Caer Drewyn, Corwen
One of the best preserved Iron Age hillforts in Wales, Caer Drewyn lies just to the north of Corwen, North Wales.
The fort dates back to around 500BCE and was used as a defensive position for centuries.
In 1165, King Henry II of England gathered an army at Shrewsbury and attempted to invade Gwynedd through the Ceiriog Valley.
Against him was self-proclaimed King of Wales, Owain Gwynedd, who occupied the site at Caer Drewyn.
Owain Gwynedd united the ancient kingdoms of Gwynedd, Powys and Deheubarth to raise an army against Henry II.
With the assistance of the Welsh weather, Owain Gwynedd was able to defeat Henry forcing him into retreat. Infuriated, Henry mutilated a number of Welsh hostages, including two of Owain's sons.
Henry did not attempt another invasion of Gwynedd.
235 years later, in 1400, Baron Reginald de Grey of Ruthin attempted to steal a piece of land belonging to Welsh nobleman, Owain Glyndwr.
The English courts sided with Reginald de Grey, and following some more devious politics by de Grey leading to Glyndwr being branded a traitor by King Henry IV, he was left with no option but to fight back.
On 16th September 1400, Glyndwr gathered followers, including his eldest son, his brothers-in-law, and the Bishop of St Asaph at Caer Drewyn to begin a near decade long uprising against the rule of Henry IV.
Annibyniaeth i Gymru/Independence for Wales
I couldn't make it to the AUOB Welsh Independence march in Cardiff today (11th May 2019), so instead decided to film a short video at Caer Drewyn in Corwen, North Wales.
The Iron Age hillfort just north of the town is the location chosen by Owain Glyndwr in September 1400 to raise the standard of the Black Lion of Powys to begin his near-decade long revolt against the English crown. The site was chosen symbolically by Glyndwr. It is the same location that, 235 years earlier in 1165, Owain ap Gruffudd, united the ancient kingdoms of Gwynedd, Powys and Deheubarth to form the largest army Wales has ever assembled to defeat an invasion by King Henry II of England.
It's time for Wales to realise the dream of Glyndwr and the earlier Welsh princes of an independent nation, standing on our own two feet.
my corwen 2006
corwen steam rally in 2006 in black and white by john
Corwen Medieval Festival 2019. full contact Medieval combat.
full on medieval battle heritage combat. knights in armour
corwen medieval festival september 14 2019. Owain Glyndwr Day
corwen N,Wales coed pen-y-pigyn
if you cant get up there these days here you go,,,saved you a walk
37240 has an issue with Berwyn Tunnel 25/09/16
37240 has an issue whilst attempting to climb through Berwyn Tunnel whilst working Llangollen Railway 1000 Llangollen to Corwen East on 25/09/2016.
Despite the locomotive seeming to be under power, the train comes to a stand inside Berwyn Tunnel and rolls backwards to Berwyn.
Answers on a postcard......
Holt Castle, Wrexham, North Wales
Holt Castle, Wrexham, North Wales (1277-1311)
We trek down between the houses following a path lined with trees. The sun breaks to reveal the small ruins of Holt Castle. Also know as 'Castrum Leonis' or 'Castle Lyons'.
Situated on the Welsh/English border seperated by the the River Dee. The ruin was restored in 2015, primarily making the site safe and allowing for public access to the previously unaccessible site.
Links:
Music:
Collapse - love, by Argo Fox (
Font:
Road Rage - Youssef Habchi (
Knights Quest - GemFonts (