations to the SGF for another successful event and may I take this opportunity to thank Maureen, Johanna, Ruth, Cynthia and Eleanor and the rest of the group so much for your hard work and your excellent contribution to remembering Prince Owain Glyndŵr and may this festival flourish until the Mab Darogan returns!

For a SGF report on the Gŵyl and to view the gallery of all the wonderful photographs taken at the Gŵyl Owain Glyndŵr Abercraf festival visit: www.sgfnet.co.uk/owainglyndwr

THAT'S THE WAY TO HOLD A GWYL GLYNDWR ! I can't wait for next year.

Am y tro

Siân

APPEAL TO POBL GLYNDWR - North East March. Copy of letter issued.

2008-07-24T12:15:00.012Z

Copy of a bilingual letter sent out by 'snail mail' this week to Local Authorities,
Community Groups, Businesses and Individuals in North East Wales

Annwyl Pawb.

I have decided to issue this letter by hard copy rather than e-mail, as 'snail mail' post will allow for me to send you a 16 Medi 'Dydd Glyndŵr' ribbon and copies of literature that could not have been sent as e-mail attachments. In this communication I would also like to draw your attention to the fact that this mailing is, in the main, addressed to individuals, community groups, councils and businesses in N.E.Wales.

Why does Embassy Glyndŵr feel it necessary to send this correspondence to you now - you may ask? Well, because we feel it necessary to remind North East Wales that '16 September', our 'National Heroes Day', is particularly associated with this region of Wales. Sadly, although 'individuals' in North East Wales mark this day in a number of commemorative and celebratory ways, we have detected that, for whatever reasons, this important historical date is being ignored by "official representation" of the region. Ironically, there is no great 16 Medi National Prif Wyl Glyndŵr in Corwen or, indeed, in any of the other towns of this once North Eastern Medieval March associated with the beginning of the Great War of National Liberation, led by Prince Owain Glyndŵr, a son of the region.

You will see from the enclosed leaflet, that the only ''national'' Gŵyl Glyndŵr to mark this significant anniversary annually is held at Abercraf in the South whilst, if you look at our blog Cenedl Glyndŵr, you will note that Pobl Glyndŵr, Machynlleth are moving ahead in organising a major annual National Glyndŵr festival there on and about 21 June 'Dydd Coroni Glyndŵr'. This event is aiming to become an annual Mid-Summer Festival that will appeal to both the Machynlleth and Bro Chyfeiliog Community and Tourism in general.

The fact that the Machynlleth annual Glyndŵr Festival is to be organised for Mid-Summer, allows for the North East, the opportunity to organise its annual Glyndŵr National Festival for the period of on and about 16 Medi without a clash of interests, and in and around Corwen/Ruthun, as history dictates it should be. The organising of such a festival would both provide for an exiting and colourful local leisure activity for the community as well as an ''Autumn Break'' tourism attraction. Also, central to such is the potential of marketing the region as the 'Prif Gwlad Glyndŵr'; work in this direction is already moving ahead in Ardal Machynlleth towards a "Gwlad Glyndŵr - Powys Canoloesol". However, for reasons already given in regards to 16 Medi and the sitings of Llysoedd Sycharth and Glyndyfrdwy - as well as many other sites associated with Owain Glyndŵr in the North East March, it is obvious that this region is the ''Uno Numero'' Gwlad Glyndŵr. So why not make it more ''officially'' so, and not hide the fact as, sadly, the N.E.Wales Tourism Brochure does! See 'North Wales Borderlands 2008' brochure.

Last year saw Corwen unveiling a great statue of Owain Glyndŵr so would it not now be pertinent and wise to organise an annual National Glyndŵr Festival; an occasion to mark, with great commemorative celebration, 16 Medi - our 'National Heroes Day', in Corwen and area? Surely, this can only be to the region's great social and economic advantage? Towards such an end, see the enclosed material but do also visit our blog Cenedl Glyndŵr, as the last post placed particularly concerns North East Wales. Also note, Embassy Glyndŵr makes itself available to aid and assist, as best we can, with advice and ideas.

Siân Ifan
Chief Executive Officer Embassy Glyndŵr.

PS: If you wish to contribute to the work for Achos Glyndŵr with regards to initiatives such as the above, please do get in touch. In particular, please note, that we are thinking well ahead to a major commemoration of the fall of Castell Harlech (1409) next year in 2009, this year being the 600th anniversary. A 'Gŵyl Fawr Teyrnas Glyndŵr is being considered, for Harlech, for August Bank Holiday 2009, All wishing to help organise and/or participate, please contact me at Embassy Glyndŵr asap.

PRIF GWLAD GLYNDWR -Corwen and the North Eastern March aka North Wales Boderlands.

2008-07-11T07:22:00.022Z

Where is this main Gwlad Glyndŵr then? Well, according to the depicted annual publication 'North Wales Borders' it would not, it appears, be in their region, that is of the North East March which historically is, of course, Prif Wlad Glyndŵr. Remarkably, this tourism brochure manages not to mention Owain Glyndŵr once! nor either does it mention his association with towns and localities within this ''region''. Why not? one may ask - especially as page 52 is dedicated to a medieval theme!

This publication not only focusus on that Edwardian Castle at Rhuddlan but goes on to ignore any real Welsh History. Instead, you get Edward I, Richard II, Henry Bollingbrooke plus Azincourt and, oh yes, as seems to be the accepted norm in Welsh tourism today, Shakespeare! As for mentioning Glyndŵr or indeed any other Welsh Prince, Total Amnesia prevails!

This publication, by the way, is put together by a company called 'Whitefox', commissioned and published by the following councils; Fflint, Dinbych and Wrecsam and sponsored by a North East Wales Tourism Partnership and, of course, gets Euro Grants.

We have learned from experience during the last 10 yrs of promoting Gwyliau Glyndŵr in different areas of Cymru that tourists, if giving the opportunity, are very interested in 'living history' re-enactments of the Glyndŵr history, life and times so, are those responsible for this 'tourism promotion' of North East Wales just plain ignorant of a crucially important period in Welsh history or, could it be the case that they are willing perpetrators of cerebral colonialism? Whatever the case, we really do suggest that you all complain to 'the powers that be' about this 'censorship' of Welsh medieval history and of our greatest of national heroes, a son of their own soil.
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So as to clarify where this Prif Gwlad Glyndŵr is, it covers all of the aforementioned North East March/North Wales borders, the counties of Fflint and Dinbych in particular. If you're still unsure, try and obtain the booklet 'Glyndŵr Country - The Essence of Wales', written by Ian and Celia Scudmore and eventually published by Gwasg Carreg Gwalch. (See illustration of covers opposite)
I say 'eventually' as, originally, the work was produced as a commissioned report for the plan to produce a £150.000 corporate Identity for the now defunct 'Glyndŵr District Council'. The purpose being to attract holiday makers from home and abroad. The report was never acted on but the detail still exists in this published form so, all that's needed now is for some really wise, shrewd and perhaps patriotic heads to get together in the North East March/North Wales borders to implement an initiative which will see this Prif Gwlad Glyndŵr come into existence. This could be quickly done by the aforementioned local Authorities or/and a North Eastern March Glyndŵr Initiative made up of business people. There are plenty of examples as to how similar has and is being done elsewhere; see Cathar Country, 1066 Country and Robin Hood Country etc.
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You may also see previous posts in this blog re our attempts to advance a second Gwlad Glyndŵr in the area of Machynlleth & Pennal extending into the lands between the 'Glyndŵr Way Trail', more or less, the former Montgomeryshire. This being, near enough, to coinciding with old times Medieval North Powys, of which Glyndŵr's immediate ancestors were lords and chiefs within. You could be more informed about these lands and history by obtaining the excellent book entitled Glyndŵr's Way/Llwybr Glyndŵr by David Perrott and published by Aurum Press. (See illustration of cover opposite) It would be quite an ambition to walk every mile of this trail but well worth it - I'm sure?

This year, as you will see from previous posts. we have focused much of our attention on Ardal Machynlleth and it's potential second Gwlad Glyndŵr status. In this context, much has been done to advance an annual GŵYL FAWR CORONI GLYNDŵR - ARDAL MACHYNLETH (inc Pennal & Corris) to be held annually on and about 21 Mehefin - 'Dydd Coroni Glyndŵr'.

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Our work in this direction is, at last, beginning to bear fruit following on our powerpoint presentation to local councillors and local enthusiasts in June. Shortly, a number of these local enthusiasts will be establishing an 'Antur Glyndŵr' to develop the establishment of this planned great Mid-Summer National Glyndŵr Festival, Further, the Council is considering our suggestions re a Coron Glyndŵr Civic Ceremony plus a Glyndŵr's Towns Mayors Function. All is intended to form part of this annual Ardal Machynlleth Gŵyl Fawr Glyndŵr. As for a second Gwlad Glyndŵr, as detailed above, we are now leaving this initiative to local authorities, Powys C.C. and Community Councils plus Business and Tourism Interests in these lands associated with Owain Glyndŵr. We feel we have done as much as we can and next year wish to focus some attention on a third Gwlad Glyndŵr, that of Harlech and Ardudwy. Our work here will, of course, be associated with the 600th anniversary of 'Glyndwr's last stand' and fall of Castell Harlech - bastion of continued resistance to the advancing English forces.

Eventually, we will also move towards advancing Gwlad Glyndŵr Initiatives in Llanymddyfri and Ystrad Tywi and in Glywysing (Morgannwg & Gwent). If at all interested in any of this Gwaith Glyndŵr and wish to be involved, do make contact via the following email address s.ifan@ntlworld.com

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Postscript: Have heard no news of any National 'Dydd Glyndŵr' event being organised in and around Corwen on weekend following 16 Medi. However, for the 4th year running, there will be a National Dydd Glyndŵr Festival at Abercraf between 19 - 21 Medi. Further, details will be posted soon. Corwen's got the Statue but Abercraf has got the festival for September. We hope Corwen too will, one day, organise an annual Dydd Glyndŵr festival for the North.

The Machynlleth Mid Summer event will be held on the 21 Mehefin, the longest day of the year. A great opportunity for us all to come together then to hold a truly major all Wales national event - GWYL FAWR CORONI OWAIN IV - TYWYSOG OWAIN GLYNDWR - DRWY RAS DUW.

Siân Ifan.

The Displaying of Coron Glyndŵr Ceremony 21 June 2008

2008-06-23T16:12:00.010Z

Following on last year's presentation of 'Coron Glyndŵr' which took place on Parliament Green, Machynlleth, Embassy Glyndŵr this year, in collaboration with Elfyn Rowlands (the custodian of the crown) and loyal local support, , staged the first of of what is hoped will become 'civic' annual ceremonies to display the crown (symbolic of the sovereignty of Cymru) to the nation. It had been planned for the crown to arrive at Parliament Green at noon and for a procession to take place from Parliament Green, through the town, and to Y Plas, where the procession would be met by the town's Mayor and other councillors. However, due to bad weather and having the need to take the crown into consideration in regards to the weather conditions, a decision had to be made to hold the ceremony under cover in the doorway of Y Plas for this year. Nevertheless, a successful ceremony was held as you can see from the photos opposite and below. At 2pm, following lunch and the aforementioned ceremony, a meeting was held at Y Plas to discuss the possibilities of the setting up of an Antur Bro Glyndŵr - Bro Chyfeiliog made up of members of the community to take on the responsibility of the organising of an annual Gŵyl Dydd y Senedd Festival. Those that came to the meeting were able to see an informative and colourful powerpoint presentation which depicted many other successful Gwyliau Glyndŵr festivals which have or are being staged in Cymru annually. Following the 75mins presentation, an interesting discussion took place and although a number of those present did voice their eagerness to be part of the Antur, it was felt that insufficient members of the community was present at the meeting to represent the form of Antur Bro Glyndŵr that we had in mind; also, the allocated time that we had for the room was up. However, at a later meeting, it was decided with those that had expressed a definite interest in a Gŵyl that they should go ahead with a 'Gŵyl Coroni Tywysog Owain Glyndŵr Development project. This project is now under way and further info on its development will be issued by the locally based project group in due course. More news of the other aspects of the Antur Bro Glyndŵr Bro Chyfeiliog and future organisation of the 'Displaying of the Crown' Civic ceremony will be revealed as developments take form.

