Was Owain ap Cadwgan a Welsh Villain or a Welsh Hero?

The annals of history are bursting with individuals whose actions and motivations are the subject of much debate: Owain ap Cadwgan is no exception. Owain was a Welsh nobleman born in the 11th century who divided opinion at the time he lived and still does today.

Owain ap Cadwgan (Owain son of Cadwgan) was born at a time when Wales was divided into various kingdoms and constantly under threat from external forces, notably the Normans and the English. Owain hailed from Powys, an important Welsh kingdom in central Wales and he came from a long line of noble warriors.

As soon as he was old enough to fight against the Normans and English, he did so and many at the time lauded his actions as a key figure striving to preserve Welsh autonomy and culture against the invaders. Owain was a skilled military leader and led bands of men in guerilla warfare against those who had ‘stolen’ Welsh lands.

Owain’s life, however, was not without controversy and he was involved in many power struggles and feuds with other Welsh rulers which led to violence and instability within Wales. Some regarded him as self-serving and detrimental to the greater good. In a major war against the Normans, when Wales had the upper hand, Owain changed sides. Whatever his intentions, some regard him as a turncoat. Some even regarded this betrayal of his fellows as making it easier for the Normans to conquer and control Wales.

Perhaps Owain’s most debated action was when he stormed the castle of a Norman lord and stole away with his Welsh-born wife, Nest. Nest had been a Welsh princess, and this was seen either as deliberately sending a message to the Normans or inflaming them to no good end. Nest was also the mistress of Henry 1, King of England.

If you are interested in Owain ap Cadwgan or the love story of Owain and Princess Nest look out for my new e-book coming at the end of October: The Welsh Warrior’s Inheritance