In the evening, another highly successful 'Dydd y Coroni' banquet was held at Cefn Caer (the home of Coron Glyndŵr) Most had made the effort to dress medieval for the banquet this time and the quests were treated to the best of Welsh cuisine with six courses of mouth watering Welsh produce dishes. Likewise, the entertainment was first class. Everyone had a wonderful time and Elfyn Rowlands, the owner of Cefn Caer, commented that this was the best banquet of all the ones he had held so far. I'm having technical problems uploading the pics at the moment but you will be able to see some on the Cefn Caer website at www.cefncaer.com by the weekend.

Seremoni Dydd Coroni Glyndŵr - 21 Mehefin 2008

2008-06-13T12:12:00.003Z

21 Mehefin 2008.

Seremoni blynyddol ‘arddangos coron glyndŵr’ yn Machynlleth, prif ddinas Owain 1V.

Hanner Dydd: Seremoni yn cychwyn o’r Senedd-Dŷ.

12.20pm. Gorymdaith tuag at cofeb Owain Glyndŵr ar lawnt Y Plas.

12.30pm. Y Maer yn croesawu cyn derbyn y goron i ddangos i’r dref a’r genedl.

12.40pm. Siaradwyr gwadd.

1pm. Y Maer yn roi’r goron yn ôl I ofal cefn caer am flwyddyn arall.

Canu’r anthem genedlaethol.

2pm. Cyfarfod yn y Plas i sefydlu ‘Antur bro Glyndŵr – Bro Chyfeiliog’. Gwahoddir pawb sy’n byw yn yr ardal i’r cyfarfod pwysig yma.

21 june 2008

The annual ‘displaying of Owain Glyndŵr’s Crown Ceremony’ at Machynlleth, Owain 1v’s capital city.

Noon: The ceremony commences on Parliament Green.

12.20pm. Parade from Parliament Green to the Owain Glyndwr Memorial at ‘Y Plas.

12.30pm. Mayor’s welcome before his acceptance of the crown to show to the town and nation.

12.40pm. Guest Speakers

1pm. Mayor returns the crown to its custodian at Cefn Caer for another year.

The singing of the national Anthem.

2pm. Meeting in Y Plas to establish a ‘Bro Glyndŵr – Bro Chyfeiliog Venture. All living in the area are invited to this important meeting

BRO GLYNDWR - BRO DYFI also annual Glyndwr Festival for Machynlleth?

2008-05-29T16:35:00.000Z

Embassy Glyndŵr, with the assistance and cooperation of Machynlleth Town Council and other associates, organised a superb 600th anniversary celebration in Machynlleth in 2004 to commemorate the establishment of Glyndŵr's Welsh Parliament and the event of his coronation in the town in 1404. Although Embassy Glyndŵr emphasized then the potential economic benefits that such a festival could generate for Machynlleth and Bro Ddyfi if organised annually, it had never been our intention to return on an annual basis to organise it ourselves; rather, it was hoped that the 2004 Gŵyl would act as a tool to expose the potential and that individuals resident in the Machynlleth and Bro Ddyfi would get together to establish a group that would build on the foundations laid down by Embassy Glyndŵr in 2004. Had this occured and serious funding sought, the annual Dydd Coroni Glyndŵr Festival would be well established by now and not only would the area be benefiting from a substantial increase in internal tourism income terms, Machynlleth and Bro Ddyfi would be on the world historic trails map as a 'must' area to visit and especially so on or about the 21st June annually.

Since 2004, Embassy Glyndŵr has liasoned with Machynlleth Town Council with suggestions as to how they, as a council, could capitalise on their Glyndŵr history. After all, Owain Glyndŵr chose their town, above all others, to establish the Welsh Parliament and to have his crowning ceremony at. We have also liasoned with members of the Canolfan Senedd- Dŷ Glyndŵr committee and have suggested some ideas that may support their bid for funding to carry out their ambitious improvement plans for the centre and we have, since Dydd y Coroni 2007, placed Coron Glyndŵr under the custodianship of Cefn Caer and we are still working with Elfyn Rowlands, the owner of Cefn Caer and the Custodian of Coron Glyndŵr, on a number of initiatives that are gradually being put to place at Cefn Caer over the coming years.

Elfyn has reported a noticeable increase in visitor numbers to Cefn Caer since the Glyndŵr crown has been homed there and he will be holding a medieval banquet at this important medieval hall house on Dydd y Coroni - 21st June this year and annually after that.

We have suggested to Machynlleth Town Council that they adopt the 'Showing the Glyndŵr Crown to the nation' annual ceremony as an official civic ceremony to which they could invite dignatories to from countries with similar ceremonies and we are to meet with members of the council to present this idea further in the next few weeks.

All the aforementioned developments are positive but the bottom line is that if Machynlleth and Bro Ddyfi is to fully capitalise economically on their Glyndŵr associated history, then its imperative that an Antur Bro Glyndŵr - Bro Ddyfi (similar to the Antur Bro Beca based at Castell Newydd Emlyn) made up of local residents is established to orchestrate this Glyndŵr potential and to organise the annual 21 June - Gŵyl Coroni Glyndŵr Festival. It is suggested that this Antur Bro Glyndŵr- Bro Ddyfi, when established will organise a long weekend of activities for the Gŵyl and will coordinate with the Council who, hopefully, in future years, will be organising the 'Showing of Coron Glyndŵr' ceremony.

We realise that many who may come across this posting may not be regular callers to the blog and may not know much about the aforementioned festival or about the 'Glyndŵr Crown'. We therefore advice such readers to look at earlier postings on this blog and to also visit our other blog http://cenedl.blogspot.com which will give a lot more detail about the crown ceremony and our suggestions to Machynlleth town council in regards to the possibility of their adoption of this ceremony and also, as we realise that many Machynlleth and Bro Ddyfi people may not have internet access and may not have any of this information at all, we intend to hold a private meeting in Machynlleth on June 21 this year where I will present the case for the need of an Antur Glyndŵr - Bro Ddyfi. I will be presenting the case with the aid of an informative powerpoint presentation slide show before inviting discussion which, hopefully will, at the least, see a Working Party appointed that can then develop the initiative further as their own independent project. The Antur Bro Glyndŵr - Bro Ddyfi once established, will also coordinate with other Glyndŵr initiatives in the area such as the Town Council (who, hopefully, will have adopted the 'Showing of the Crown' ceremony) Canolfan Senedd-Dŷ Glyndŵr, Cefn Caer and Pennal Church to ensure that everyone's singing from the same hymn sheet for the benefit of all groups concerned and the Machynlleth and Bro Ddyfi area in general.

The intended meeting is to be private and not open to the public in order to ensure that a 'get down to business' agenda is adhered to so, if you live in the Machynlleth Bro Ddyfi area and have a strong interest in this initiative and wish to be further involved please get in touch by E-mail: sian@ntlworld.com or by telephone 01792 533806 or mobile:07787926981 to state your interest and I will send you a formal invitation with details of time and venue of the meeting on the 21st.

It will soon become clear to one and all at the meeting that grant funding will be required to establish and operate An Antur Bro Glyndŵr - Bro Ddyfi and the organising of a spectacular annual Gŵyl Coroni Glyndŵr, the money is available but obtaining it is time consuming so, the sooner a Working Group is set up the better.

As earlier noted, I had hoped that the town council and Cefn Caer , with the support of Canolfan Senedd-dŷ Glyndŵr, would work together to provide a Coron Glyndŵr Civic Ceremony this year, but we know now that the Council cannot come to a decision by then as the next full council meeting is not until July so, we will assist Elfyn to hold a brief ceremony this year. If there are any locals prepared to "go medieval" for about half an hour on the 21st June this year, please get in touch, we would really appreciate your help.

Siân

Coron Glyndŵr has been restored

2008-05-28T14:25:00.001Z

21 Mehefin 2007, an historic day to remember and be marked as the day that 'Coron Glyndŵr' was restored to the Gwlad Glyndŵr of Machynlleth & Bro - Ddyfi.
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At our annual 'Juratus Oweyn' ceremony on Parliament Green, Canolfan Senedd Dŷ Glyndŵr, Machynlleth, Embassy Glyndŵr presented the gift of a new 'Coron Glyndŵr' to the people of Cymru. This restored 'Coron Glyndŵr' is a symbol of our National Sovereignty and is now a companion to 'Cleddyf y Cenedl' - Sword of the Nation - Symbol of Justice.
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'Cleddyf y Genedl' may be viewed at MOMA, Machynlleth and, in time, will be placed at Canolfan Owain Glyndŵr, following on it's re-development. 'Coron Glyndŵr' has been placed in care of it's appointed custodian Elfyn Rowlands at Cefn Caer, a 15th century residence used by Owain Glyndŵr at the time of his coronation in 1404 and later at the time of the Pennal letter in 1406.
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Of course, not unexpected, the so called ''National Media'' (Cymru/Wales) both press and radio/tv, in Cymraeg and English, chose to censor this momentous day in the onward march of our people in the struggle began by our national hero Owain Glyndŵr to reclaim our national sovereignty. However, the event was well covered by the local/regional press of the Powys County Times and another Welshpool Newspaper, plus, hopefully, the Cambrian News will also carry a report. Further, the Cymro had done an excellent pre event report and may follow up with a post event report. All of the pre-mentioned media were represented by photo journalists and so, their features should include some good photographs.
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The photographs below show 'Coron Glyndŵr' in it's display case at Cefn Caer, placed there after the aforementioned 'Juratus Oweyn' ceremony

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Photos following are of the chief moment of the ceremony at the point where 'Coron Glyndŵr' is being revealed by Glyn Rowlands of Corris, a well known patriot and one of our most loyal Pobl Glyndŵr. Myself, also in this photograph, reads the 'Cyfamod Coron Glyndŵr', an agreement between Embassy Glyndŵr and Elfyn Rowlands whereby he promises to be custodian of 'Coron Glyndŵr', caring for it, and making it available for public viewing. This agreement also requires that the Custodian, or his deputy, makes 'Coron Glyndŵr' available for an annual 'Juratus Oweyn' ceremony to be held on Parliament Green on 21 Mehefin - 'Dydd y Senedd'.
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Also in attendance at the Ceremony were representatives of Machynlleth Town Council, and representatives of Corwen and Dolgellau as well as the Choir of Ysgol Bro Ddyfi who provided a marvellous musical background to a successful ceremony that achieved it's purpose. Hopefully now, the Council, along with other Glyndŵr interested parties in the local community will continue to hold and develop this annual ceremony on 'Dydd y Senedd' to proclaim the national Sovereignty of our homeland to the world. It is hoped that in time, this ceremony will be the opening event to a major annual national Glyndŵr festival in Machynlleth & Bro Ddyfi, the success of which now chiefly depends on local enthusiastic support and practical effort to set up and sustain. Such requires that a local Antur Gwlad Glyndŵr be established to make such possible. Such an Antur Gwlad Glyndŵr can always rest assured that Embassy Glyndŵr and Pobl Glyndŵr throughout the land will always be available to aid and assist.
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The Embassy Glyndwr Exhibition at Cefn Caer.

Below is a photograph of Pobl Glyndŵr supporters of Embassy Glyndŵr at Cefn Caer, with the crown, after the above ceremony and prior to enjoying a wonderful six course evening banquet at Cefn Caer.
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And below, our 'Juratus Oweyn' Banquet Glyndŵr at Cefn Caer, to celebrate the restoration of 'Coron Glyndŵr'. It is intended for this also to become an annual event but present thinking arising is that it may be best to hold this 'Banquet Glyndŵr' on the Saturday following the ceremony - and, as it happens, next year's Dydd y Senedd will fall on a Saturday so, If interested in being informed of details of a second annual midsummer 'Banquet Glyndŵr' on Dydd y Senedd 21 Mehefin 2008, please inform me of your interest asap. llysgenhadaeth@ntlworld.com

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Entertainment at the banquet was provided by Alex Peate an excellent harpist and Edryd Williams 'Y Baledwr' (Ballad Singer) See pic below

S.Ifan
Prif Weithredwr Llysgenhadaeth Glyndŵr
'Juratus Oweyn'
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All Pics: Siân Ifan (c) Visions Glyndŵr 2007.

CANOLFAN GLYNDWR MACHYNLLETH: Embassy Glyndwr Suggestions to development committee

2008-05-26T13:14:00.000Z

We were invited by a member of the Development Committee of Canolfan Senedd-Dy Owain Glyndŵr, Machynlleth to contribute ideas that would assist to raise the profile of the Canolfan. You may view our suggestions below. They are only suggestions, so there is no guarantee that any will be taken on board but, great if they are, as we are sure that they will be of great advantage to the future of the Canolfan and Machynlleth.

Suggestions from Llysgenhadaeth Glyndŵr

For the attention of Canolfan Senedd-Dŷ Glyndŵr, Machynlleth.

Introduction: There is certainly no need to remind any person that receives a copy of these proposals of the importance of Parliament Green and the event of Prince Owain Glyndŵr establishing a free Welsh Parliament as the singular most important event in Welsh history that might well stand forth as the beginning of the march towards nationhood and democracy in our country. Comparisons might well be drawn with England – in the historic event of the signing of the Magna Carta at Runnymede on 15^th June 1215. Surely, the establishment of an all Wales Representative Parliament at Machynlleth, on or about 21 June 1404, deserves to be regarded with the same importance and status and to be worthy of the same annual national recognition and commemoration in the form of a National Day, a day by which we may focus attention on the advancement of our national political Sovereignty. Thus, in 2004, we declared 21 June - ‘Dydd y Senedd’ (Parliament Day) as the most appropriate date to have our National Day and associated with such, needs to be the restoration of icons associated with Owain Glyndŵr’s Coronation on this Historic Day, they being the icons that give meaning to that national Sovereignty– such as Coron Glyndŵr – Glyndŵr’s Crown symbolic of National Sovereignty and Cleddyf y Genedl – Sword of the Nation - symbolic of Justice.

Part I: Image Branding Pivot.

21 June – National ‘Sovereignty’ Day

It then follows that such a National ‘Sovereignty’ Day should be declared a ‘Mid – Summer National Holiday’ to allow for annual widespread celebrations of this historic ‘Dydd y Senedd’ aka ‘Dydd Coroni Glyndŵr’ with people from near and far then attending an annual ‘Juratus Oweyn Ceremony’ on Parliament Green. Such, we hope, would be the basis for the ‘on going’ development of a National Great Owain Glyndŵr Festival that we hope to see established in and around Machynlleth on and about 21 June annually. In time, it is hoped this festival will become a week long event of various activities held throughout the Gwlad Glyndŵr of Bro Ddyfi.

But, before that National ’Sovereignty’ Day/Holiday and the Great Festival becomes a reality, a great deal of preparatory foundation work needs to be done by the Machynlleth and Bro Ddyfi community and Canolfan Senedd-Dŷ Glyndŵr is of course - and has to be, central to the proposed developments. Llysgenhadaeth Glyndŵr is very aware of Canolfan Senedd-Dŷ Glyndŵr’s very exiting development plans and we sincerely hope that the Canolfan now get their target funding for development without any further delays. However, we must stress that long before such development plans are put into effect, we advice that there is a need for the Canolfan Senedd-Dŷ Glyndŵr Development Committee to work with others - such as the Town and County Councils, the Cefn Caer Initiative and, in due course, my Antur Teyrnas Glyndŵr – Welsh Medieval Living History Initiative to establish the foundation of an identifiable brand and identity on Machynlleth and Bro Ddyfi in general, as a Gwlad Glyndŵr Medieval Heritage Area Initiative (MHAI). I advise that This can be best achieved by means of putting in place Gwlad Glyndŵr identifiable ‘foundation stones’ which can be clearly recognized and promoted over the years ahead. Below are suggestions/proposals for simple but very necessary ‘foundation stones projects’ that can be immediately set in motion via the Canolfan Senedd-Dŷ Development Committee:

Note: Regards below, before you read on, I would like to draw your attention as to how, in recent years, the Languedoc/Occitania region of ‘’Southern France’’ is identifying the region as CATHAR COUNTRY, not least, with large medieval figure heads of Knights and fallen crosses set up on road sides at frontiers of CATHAR COUNTRY (See the Albiginese Crusade) I am not suggesting the same for your Gwlad Glyndŵr but, perhaps, large signposts with a startling representation of Owain Glyndŵr would be both impressive and effective (see Pegaso’s model of Glyndŵr attached) Pegaso is the World’s main Medieval Modeller and the company is based in a City with great Medieval History who you may find it of an advantage to link up with.

I hope that Pegaso would give permission for you to use this image as we helped them (research wise) to enable them to produce the figure - and any way, it would be to their advantage publicity wise. The image could be placed over a wide area of Central Powys, on roads leading into Machynlleth, stating the Legend ‘Gwlad Glyndŵr – Bro Dyfi & Machynlleth Site of Glyndŵr’s Parliament’. I would further suggest that the background colour of such signs be a Royal Purple as I note that Ceredigion’s Blue Sign posting really stands out making a big impact.

One cannot shout out enough what must be emphasized constantly in the case of ‘branding’, and what must be emphasized here is that “this is “Glyndŵr Country”.

Sign Posting: We suggest that Canolfan Senedd-Dŷ Glyndŵr contact the highways department of the Council to inform them that you, as a committee, consider it of the utmost priority that ‘Brown Signs’ are erected on all major roads leading into Machynlleth to show the way to Machynlleth, Royal Capital of Wales & Canolfan Senedd-Dŷ Glyndŵr.

Note: To qualify for the above, the Canolfan will need to declare that you are open to the public for 150 days annually; if this is not the case already then we strongly suggest that funding is sought for this purpose.

We suggest that Canolfan Senedd-Dŷ Glyndŵr contact the Town Council to request that they place ‘Information Notice Boards’ around the town that will interpret the history of our National Hero and associated places in the town, to the general public who visit Machynlleth.

We suggest that Canolfan Senedd-Dŷ Glyndŵr contact the Town Council to request that they erect a sturdy flag pole atop Penrallt and that they officially raise a very large embroidered Owain Glyndŵr flag on this pole on three relevant annual dates namely:

28 May – Owain Glyndŵr’s birthday.

21 June – Dydd y Senedd – Parliament Day

16 Sept – Dydd Glyndŵr Day.

Canolfan y Senedd-Dŷ could further request that a local women’s embroidery circle or Merched y Wawr -or both, work together to produce the aforementioned flag.

We suggest that Canolfan y Senedd-Dŷ requests of the Town Council that they express pride in the important historical status of the town as a ‘Gwlad Glyndŵr – Medieval Heritage Town’ by erecting bannerettes of colourful medieval shields of the ‘Royal & Noble Tribes of the Ancient Cymru’ on lamp posts throughout the town.

We suggest that Canolfan Senedd-Dŷ Glyndŵr raises three or more flags poles on the Ganolfan to a higher level where it will be safe to leave flags on them all year round without danger of the flags being stolen. We suggest that flags flown all year round should be Glyndŵr’s ‘Four Lions Rampant’, The Glyndŵr Family flag and ‘Baner y Ddraig Aur’ (Glyndŵr’s Golden Dragon on a white background)

On 21 June – Dydd y Senedd a Dydd Coroni Glyndŵr, we suggest that it would be worthwhile to consider flying also, the Royal Flags of France and Scotland who sent representation to the Coronation of 1404.

We suggest that Canolfan Senedd-Dŷ Owain Glyndŵr makes the necessary arrangements to receive Cleddyf y Genedl into its safe keeping ASAP for the following reasons:

It will be an additional attraction for visitors to the centre.

It can ‘ceremonially’ be bought out of the centre next year and annually after that to be part of the Juratus Oweyn Civic Ceremony.

We suggest that Canolfan y Senedd-Dŷ immediately commences on a project to set up a major memorial to commemorate the establishment of Senedd Glyndŵr and the coronation of Owain Glyndŵr on 21 Mehefin 1404. We further suggest that this memorial be erected on Parliament Green in the form of a life size sculpture of Owain Glyndŵr (similar to the imposing statue of Abraham Lincoln in Washington, but not quite so large) and that the proposed sculpture should be as is represented on his great seal, depicting his coronation, and should be raised up on a plinth with overhead canopy. We suggest that wording on the plinth should be as on the seal but in three languages. Welsh, English and the original Latin.

There are, at the least, two options open to the ‘Canolfan’ for raising the necessary funding for such a memorial:

It can be an open competition with a money prize and world wide recognition for the winning artist which means that the project would receive Welsh Art Council funding but, should you choose this path, it is important that you set the guidelines i.e. that the work must be based on the Glyndŵr seal. You would, of course initially ask for illustrations and from these, choose the finalists who would then produce small scale plaster cast models as final entries to find the winning entry.

2: As with the Corwen memorial, the funding can be raised by other means, i.e. Public appeal, Powys and Town Councils, Business Sponsorships, Fund Raising Events etc.

Part II: Platform – Annual Event.

A Ceremony to Commemorate 21 June 1404.

During the years ahead, the annual Juratus Oweyn Ceremony on Parliament Green will allow for a great annual platform for Canolfan Senedd-Dŷ Glyndŵr – and such can start from next year and hence annually on 21 Mehefin – ‘Dydd y Senedd’. It will be noted that the aforementioned ceremony held in 2007 was deliberately kept low key with its main significance being only the presentation of Coron Glyndŵr. this was done so that our Llysgenhadaeth Glyndŵr image and identity would not be stamped on what we hope will become a ''Civic Event'' organized, in the main, by Machynlleth Town Council although, It is intended for this ‘Civic Ceremony’ to be central to the aforementioned Gŵyl Fawr in the form of a ''civic event'' of local and national importance - similar to that held on the Isle of Man's 'Tynwald Day and the Basque’s 'Gernikaka Arbola' and Scotland’s Declaration of Abroath ceremonies that are held in commemoration and as reminders of the national Sovereign rights of those countries. It is therefore the intention of Llysgenhadaeth Glyndŵr to propose to the council that they, in the first instance, adopt the annual ‘Juratus Oweyn Ceremony’ on Parliament Green as a “Civic” event and secondly, that they then forge official links between Machynlleth, St Johns on the Isle of Man, Guernika in the Basque Country, Abroath and Scoone in Scotland and Tara in Ireland, as recognition of the common important historical inheritance experienced and shared by these small nations, and thirdly, that official representatives from the aforementioned countries are annually invited by the Town and Powys Council to the ‘Civic Juratus Oweyn Ceremony’.

Such links, in time, advanced with other countries that have similar historic events and days of great importance will prove to be worthwhile in public relations terms for Canolfan Senedd-Dŷ Glyndŵr and Machynlleth Bro Ddyfi in general. We would suggest a study of or a visit to 'Tynwald Day', on St John's Day, on the Isle of Man, for further enlightenment on the usefulness of such “civic” ceremonies.

We will also then suggest to the council that they hold a civic buffet (for invitees) in the Senedd- Dŷ after the Juratus Oweyn Ceremony followed, hopefully, by a presentation and a guided tour of the Senedd-Dŷ by Pwyllgor Canolfan Owain Glyndŵr and a theatrical presentation by the schools.

We suggest that Canolfan Senedd-Dŷ Glyndŵr prepares an exhibition of your Development Plan for this occasion and decide, where in the Ganolfan, to place it so that visitors to the Senedd- Dŷ can view it with ease on the day.

All the above suggestions are things that Canolfan Senedd-Dŷ Glyndŵr can do immediately to assist in raising the profile of the Canolfan as an active centre of interpretaion, events and activities. Llysgenhadaeth Glyndŵr considers it to be of the utmost importance that the Canolfan is seen to be ‘very active’ at this moment in time when you are approaching funding bodies for a great deal of public money. We are already working with Cefn Caer in order to raise the profile of that historically important house and will also be making suggestions to the Town Council, Bro Ddyfi School and the Rugby Club for consideration. But, as aforementioned, in time, we hope that all elements we make contact with now in the Machynlleth – Bro Ddyfi area, will realize the importance and potential of working together towards what will gradually grow to be a Prif Gŵyl Coroni Owain Glyndŵr that will be of economic benefit to the whole area as a whole.

I cannot stress enough that many ventures fail because they do not give enough consideration to successful world wide marketing. Key towards such ends is getting the foundation work done ASAP and constantly develop. Establishing useful links with similar interests world wide is another must. Then, ''sprats to catch Mackerels'' must be set out to ensure that through use of the w.w.w. you cast out the bait of a number of interests that will draw people as tourists to Machynlleth.

For example, an organized Mid Summer Dawn Welcome Ceremony on Penrallt on 21 June (on longest day of the year) could put such a Penrallt Ceremony and Machynlleth into a ‘world media attention search’ for Longest Day Ceremonies from Stonehenge to Lithuania. I remind the Town that not so long ago, bonfires were ceremoniously lit atop Penrallt, why not revive this custom or at the least, light a Beacon at the going down of the Sun on Dydd y Senedd, this could be most effective along with the taking down of the flag.

Part III.

The following proposals are ideas that Canolfan Senedd-Dŷ Glyndŵr may be interested in either, incorporating into their Development Plan or, for consideration once the Canolfan has undergone development.

1: A Web Site to lay before the public your plans as to future developments (see similar on the internet re proposed Robert the Bruce Centre) little point in constructing a major site until the new Centre is set up and you have money to do a brilliant website.

2: Prifysgol Glyndŵr. Represents a period in the year (during Student holidays) in which may be organized a series of Day Lectures, Weekend Conferences and workshops. This could be developed with Welsh University History Departments and such as WEA and OU etc. Also could be presented as Academic Holidays in Gwlad Glyndŵr and linked to B&B’s and Hotels and Caer Cefn activities and Banquets. Further links to this could be the Glyndŵr trail in Powys and, of course, field Trips and outings to Glyndŵr sites in the wider area.

Re 2 above: Prifysgol Glyndŵr. Above could be embarked on as from next year, I am prepared to assist and do have more info to make available soon

3: A Tapestry depicting ‘Hanes Glyndŵr’ which may be set up in panels around the new Glyndŵr Centre.

Further to above, I am in the process of developing other initiatives that may be of long term future use as and when the New Centre is in development, such as:

A: Inter-active Educational Displays & Projects.

B: Visual, Photo and Film Presentations.

C: Product Merchandising, Quality & Authentic Welsh Medieval.

D: Children’s Corner FROM 3 - 7 and from 7 – 11.

E: 11 – 16 Youth Activities.

Not Least for your consideration, an Archive and Study Room for Researchers and Students.

Update:

You will be aware by now of the situation regards the WMC, The National Botanic Gardens and Celtica had encountered the same problem, failure to attract sufficient visitors. This has been the case with a great number of Millennium Lottery Projects – particularly those set up in deprived regions where they were seen as a panacea to socio – economic problems (employment hopes etc) I cannot stress enough that not allowing enough consideration to the “how to get them here (visitors) issue” is, in many ways, putting the cart before the horse. I draw your attention to the fact that the attempt to set up that ‘’Ice Dome’’ in Llanberis was finally killed by failure to “deliver” on the matter of visitor attendance. I can assure you that the Heritage Lottery Commission and other bodies (Assembly and Local Authorities etc) drawn on to offer advice to them and support to you, will be closely looking at this visitors issue. Obviously, they will not want to see any more failures – and subsequent calls for further annual subsidies, having already had to pay up for the NBG and now, no doubt, the WMC also in the near future. It is thus crucial for your committee to, not only put in a well structured development plan application, but also to consider fully this “visitors issue” and incorporate your findings into your plan.

Siân Ifan

WANT TO TALK MEMORIALS?

2008-05-25T12:48:00.000Z

Owain Glyndŵr has, at long last, been honoured with a suitable memorial sculpture, set up in Corwen last year - in time for 'Dydd Glyndŵr' on 16 Medi 2007. The day will come, hopefully, when Machynlleth will follow the example of Corwen and will set up a major memorial to commemorate the establishment of Senedd Glyndŵr and the coronation of Owain Glyndŵr on 21 Mehefin 1404. Talk is, that a sculpture is being considered as part of a new development plan for the Centre. An idea being considered is that of a statue of Owain Glyndŵr sitting on a throne as depicted on his great seal. This is an idea we ourselves would favour greatly; not only would such a statue, situated at Machynlleth, be impressive in its own right it would further symbolize and publicise, at home and abroad, that it was here in Machynlleth, on 21 June 1404, that the Welsh held their first National Parliament. This event, more than any other, witnesses the making of Wales as a nation, and the founding of the fundamental democratic rights of that nation. This most important of events in our history should, and must, be observed with the same celebration and ceremony as that carried out by the Manx people, who recognize and celebrate their Tynwald Day on July 5th annually. See pic below of Tynwald Day 2007 and eat your hearts out:

It is also valid to draw your attention to the memorial to the Magna Carta, which has been erected at Runnymede, and to how important this memorial is considered as a focus of attention for this historic event .

It is this Runnymede memorial that has inspired us to visualize something similar for Parliament Green at Canolfan Senedd-Dŷ Glyndŵr. Would it not be great to see set up on Parliament Green, a Life size sculpture of Owain Glyndŵr, depicting his coronation as represented on his great seal (illustrated above) Such a sculpture would look impressive raised up on a plinth with canopy as depicted. What a great attraction for Machynlleth. People from near and far could not fail to admire such a memorial and would, as is already happening in Corwen, inquire as to its historical significance and association with the town and Wales. School children would be bussed in to see it - just as American school children are taken to see the imposing statue of Abraham Lincoln in Washington.

We have suggested this idea to the Development Committee who are, at present, working on proposals for development of the Canolfan and Senedd-Dŷ. We have also suggested to Machynlleth Town Council that they should consider carefully, the potential benefits to the town if they adopted the organising of a Civic Ceremony (similar to that held at Tynwald) with associated celebrations on 21 Mehefin annually, around which, over the years ahead, a major Gŵyl Fawr Tywysog Owain Glyndŵr could be organised in and around Machynlleth.

National Trust Runnymede Magna Carta The history of Runnymede, the site where Magna Carta was signed by King John in 1215.www.nationaltrust.org.uk/.../w-findaplace/w-runnymede/w-runnymede-history/w-runnymede-history-magnacarta.htm - 40k - Cached - Similar pages

A Mural for Glyndŵr:

Whilst waiting for action regards the memorialising of Owain Glyndŵr in Machynlleth, we suggest, that the ''Powers that be'' in Machynlleth could commission the painting of a large mural of Owain Glyndŵr on that large rock on Penrallt overlooking Parliament Green. Yes, that rock upon which is presently painted the slogan 'Cymru Rydd', a slogan that we have sympathy with, but feel the space could be utilised in a more positive way for the benefit of the town.

We designated this rock 'Graig Coroni Owain IV' in 2004 and another platform rock close by as 'Golygfa Glyndŵr'. So, a mural depicting the hero himself would be more appropriate and the design above is, perhaps, a good idea for such and one which could, perhaps, be done by local youth under mature artistic guidance. Possibly, this would be an ideal project for Ysgol Bro Ddyfi?

Further, with the rather pointless 'Landmark Wales' rubbish in mind, why not consider a long term project, such as a gigantic concrete & metal version of 'Cleddyf y Cenedl' built on top of Penrallt? Think 'big', something that could be seen for many miles around, that would kind of beat the 'Angel of the North' and the present, none too 'symbolically Cymric', proposals for the ''Landmark Monuments''. This suggested 'Cleddyf y Genedl' could be made of such material and devices so that it could be illuminated at night. Such would really make it be seen, possibly as far away as the 'Anglo - Welsh border? How's that for an exiting idea with good patriotic purpose and point to it?

Think even bigger! If the 'sword monument' was placed with the blade pointed downwards, one could have a lift inside to take visitors up to a viewing station in the swords handle and hand guard. That's got a lot of potential! Do i hear mutterings of "ridiculous"? we don't think so; take note of the Portsmouth Spinnaker Tower:

Home Spinnaker Tower Portsmouth Soaring 170 metres (557 feet) into the sky above the historic harbour of Portsmouth, gateway to the English Channel, the Spinnaker Tower, Portsmouth's ...www.spinnakertower.co.uk/ - 9k - Cached - Similar pages

Let's see if "the powers that be" have got the courage and confidence to venture with great purpose and spend the money wisely, not as will be the case in the proposed 'nonsense' by 'Landmark Wales' - that's for sure!

If there are any artists or architects out there willing to take this idea forward a bit further with their 'artists impression' (noting, of course, that Cleddyf y Genedl is the inspiration and general idea) please do so. We would be very interested in seeing creative designs produced, as would Machynlleth and Powys Councils, we would imagine.

The 'Par Excellence' of sculpture memorials for Cymru.
Needed for this one will be a mountain high and strong enough, and suitable enough, to carve a statue of Owain Glyndŵr out of it. The suggested statue would need to be super sized and on the same scale as that being made of the monument to Crazy Horse in South Dakota. Follow links below:

Crazy Horse Memorial
Project to construct an immense statue in the Black Hills honoring the Lakota leader.var mb1=ManyBox.register('1',3,'m2YzDKhT40sJ','','36ca',10,'Map of 202 Avenue of the Chiefs, Crazy Horse, SD 57730')
Map of 202 Avenue of the Chiefs, Crazy Horse, SD 57730
www.crazyhorse.org/ - 11k - Cached - Similar pages
Visiting Crazy Horse
Live Webcam
Carving a Mountain
Story
Ziolkowski Family
Indian Museum and Cultural Center
News
Night Blasts
More results from crazyhorse.org »

Now, just imagine the below on the same scale.

Now, that's what we call thinking big, yes, really big! but can you just imagine, how impressive and inspiring it would be, if it was based on the above PEGASO Military Model Miniature, see further pics below:

Pegaso, of Sienna, Italy are the worlds leading Military Modellers and in time for 2004, we suggested to they, the idea of an Owain Glyndŵr figure for their medieval series. We worked with them, providing historical research and made some creative input, but it was their artists and model maker that produced the above fantastic figure which, we feel, really conveys both the powerful historic image and the legendary qualities - as represented by the depiction of 'Y Ddraig Aur'. Since, we have asked Pegaso for their permission to use their design specifically in promotion of our work with development and advancement of all Hanes Glyndŵr related projects. And, In this connection, we have suggested to Machynlleth Council that it would be worthwhile, as a marketing tool, to have large promotional signs made depicting this colourful design, and for such signs to be placed both on the town's railway platforms and on roads leading into the town. Pegaso has kindly given permission for this, in return for such being credited and, where possible, their website being publicized.

For more exiting development news on memorial projects and all other Embassy work...keep visiting!

Siân

Coron Glyndŵr: An Artistic Appreciation.

2008-05-24T09:38:00.000Z

To mark the restoration of Coron Glyndŵr, we are promoting the concept of an Artistic Appreciation. This could be in the form of a painting or mural, or/and an ''installation'' of some kind such as (our personal preference) a sculpture in wood, stone, clay or bronze of crown being held ready to be placed upon the head of Owain Glyndŵr on the 21 Mehefin. Whatever, design for such must incorperate the concept (as in photographs) 1404 'Dydd y Coroni'. Also, the following wording must be included in the design 'Juratus Oweyn' and 'I Gadw'r Gwir Gyda'r Coron'.The whole need not strictly comform to the above. For example, I, myself, imagine that associated with the concept within this photograph image are a number of arms reaching upward - with hands reaching out to symbolically offer or support 'Coron Glyndŵr'. I further see this as being quite a rugged presention of the arms/hands, as if coming out of the very landscape of Cymru, it's soil and rock, rivers and lakes; get the idea? Well that should spark of some imaginative creations from the artistic amongst you.

OK! where next? well if designs are submitted in time (and we only require ''rough drawings'' in the first instance), we will display them at our 21 Mehefin exhibition. Those viewing the exhibition and designs will be given the opportunity to let us know which design appeals to them most although, at this stage, we could not put forward the majority view there as final as we would have to allow a reasonable period for other designs to be submitted but, we would publish all contributions that reached us by 21 Mehefin - Dydd y Senedd to this blog shortly after with views of those who viewed them at the aforementioned exhibition will be sought to make the whole venture possible.

The submission date will remain open until we feel that we have recieved enough good designs. All the designs will be posted and we will ask you, our supporters, to vote for the best. The next step will be to set up a panel, independent of Embassy Glyndŵr, who'se sole responsibility will be to bring this 'Artistic Appreciation to life. Depending on the medium of each 'Artistic Appreciation', the panel will decide on how best to fulfill the role of ensuring that the 'Artistic Appreciation' in question is developed, completed and placed in an appropriate setting. Regards your initial design, keep to A4 size plus, include some basic details such as materials to be used and roughly how long it would take plus possible cost? Anything else we should have thought of, let us know, all ideas and suggestions very welcome and appreciated. Diolch yn fawr.

Interested? contact us at: llysgenhadaeth@ntlworld.com

Siân Ifan.

Further photographs to inspire ideas?

Much moaning in Machynlleth about the ''Political Slogans'' on the rocks of Penrallt. The Rock, upon which the slogan 'Cymru Rydd', has been painted, was declared to be 'Graig Coroni Owain IV Tywysog Cymru' by Embassy Glyndŵr at Dawn of Dydd Coroni Glyndŵr - 21 Mehefin 2004 on the 600th anniversary of the coronation on 21 Mehefin 1404: . It is our suggestion to the town council that they hold a local competition amongst schools in 'Tir Glyndŵr - Bro Dyfi' for the design of a mural that depicts the aforementioned historic theme we have drawn attention to here. Noting below photo as possible inspiration towards such a mural, which we admit, would look better and have more purpose than a ''slogan'' - especally in view of the fact that such not just overlooks the town but also Parliament Green - Venue of our annual 'Juratus Oweyn' ceremony. All comments, views and suggestions very welcome

'Juratus Oweyn'

Coron Glyndwr - Symbol of Sovereignty. Mehefin 2007.

2008-05-23T03:31:00.000Z

Now by this sulky mountain pool I pause

It's waters are as dark and deep a blue

As if it were the sea, but it is shallow,

A gathering of rains, a sheep pond only,

As deep and dark as if it were the sea.

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The above are the opening lines of the poem 'By a Mountain Pool' by patriotic bard Harri Web, taken from the booklet A Song for Owain, poems in praise of Owain Glyndwr edited by Rhys Parry and published by Gwasg Y Lolfa.
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Pictures S.Ifan (c) Visions Glyndwr 2007.
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In tribute to Harri Web we took the two pictures above on Gower where Harri Webb lays bueried, at time of taking these pictures close by where sheep and ponies. Rain was not far away but held off long enough for us to take the pictures. This is fitting in more ways than one as it was the lecture on Owain Glyndwr by Harri Web at a Plaid Cymru Summer School in 1966 which enspired myself and Toni Lewis R.I.P. to organise in Machynlleth in 1967 the first Owain Glyndwr commemorative march and rally. Toni Lewis before his death was the maker of Coron Glyndwr which now Embassy Glyndwr presents to the people of Cymru in care of a 'Custodian' Elfyn Rowlands of Cefn Caer, Pennal, Machynlleth.
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Embassy Glyndŵr Proclaims
that Coron Glyndŵr, symbol of sovereignty,
will be restored on
Dydd y Senedd – 21 Mehefin 2007
at Parliament Green, Machynlleth.

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We are pleased to announce three new blogs are in development, they are:

* Teyrnas Glyndwr dedicated to advance of Living History Presentations.

http://teyrnas.blogspot.com

* Glyndwr Visions dedicated to fotography and film on Glyndwr themes.

http://glyndwrvisions.blogspot.com

* Croniclau Glyndwr dedicated to articles on Hanes Glyndwr.

http://croniclauglyndwr.blogspot.com/

* Not forget the existing Ogof Glyndwr dedicated to Owain Glyndwr, Mab Darogan and man of myth, mystery and magic.

also our main platform Owain Glyndwr Communicates

http://owain-glyndwr-embassyllysgenhadaeth.blogspot.com

Our Websites are:

* Llysgenhadaeth Glyndwr www.embassy-glyndwr.co.uk

* Owain Glyndwr www.owain-glyndwr.com

Both these sites are in development.

G.Gruffydd.

Juratus Oweyn.

A poem for Coron Glyndŵr composed by Terry Breverton

2008-05-22T12:40:00.000Z

This poem was especially written by the author Terry Breverton for the occasion of the presenting of Coron Glyndŵr to Cefn Caer at Parliament Green, Machynlleth on Dydd y Senedd - 21 Mehefin 2007. Terry, a loyal supporter of Embassy Glyndwr, was present to read the poem at the end of the ceremony. See pic:

Coron Glyndŵr

Dedicated to Anthony Lewis, silversmith and patriot

Our leaders fear symbols in Cymru

Our leaders fear their leaders

Their leaders fear knowledge

And consequent loss of power

Because symbols represent

A higher kind of power

Than that of economics

Or coercion

A power over people

A force from history…

The nationalism

That derives from culture

Not aggression

Our symbols were destroyed

Burnt, broken and sold

Along with our minerals

And our manuscripts

And our land.

Nothing survived

A millennium of invasion

Nothing is left…

Except the language

And an imposed mask

Over our past

And a dissolving memory

Of what is lost

But symbols restore history

They restore our glory

Symbols reinforce

The nation

And the language

Symbols give us fortitude

And foresight

And force

And recognition

Our symbols were destroyed

Our nation’s history traduced

And obliterated by the wars

Of the Saxons, Danes and Normans

So what of our Owains?

Their story was altered

The new version of history is silent

But what should WE know?

Owain I, Owain ap Gruffudd ap Cynan, Owain Gwynedd

Undefeated in his long reign

Against invasion after invasion

The victor at Crug Mawr and Coleshill and Crogen in Dyffryn Ceiriog

Who led the alliance of all the princes of Wales

The Lord Rhys of Deheubarth, Owain Cyfeiliog of Powys,

And the men of Gwent

To turn back Henry II at Corwen

From the brow of Caerdrewyn.

Two of his sons, Rhys and Cadwaladr hostages,

Were blinded personally by Henry II in his rage,

Along with Cynwrig and Maredudd, the sons of the Lord Rhys

But they did not seek vengeance

As vengeance would have hurt Cymru

Owain II, Owain ap Gruffudd ap LLywelyn Fawr

His father killed escaping from the Tower

His brother Llywelyn lured by Mortimer promises

Trapped, betrayed and beheaded

His surrendered army of 3000

Slaughtered to a man

English losses from the massacre at Aberedw?

Not one man…

And LLywelyn’s brother Dafydd?

Dragged through the streets of Shrewsbury -

Edward I gloriously invented this four-fold death

The first time in history the world witnessed

Hanging, drawing, quartering and displaying the remnants

North, South, East and West

At York, Winchester, Northampton and Bristol…

His head went alongside his brother’s at the Tower

Where their father had died

And the House of Gwynedd was systematically exterminated

Men, women and all the children,

All except Rhodri

Owain III, Owain ap Thomas ap Rhodri, Owain Llawgoch, Yvain de Galles

Our son of prophecy, our Mab Darogan

The flower of French chivalry, the greatest of warlords

Feared from Switzerland to Spain…

Unarmed, assassinated from behind, at Mortagne-sur-Mer

On the direct orders of John of Gaunt, the son of Edward III

The single survivor of the House of Gwynedd

He had to die

Witness the terrible extinction

Of the line of Cunedda

After a millennium of glory

Owain IV, Lord of Deeside and Sycharth, Owain ap Gruffudd Fychan ap Gruffudd, Another son of prophecy - Glyndwr!

A loyal, cultured gentle man

Forced by Grey’s lies to face the pretender Henry IV,

The traitorous Bolingbroke, the son of John of Gaunt

In 1400 Glyndwr took his lion rampant of Powys

And displaced the four passant lions of Gwynedd

And on Dydd Glyndwr, September 16^th 1400

He raised our new Royal Standard

Four rampant lions, gold and scarlet

No longer supine

And in the 4^th year of 1400

The Iron Ring was broken

The mighty bastions of Aberystwyth, Harlech, Cricieth, and Beaumaris fell

And in the South - Caerffili, Cardiff and all the castles of the Bro were taken;

The Bishops of Bangor and Saint Asaf joined the Liberation Army

Shropshire, Hereford and Cheshire bent their heads

Ambassadors went to the court of Charles VI of France

Our first Parliament at Machynlleth had ambassadors from Castile, Scotland and France

The Treaty of Alliance was ratified with France

And Owain’s Great Seal was struck

Showing his orb, sceptre, sword and crown

His four-pointed gold crown represents Cymru

It shines with the symbols that support our language

What does it sing?

It rings the four oldest bishoprics in the Isles of the Britons

Bangor of the Ordovices and the House of Gwynedd

Saint Asaf of the Deceangli and the House of Powys

Llanddewi of the Demetae and the House of Deheubarth

Llandaf of the Silures and the House of Glywyssing

Our crown sings the four quarters of the body of Wales

Four tribes Four cathedrals Four princedoms Four lions

It completes our quartet of symbols

Cleddyf, Tarian, Dagr a Choron

Sword, Shield, Dagger and Crown

The unity of four princedoms

Under one king

Anointed with this crown on Dydd y Senedd

Midsummer Day, 1404

And a force has at last broken through four seasons

To now return to spring

Our symbols of Glyndwr’s sword

And his golden crown

Return us foresight

And force

And recognition

Of our nation -

Cymru am Byth!

Coron Glyndŵr is home at Cefn Caer and will remain there until the Mab Darogan returns to claim it.

Format for Juratus Oweyn Ceremony 21 Mehefin 2007

2008-05-21T14:31:00.001Z

The Ceremony will begin with invited guests, representitives and participants being shown to their seats & positions on Parliament Green. Members of the general public will form an audience as they arrive.
Ceremony Convenor Glyn Rowlands will then request Parti Embassy Glyndŵr (in mediaval clothes) to come forward and present Coron Glyndŵr, this Parti Embassy Glyndŵr will consist of Siân Ifan, Glyndŵr Ambassadoress, Gethin ap Gruffydd Brudwr, Terry Breverton, Meistr o Brut, Rhys Parri Bardd Glyndŵr. Macfywiaid Glyndŵr and Morwynion Glyndŵr. Parti Embassy Glyndŵr will proceed to ceremonial area where the Convenor will make a Welcome address and then introduce each speaker in turn as follows:
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Siân Ifan of Embassy Glyndŵr.
Mr Bob Dunn, the Mayor of Machynlleth.
Clr Gaynor Price or Mr J Parsons Machynlleth Town Council.
The Mayor of Dolgellau Council, Cllr Eirlys Price.
A Representitive of Canolfan Owain Glyndŵr.
A Representitive of Corwen.
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At the end of the speeches, the convenor will invite the Brudwr Gethin ap Gruffydd forward to read extracts from Harri Webb's poem 'By a Mountain Pool'.
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At the end of the reading, the Brudwr will open a chest to reveal Coron Glyndŵr, he will hand it to the Ambassadoress who will rise it to the four points of the Compass as representing Gwynedd, Powys, Dehuebarth and Glywysing. She will then place Coron Glyndŵr on a podium and read the Cyfamod Ceidwad Coron Glyndŵr. She will then call upon Elfyn Rolands to step forward to sign the said Cyfamod. Y Brudwr will then take up Coron Glyndŵr and hand it to Elfyn Rowlands henceforth Ceidwad Coron Glyndŵr.
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Meistr o Brut will then read poem of dedication to Coron Glyndŵr.
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Cor Ysgol Bro Ddyfi will sing to the accompianment of a Harp.
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The convenor will ask if there are any Pleidwyr Glyndŵr present.
Pleidwyr Glyndwr will step forward and Embassy Glyndŵr Abassadoress will present 'Baneri Glyndŵr' to local 'Pleidwyr Glyndŵr', requesting they take the Baneri to Graig Coroni Owain IV on Penrallt, and from 'Golygfa Glyndŵr' proclaim to Wales and the world that 'Coron Glyndŵr' has been restored to the Gwlad Glyndŵr of Machynlleth and Ardal Bro Ddyfi.
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Whilst Pleidwyr Glyndŵr sprint up to Craig Coroni Glyndŵr to make the proclamation, Brudwr Gethin will address the audience regards the future importance of this ceremony as an annual event. At the end of this talk, the Archer will blow the 'Corn Gwlad' and the Pleidwyr Glyndwr will appear on Golygfa Coroni Glyndŵr, waving the Baneri Glyndŵr whilst they make their proclamation. They will be applauded and cheered.
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The Convenor and Master of ceremonies will conclude the ceremony on Parliament Green with announcements re other events to follow:
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Ceremony will end with the National Anthem.
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Note: The Owain Glyndŵr History Centre at Machynlleth will be open from 10am onwards. Entry fee is £1.50p for adults, children go free. Extremely reasonable in this day and age so, a good opportunity to visit the Centre and have some lunch in Machynlleth prior to the ceremony at 2pm.

21 Mehefin 2007 Coron Glyndŵr Ceremony.

2008-05-20T12:26:00.000Z

Coron Glyndŵr Ceremony 21 June 2007 'Dydd y Senedd' at...
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Parliament Green, Machynlleth and Cefn Caer, Pennal.
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Historical Note: You will of course be aware that it was at ''Senedd Glyndŵr'' on 21 June 1404 that Owain Glyndŵr was crowned Owain IV 'Tywysog Cymru'. You may also be aware that on 21 Mehefin 2004, Embassy Glyndŵr organised a major commemoration of these historic events of 1404 which had taken place in Machynlleth. In 2004. We further marked the anniversary by presenting to Pobl Machynlleth - Bro Dyfi, a specially commissioned gift in the form of'Cleddyf y Genedl' - Sword of the Nation - Symbol of Justice. This special sword was hand made in the traditional way by master craftsman Jason Gardinar and was presented, at an official civic ceremony to the keeping of Machynlleth Town Council on behalf of the Welsh Nation and people. The sword in question was designed and made to be similar to the sword presented to Owain Glyndŵr by the French Ambassodor at Owain Glyndŵr's coronation and is part of our objective to restore to the nation and its people the 'Honours of Wales'. 'Cleddyf y Genedl' is currently displayed at MOMA in Machynlleth and will, eventually, be homed at 'Canolfan Senedd-Dŷ Glyndŵr' once this establishment's re-development as a major new Owain Glyndŵr History Interpretation Centre has been completed.
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As the second stage of this objective to restore the 'Honours of Wales', we are now ready to present 'Coron Glyndŵr' to the nation and people. This will be done at an official ceremony which is to take place on Parliament Green, Canolfan Owain Glyndŵr, Machynlleth at 2pm on the 21 Mehefin 2007. The purpose of the ceremony is to present 'Coron Glyndŵr' to it's future ''Custodian', Elfyn Rowlands of Cefn Caer , a 14th century medieval house, situated in the village of Pennal. We consider Cefn Caer to be the most appropriate place to home Coron Glyndŵr as this wonderful medieval house is, reputedly, where Owain Glyndŵr stayed at the time of his coronation in June 1404 and where he reputedly, with his advisors, completed the drafting of the Pennal letter later in 1406.
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'Coron Glyndŵr' will be taken by its Custodian to Cefn Caer following the aforementioned ceremony and it is agreed that Cefn Caer will be the home of this crown for as long as the house stands – and may that be for ever! It is then agreed that it will be the Custodian's duty to bring the crown annually to be ''publically revealed'' upon Parliament Green at a small ceremony. In time, we would like to see this ceremony become the chief ceremony of an annual 'PRIF GŴYL FAWR TEYRNAS OWAIN GLYNDŴR' organised by the Machynlleth community.
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'Coron Glyndŵr' will be on exhibit at Cefn Caer throughout the year and can be viewed by prior arrangement with its 'Custodian' at the same time as arrangement to visit and view this most historic of houses is made.
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21 Mehefin – Dydd y Senedd 2007.
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The Ceremony to hand over 'Coron Glyndŵr' to Cefn Gaer will be a public ceremony and one and all are invited to join us on the motorcade field trip to 'Mynydd Hyddgen for a historical talk after the aforementioned ceremony. The day will end with a banquet at Cefn Caer but unfortunately, there will only be enough room for 30 to participate in this banquet and places will be allocated on a “first come first served basis”.

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Programme for the day is as follows:
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* 2pm: Ceremony on Parliament Green

* 3pm - 5pm: Motorcade Field Trip to Mynydd Hyddgen where Embassy Glyndŵr Information Attache Gethin ap Gruffydd will give a talk, at the battle memorial, on the battle and Glyndŵr's major victory there in 1401.
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* 5:30 – 7:30: At Cefn Caer .
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* 5.30 – 6.30pm Tour of Cefn Caer and a historical talk of the House with Elfyn Rowlands.
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* 6.30 – 7.30pm: Viewing of Owain Glyndŵr Exhibition. Chance to buy Owain Glyndŵr souveniers from the Embassy Glyndŵr stall and a talk on Antur Owain Glyndŵr Initiatives given by Gethin ap Gruffydd in the Orchard.
The Banquet (Medieval Dress Optional)
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Menu for Banquet:
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7.30pm: Mead in the hall ( and an opportunity to view 'Coron Glyndŵr closely in its new home whilst circulating)
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8pm: Sitting down for the banquet
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Leek Soup
Salmon dressed with Salad
Ham and Apple Sauce
Welsh Lamb & Mint Sauce and an assortment of garden vegetables
New Potatoes, carrots and Rosemary
Roast Onions and Leeks
Blackberry and Apple pie and Ice Cream
Fruit & nuts
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Inclusive, a choice of red or white wine throughout the evening.
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Entertainment to be provided by a harpist and a 'baledwr' (ballad Singer) and poems associated with Owain Glyndŵr and the Coron Glyndŵr will be read by their authors, Terry Breverton and Rhys Parry and others.
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Cost of Banquet £40 to be paid in advance to Elfyn Rowlands. Cefn Caer, Pennal, Machynlleth, Powys. SY20 9JX. Tel: 01654 791230.
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As earlier stated, only 30 people can be seated at this banquet so, if you would really like to take advantage of this opportunity to dine, in a medieval atmosphere, in the same space that Prince Owain Glyndŵr would have dined at 600 years ago and on such a historically important occasion as on the day that 'Coron Glyndŵr' was homed in the safe keeping of Cefn Caer, you will need to book immediately to avoid dissapointment. We do understand that some of you may need to travel far and stay overnight and we do have telephone numbers available for caravan and camping facilities and B&B's should anyone need them.
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Please inform us asap if you intend to be present at:
1: Parliament Green Ceremony.
2: Motorcade trip to Hyddgen.
3: Banquet at Cefn Caer .
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Hope to see you on 21 Mehefin.
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Siân Ifan

The Annual Juratus Oweyn Ceremony Explained.

2008-05-19T16:00:00.000Z

To mark the 600th Anniversary of the establishment of Senedd Glyndŵr and the Coronation which took place at Machynlleth at the time of 'Troad y Rhod' on 21 Mehefin 1404 - Midsummer, Embassy Glyndŵr, organised a gathering atop Penyrallt, the hill that overlooks Machynlleth, to welcome the dawn of the longest day of the year in 2004 . Later we gathered at a rock, that ''prophetically'' bore the slogan 'Cymru Rydd' and, by means of a ceremony, designated that rock to be henceforth called 'CRAIG CORONI OWAIN IV' as a natural memorial testifying to the events which took place in Machynlleth on 21 June 1404.
NB: We have suggested that the above slogan may be covered up with a rock mural depicting 'Coron Glyndŵr' or, even, depicting the Coronation of 21 Mehefin 1404. A project worthy of a grant that would enable local schools to organise a competition for youth to be involved in both the design and painting of such a mural. Wouldn't it be wonderful if this could be done by 21 Mehefin 2008? See more detail below regards the memorialising of Owain Glyndŵr in Machynleth.

Also, at the afore mentioned ceremony, we proclaimed and designated that day hence to be known as 'Dydd y Senedd' or, as some prefer to call it, 'Dydd Coroni Glyndŵr'. Since that day, Embassy Staff have, annually on 21 Mehefin, held a ceremony there to reaffirm the above by recognition and observance. The same will be done in this year of 2007 and thereafter though, we hope this year, to hand over the responsibility for the organising of this ceremony to welcome the dawn of 'Dydd y Senedd/Dydd Coroni Glyndŵr' to local Pobl Glyndŵr this being the ''Exoteric'' ceremony - but there is also to be an ''esoteric'' welcome of the dawn of 'Troad y Rhod' by Arianrhod, for this is the day upon which 'Ogof Glyndwr' - The Cave of Heroes reveals itself and opens so that Owain Glyndŵr and his host may ride forth in a grand 'Cylch Brenhinol' around Tiroedd Glyndŵr thence to be crowned again ''time after time'', as the past, present and future Prince of Wales. We invite you to visit 'OGOF GLYNDŴR' http://ogofglyndwr.blogspot.com

Opposite 'Graig Coroni Owain IV', there is a rocky ledge overlooking the town, we gave this the name of 'Golygfa Glyndŵr'. Not only does this present a wonderful view of Machynlleth and the surrounding area but also looks straight down upon Canolfan Senedd Dŷ Owain Glyndŵr and Parliament Green, where we also but later on the same date, annually carry out our 'Juratus Oweyn' oath taking/reaffirmation ceremony.

The Oath of 'Juratus Oweyn' Explained.
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‘Hanes Glyndŵr’: It was by the latin term of ‘Juratus Oweyn’ (sworn to Owain) that Prince Owain’s supporters came to be known. Following on the hard winter of 1407 - 8, Welsh resolve began to crack under relentless English military pressure. Slowly but surely, more and more communities began to surrender and the price of doing so was usually ‘community fines’. Also, whole communities were made to suffer the further indignity of being gathered in an open space, made to go down on a bended knee and then renounce their oath ‘Juratus Oweyn’ to Prince Owain and instead make a new oath to an English King - their conqueror. On one such occasion at Bala, 600 men were forced to do this homage to an English king; the alternative was imprisonment or/and execution. Many escaped rather than take the new oath and took to the woods as ‘outlaw rebels’ or, as they came to be known, the ‘Gwerin Owain’. The stuff of legend! So note, when you gather at Machynlleth on 21 Mehefin (or any time as may be opportune) do make a special visit to Parliament Green to make or reaffirm your oath of ….'Juratus Oweyn'.

The Oath rejecting 'Juratus Oweyn' (oath of loyalty to Owain Glyndŵr) was forced upon Welsh communities, as the War of Liberation collapsed, in the following way. Whole communities were assembled in open spaces at a Judicial session presided over by English crown officials; there, those assembled had to get down on their knees and take a corporal oath, on holy scripture, that they and their heirs would henceforth be loyal lieges of the king of England and his heirs and would never again rise in rebellion. They further were made to concede that they merited death for their rebellion. The records refer to those so assembled as having ''given praise to god on their bended knees for giving them such a merciful king'' (Henry V). For such acts of contrition (humiliation), they were duly pardoned and on payment of a collective fine of £100 were allowed to recover their lands held in forfeit.

NB: Picture below is of Canolfan Senedd Dŷ Glyndŵr, Machynlleth - who are at present seeking a Lottery Heritage Grant which will allow for great expansion as a major Hanes Glyndŵr Interpretation Centre. This might take some years to actually happen - and now, with Celtica shut down, Machynlleth is in great need of a bigger and better Canolfan Glyndŵr. At the same time, a great Owain Glyndŵr festival is much needed for the town to be able to capitalise to the full on its rich Owain Glyndŵr history. That's where you are needed!

With your help, we would like to advance our initiative of an annual Prifwyl Mawr Cenedl Glyndŵr, and this work will seriously begin to advance the development of such a national patriotic festival for midsummer with our 'Juratus Oweyn' ceremony of 21 Mehefin 2007 at which 'Coron Glyndŵr' will be revealed and restored for safe keeping at Cefn Caer, Pennal near Machynlleth. Details below:

In the year of Cofia 1404 - Year of Independence or Blwyddyn Coffâd Coroni Tywysog Owain IV '/Juratus Oweyn 2004’, Embassy Glyndŵr organised a great Gwyl Penwythnos Cenedl Glyndŵr, a three day festival over the days of 18-21 Mehefin at Machynlleth - Prif Ddinas Owain IV 2004 and on the 21 Mehefin, we inaugurated the first 'Welcome of the Dawn' ceremony; and later, at Parliament Green, on the third day of the festival, Sunday 20 Mehefin at 4:00 PM - immediately following the presentation of the 'Cleddyf y Genedl ceremony (3-4pm) we held our own 'Cenedl Glyndŵr/Juratus Oweyn ceremony at which Pobl Glyndŵr were requested to redeem the humiliation of our ancestors as recorded above. Pobl Glyndŵr present at this ceremony revoked any oaths given to foreign kings forced on our people and reaffirmed their oath of 'Juratus Oweyn' as a pledge to continue the struggle towards the restoration of Cenedl Glyndŵr and the re-establishment of Senedd Glyndŵr.

This year, the ceremony that was conducted by 'Cyhoeddwr Glyndŵr' on Parliament Green in 2004 is to be enhanced and enlarged on with the presentation of 'Coron Glyndŵr' to the Nation. Henceforth, 'Coron Glyndŵr' will be brought from it's place of safe keeping at Cefn Caer, annually, by it's Custodian Elfyn Rowlands, to be centrally used as part of the 'Juratus Oweyn Ceremony'. Such immediately gives the 'Juratus Oweyn Ceremony' greater signifigance and it is hoped that in future times, this ceremony will launch Prifwyl Mawr Cenedl Glyndŵr.

Juratus Oweyn & Coron Glyndŵr Ceremony 2007

The Ceremony will begin at 2:00pm with invited guests, representitives and participants being shown to their seats and positions on Parliament Green. Members of the general public will form an audience as they arrive.

Ceremony Convenor Glyn Rowlands will then request Parti Embassy Glyndŵr (in mediaval clothes) to come forward and present Coron Glyndŵr, this Parti Embassy Glyndŵr will consist of Siân Ifan, (Glyndŵr Ambassadoress) Gethin ap Gruffydd (Brudwr) Terry Breverton (Meistr o Brut) Rhys Parri (Bardd Glyndŵr) Bob Keen (Glyndŵr Archer) Macfywiaid Glyndŵr and Morwynion Glyndŵr.

Parti Embassy Glyndŵr will proceed to ceremonial area where the Convenor will make a Welcome address and then, in turn, introduce the following speakers:

Sian Ifan of Embassy Glyndŵr

Mr B Dunn,The Mayor of Machynlleth

Cllr Gaynor Pugh or Mr J Parsons, the Clerk of Machynlleth Town Council

Cllr Eirlys Price, the Mayor of Dolgellau Council

A representitive of Canolfan Senedd-Dŷ Owain Glyndŵr

A Representitive from Corwen.

At the end of the speeches, the convenor will invite the Brudwr Gethin ap Gruffydd forward to read extracts from Harri Webb's poem 'By a Mountain Pool'.

At the end of the reading, the Brudwr will open a chest to reveal Coron Glyndŵr, he will hand it to the Ambassadoress who will rise it to the four points of the Compass as representing Gwynedd, Powys, Dehuebarth and Glywysing. She will then place Coron Glyndŵr on a podium and read the Cyfamod Ceidwad Coron Glyndŵr. She will then call upon Elfyn Rowlands to step forward to sign the said Cyfamod. Y Brudwr will then take up Coron Glyndŵr and hand it to Elfyn Rowlands henceforth Ceidwad Coron Glyndŵr.

Meistr o Brut will then read poem of dedication to Coron Glyndŵr.

Embassy Glyndŵr Abassadoress will present 'Baneri Glyndŵr' to local 'Pleidwyr Glyndŵr', requesting they take the Baneri to Graig Coroni Owain IV on Penrallt, and from 'Golygfa Glyndŵr' proclaim to Wales and the world that 'Coron Glyndŵr' has been restored to the Gwlad Glyndŵr of Machynlleth and Ardal Bro Ddyfi. Whilst Pleidwyr Glyndŵr sprint up to Craig Coroni Glyndŵr to make the proclamation, Brudwr Gethin will address the audience regards the future importance of this ceremony as an annual event. At the end of this talk, the Archer will blow the 'Corn Gwlad' and the Pleidwyr Glyndŵr will appear on Golygfa Coroni Glyndŵr, waving the Baneri Glyndŵr whilst they make their proclamation. They will be applauded and cheered.

The Convenor and Master of ceremonies will conclude the ceremony on Parliament Green with a reminder of other events that will take place during the day. The ceremony will end with the National Anthem.

In advancing the organising details above, I am mindful of 'Tynwald Day' on the Isle of Man which, of course, celebrates the founding of their Parliament over a 1000 years ago by the Vikings. The Basques have a similar ceremony associated with the 'Tree of Gurnika'. These important national events in both countries are huge well attended events, attended by 100's, if not 1000's of people as well as local, regional and national dignatories and foreign representatives. 'Dydd y Senedd' will equal those days held by the Manx and Basques to celebrate their Parliaments? We have limited our invitations this year to Mayors and Representitives of the three main towns associated with Glyndŵr, those being Machynlleth, of course, Corwen and Dolgellau but we hope that a good number of Pobl Glyndŵr will be present which will be a great kick off to what we hope will, in time, become a great and signifigant ceremony fully organised by the council as a Civic Ceremony with our gifts of Cleddyf y Genedl and Coron Glyndŵr central to the occasion. So, lets show what's possible this year in order to inspire for the years to come. Do attend and encourage others to attend, get really into the spirit of things and ''Go Medieval' by dressing up in Medieval costume. If wishing to participate or requiring more information contact Siân Ifan at llysgenhadaeth@ntlworld.com

Myself planting 'Glyndŵr Oaks' in Ardal Machynlleth' at time of Coffâd 1404 - 2004, this is one way of commmorating Owain Glyndwr. Plant a Glyndwr memorial Oak, in time we will have a 'Coed Glyndwr' streching accross the land. These oak saplings, were actually cultivated from acorns gathered at Llys Glyndydrfwy in Mis Medi and then nurtered by one of our pobl Glyndwr with great care untill ready to be planted. If your interested in such matters, I am sure Coed Cymru may be of assistance. PS:See other postings in Cenedl Glyndŵr on the subject of an 'Artistic Appreciation' of Coron Glyndŵr and, also, on our Sculpture Garden and Trail Initiative. Further note, if wishing to participate in medieval costume at above ceremony or any of our planned Medieval Living History Theatre events and activities, please see Postings 'Theatre Glyndwr' and 'Teyrnas Glyndŵr'.
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G.Gruffydd.

Coron Glyndŵr to be Restored?

2008-05-18T08:52:00.001Z

History records that Owain Glyndŵr, was crowned Owain IV 'Tywysog Cymru' on 21 June 1404, Mid - Summer's day, the longest day of the year.......

........ a day in folklore known as the most magical of days, for it is the time of 'Troad y Rhod', and it is said in ancient tales that on this day annually, the 'Cave of Heroes' opens and out rides Owain Glyndŵr with a host of Knights and followers, and for the full 24 hours of 'Troad Y Rhod' he rides around his Kingdom 'Teyrnas Glyndŵr' in a magical 'Cylch Brenhinol'.

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...........................On this day, it is said that 'Arianrhod', at the dawn of the day of 'Troad y Rhod', awaits with Coron Glyndŵr at the place upon the hill of Penrallt,. now known as 'Craig Coroni Owain Glyndŵr',

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...................................and when the dawn light breaks across the horizon she steps forward and stands on 'Graig Golygfa Glyndŵr' and holds out, that which was thought to have been lost, 'Coron Glyndŵr'.

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.......................... had 'Coron Glyndŵr' been lost? had it slipped from care and fallen by the wayside, or perhaps it had fallen into the poets cold watery pool,
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.....or perhaps it had been placed in a place of safety, deep in the 'Gwerin Owain' Outlaws woods where the red stags run free'?.
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Or, had it with Prince Owain, been placed in the 'Cave of Heroes', shining bright in the darkness whilst the warriors slept?
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....Will we ever know the truth? perhaps not, but there are other truths, and they are best believed by those who have faith in knowing that anything is possible - even the restoration of 'Coron Glyndŵr' - ''Crown of Heroes'' - Symbol of our Nation's Sovereignty. That belief is about matters which Embassy Glyndŵr is most concerned with thus, we are not amongst those who proclaim that Owain Glyndŵr is dead! No! he is our 'Mab Darogan' and he will ever, in our hearts and minds, return to us annually in his 'Cylch Brenhinol' at the time of 'Troad y Rhod. However, he will not stay but will return to the ''Cave of Heroes'' until such time that many more Pobl Glyndŵr stand with us, at 'Graig Coroni Owain Glyndŵr', atop Penrallt, to welcome the dawn of 'Troad y Rhod' and, throughout that day, rise up 'Baneri Glyndŵr' as a signal to Wales and the World, that we are a risen people - ready to, once more, follow our Prince in struggle for our homeland's liberty, freedom and restored Cymric Sovereignty.
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Picture above, shows Baner y Ddraig Aur - Owain Glyndŵr's Battle Flag, Baner Glyndŵr - Four Lions Rampant - Baner Cenedl Glyndŵr and the senior flag of Wales at 'Golygfa Glyndŵr' close to 'Craig Coroni Owain Glyndŵr' atop Penrallt; . These are the symbolic representations of the National Treasures of our 'Cenedl Glyndŵr, chief amonst these treasures shown is 'Cleddyf y Genedl' - Sword of the Nation' - Symbol of Justice. Soon, very soon, alongside will be 'Coron Glyndŵr', our symbolic representation of our homeland and peoples national soveriegnty..
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....are you to be, one of those Pobl Glyndŵr, a believer? who will stand with us, annually, atop Penrallt in ceremonies at 'Craig Coroni Glyndŵr' and on 'Graig Golygfa Glyndŵr? then later, at Parliament Green,? to swear oath of 'Juratus Oweyn' to ever carry out 'Gwaith Glyndŵr' and, in 'Achos Glyndŵr' arise to serve the great patriotic struggle to re-establish 'Cenedl Glyndŵr' and restore Senedd Glyndŵr in Prif Ddinas Owain IV - Machynlleth? If so, be with us time after time, after time, in the time of 'Troad y Rhod' on and about 21 Mehefin - 'Dydd y Coroni Owain IV'.
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History, does not record what happened to that Crown of Owain Glyndŵr, it is one of the greatest of mysteries that brings with it tragic consequence, for it's loss has left us without any symbol of our nation's most ancient Cymric sovereignty. Upon our nation's conquest in 1282-3, Edward, King of England, stole away the ''Honours of Wales'' and had much of them melted down, their precious metals used to raise money for a King bankrupted by his ''Welsh Wars''. Other Cymric Royal Treasures were given out as rewards to those who had assisted him in his ''Welsh Wars'' but, what of the so called ''Crown of Arthur?'' evidence suggests there was no such object but it was neccessary for Edward to say that it had been seized by him from amongst the Royal Treasures of Gwynedd. In reality, all we know for sure is that he was handed the ''Royal Diadem of the Princes of Gwynedd'', not the ''Crown of Arthur'' and not the ''Crown of Wales''. The truths concerning this matter are explored in an article to be posted in this blog in due course; suffice to say here that there was only one ever true 'Crown of Wales' and that was the Crown placed on Owain Glyndŵr's head on the 21 Mehefin 1404 on what we now call Parliament Green in Machynlleth. It is this 'Coron Glyndŵr' that is the true crown of Wales and symbol of our Nation's Soveriegnty. It is this 'Coron Glyndŵr', with his 'Sword of State' and 'Rod of Government', which is depicted on his great seal. All these important historic artifacts associated with Owain Glyndŵr have been lost to the nation of the Cymru and as consequence, we have lost our will to be a sovereign people - as now the Scots desire to be. Perhaps, they are more a risen people because their ''Royal Honours'' were restored to them amd may be seen by Scottish people today in the museum of Edinburgh Castle? As for our true 'Honours of Wales', described above, they have been lost to the nation forever. Instead, we have been fobbed off with a pretender collection of so called ''Honours of Wales'' made for the 1969 Investiture in Caernarfon for the pretender English prince of Wales. Yes! They stole, destroyed and lost the national royal treasures of Wales, and the pretender now uses the Lions of Llywelyn, bearing an English Crown. Then, they had the gall to affront us with ''English Investiture Baubles''. No self respecting Cymro could ever percieve to accept these as the true honours of Wales, but, our own true national treasures are lost to the nation thus, it is with this fact in mind that Embassy Glyndŵr, has set forth to restore not these true National Treasures, for they are lost forever, but rather, 'symbols of these National Treasures'.

On 21 Mehefin - Dydd y Senedd 2004, to mark the 600th Anniversary of the Coronation of Owain Glyndŵr, we presented 'Cleddyf y Genedl' to the people of Cymru and this new national treasure is now under the protection of the people of Machynlleth and Bro Ddyfi with Machynlleth Council as the ''Custodian Guardians' of this Sword of the Nation.

On 21 Mehefin - Dydd y Senedd this year, Embassy Glyndŵr will present to the people of Cymru, our symbolic representation of 'Coron Glyndŵr', this with due ceremony shall be placed into the hands of a Custodian Guardian, who will provide the opportunity for people to have viewing access of 'Coron Glyndŵr' and whom will, once a year, bring the crown to Parliament Green to be publically revealed before the nation in an annual ceremony to mark the anniversary of the establishment of 'Senedd Glyndŵr' and the coronation of Owain IV as Tywysog Cymru.

In time, we hope this small ceremony will become a great annual National Patriotic Festival, Prif Gŵyl Teyrnas Owain IV, if you want to help us, contact us at llysgenhadaeth@ntlworld.com
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Pic: One of six oak trees planted in Machynlleth, from acorns gathered at Llys Glyndyfrdwy, Corwen on 16 Medi 2003, planted to mark the 600th anniversary of 21 Mehefin 1404. Need we have to say it, but we will: From small acorns... great oak trees will grow''.

Cefn Caer, Pennal...The best kept secret in Cymru - until now

2008-05-16T12:32:00.000Z

Cefn Caer is a Grade 2** listed building and a pre fifteenth century medieval Hall House. It is situated in Pennal, near Machynlleth and has been built on the remnants of a first century Roman fort. This hall house was an important centre of bardic patronage and was used by Owain Glyndŵr as a base and a home whilst he was setting up his Parliament at Machynlleth and, do doubt, whilst preparations were being made for his coronation in that town.

The history books also record that he was staying at Cefn Caer when the famous Pennal Letter was drawn up and having visited the house now on a number of occasions, one can imagine Owain sitting at the head of a long table, accompanied by his court advisors such as the likes of Bishop John Trevor and Gruffydd Younge as they debated what should be included in this important document which was to be hand delivered at speed to the French King Charles Vl and the Avignone Pope Benedict XIII. If only the Dias Partitions could talk!

Cefn Caer was quite obviously important to Owain Glyndŵr and it was, most likely, where he would have returned with his crown following his coronation, therefore, it is most appropriate that 'Coron Glyndŵr' be homed at Cefn Caer - and that is exactly what will happen, following a 'Presentation Ceremony' which is to take place at Parliament Green, Machynlleth on 'Dydd y Senedd -the 21 June, 2007. (Further details in future postings)

Our Coron Glyndŵr is a "life size" gold plated silver crown; freely interpretive as might have been made for the Coronation of Prince Owain IV on 21 June 1404. Replica bolts circle the crown to indicate the fact that medieval crowns were bolted to helmets in time of war. The crown has been wonderfully created by the late Master Silversmith and Jeweller A. H. Lewis well renowned for the making of over 30 Eisteddfod Crowns, two of those being for the National Eisteddfod.

Coron Glyndŵr is the second stage of our objective to restore the 'Honours of Wales' to the nation and its people (the first part being Cleddyf y Genedl which was presented to the town of Machynlleth in 2004) and as aforementioned, the crown will be presented at an official ceremony which is to take place on Parliament Green, Canolfan Owain Glyndŵr, Machynlleth at 2pm on the 21 Mehefin 2007. The purpose of this ceremony will be to present 'Coron Glyndŵr' to it's future ''Custodian', Elfyn Rowlands, the present owner occupier of Cefn Caer and an enthusiastic Owain Glyndŵr supporter. 'Coron Glyndŵr' will be taken by its Custodian to Cefn Caer following the aforementioned ceremony and it is agreed that Cefn Caer will be the home of this crown for as long as the house stands – and may that be for ever! It is then agreed that it will be the Custodian's duty to bring the crown annually on 21 Mehefin to be ''publicly revealed'' upon Parliament Green at a small ceremony. In time, we would like to see this ceremony become the chief ceremony of an annual 'PRIF GŴYL FAWR TEYRNAS OWAIN GLYNDŴR' organised by the Machynlleth community. 'Coron Glyndŵr' will be on exhibit at Cefn Caer throughout the year and can be viewed by prior arrangement with its 'Custodian' at the same time as arrangement is made to visit and view this most historic of houses.

HOW TO GET TO CEFN CAER: Take the A493 road from Machynlleth to Tywyn. Drive for 5 miles until you reach the village of Pennal. Once in Pennal, take the first lane on the left. This lane is a bit hidden by the corner of a house so you need to be careful you don't miss it. Once in the lane, you will see Cefn Caer sitting on the hill. Cefn Caer always flies the Glyndŵr Four Lions Rampant flag.

Embassy Glyndŵr has donated it's exhibtion to Cefn Caer, so that it has a permanant home and also so that it can be set up for permanant viewing. We have also donated a number of flags which will help towards creating attractive heraldic displays. Also at Cefn Caer is a replica of 'Cleddyf y Genedl.

* Sian Ifan of Embsassy Glyndŵr presents Exhibition to Elfyn.

There is to be a Medieval Banquet at Cefn Caer during the evening of 21 Mehefin 2007 and diners will be entertained by a harpist, a ballad singer and readings of poems associated with Owain Glyndŵr and the Crown of Heroes 'Coron Glyndŵr.

Prior to this banquet, there will also be an opportunity to view the Glyndŵr Exhibition and Elfyn Rowlands will give a guided tour of the house.

The all inclusive price for the banquet and guided tour is £40.

If interested in attending and wish a copy of the banquet programme and menu, contact Elfyn at Cefn Caer, Pennal, Machynlleth, Powys SY20 9JX. Tel: 01654 791230. E-mail elfynrowlands@cefncaer.co.uk

STAMPIAU POST CENEDL GLYNDWR.

2008-05-10T17:38:00.000Z

As can be seen from the stamp on the left, Owain Glyndŵr postage stamps have been issued in the past but, despite requests for such by Embassy Glyndŵr and many others, the Post Office, up to now, have dug their heels in regards the issuing of stamps to commemorate important historical dates and events associated with our Prince Owain IV. It had been left to Gwasg Y Lolfa to produce stamps to commemorate the 600th anniversary of Prince Owain's Great War of Independence;see below. These stamps are sold in sheets of 24 at £2 a sheet and can be obtained from Gwasg Y Lolfa, www.ylolfa.com

However, the Post Office has, at last, managed to recognise the historical event of Glyndŵr's War of National Liberation as part of it's new stamp series on Six English Kings. For further info see below and click in to this link: http://www.norvic-philatelics.co.uk/2008/02b-kings_and_queens.htm

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The stamps are to be launched on February 28th and Canolfan Owain Glyndŵr at Machynlleth are to have a special pre season opening of their exhibition on the day as a means of welcoming the issuing of the stamp. Cleddyf y Genedl (Sword of the Nation) will be on display at the Canolfan so, for those who have not seen the sword yet, here is an opportunity to view the Canolfan's exhibition and the sword at the same time.Remember that Canolfan Senedd-Dŷ Glyndŵr are in the process of applying for funding to upgrade the building and the exhibition and they need all the support that they can get. So, if you can, go and express your support on the 28th, discuss the development plans with the Canolfan's officers, I'm sure they will give you all a warm welcome.

If you fail to visit Canolfan Senedd-Dŷ Glyndŵr on the 28th, I understand that it will be open every day for six months and possibly longer over the spring and summer months. And, whilst you're in the area, don't forget to visit Cefn Caer in Pennal to view this important medieval hall house and, of course, 'Coron Glyndŵr' (Glyndŵr's Crown) The Custodian of 'Coron Glyndŵr', Elfyn Rowlands will give you an enthusiastic welcome and a tour of the house but, you will need to arrange beforehand with Elfyn. His telephone number is 01654 791230.

What of the future regards Welsh stamps? We can continue to pressure the G.P.O. as individuals and by supporting the campaign of Dafydd Guto who is not only seeking to see more Welsh Stamps published but also that they are produced in Cymru. Embassy Glyndŵr certainly supports this campaign but we would prefer that all such Welsh Stamps included on them, an image of the head of Owain Glyndŵr. At present, British Stamps use the English Queen's head. See below eight images of Glyndŵr's Head/Face, which would you prefer to see used as proposed above. The Images shown, left down to right down are as follows:.
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1: Wood cut.

2: Statue at Cardiff City Hall.

3: Statuette by GamaGigs.

4: Image of metal sculpture.

5: Wood Carving.

6: Military Model by Pegaso.

7: Painting published by Cranston Fine Arts.

8: Military Modeller Magazine.

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Other than Stamps, what about Commemorative Envelope Labels, marking Owain's birth and other events in his life such as his Coronation.
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Plus, of course, battles in which he fought such as at Bryn Glâs on 22 June 1402.
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Siân.