Byd Glyndwr & Foundation Glyndwr International.

Embassy Glyndwr was initially established in London in 1999, originally set up to act as an embassy to the world in promotion of Hanes Glyndwr, However, for a verity of reasons which we have explained elsewhere, we soon became over involved in Wales regards organisation of commemorations and other Gwaith Glyndwr. This left a much unfullfilled purpose, in so far that our work in promotion of Hanes Glyndwr throughout the world has not been given the attention we had hoped to provide. This is now about to change as we embark on a new seven year programme part of which will see us at long last give more attention to our original purpose, but we can only do this successfuly and achieve as much on the world stage has we have done in Wales with the help of the the Welsh Exile Community or has we would describe ''Pobl Glyndwr in disporia''.

It is main ambition in this direction to see established a world wide organisation of ''pobl Glyndwr in disporia'', this would be a FOUNDATION GLYNDWR INTERNATIONAL. I admit straight off, that I am inspired here by the Richard III Foundation which works throughout the world as a charitable educational organisation, with a platform of aims and objectives plus programme of events and activities world wide which is most admirable. I am thus drawing your attention to this Richard III Foundation as an example for us to follow with regards to establishment of a FOUNDATION GLYNDWR INTERNATIONAL, this is not something that cam be instantly done by Embassy Glyndwr alone based as we are in Wales. The successful establishment of such will take in, and consider the views and oppinions, ideas and proposals of ''pobl Glyndwr in disporia'', so please give such your attention and consideration and do inform us on your thoughts on these matters. Noting that we hopefully will see F.G.I. established here in Wales on occaision of our developing annual 'Dydd y Senedd' Glyndwr festival in Machynlleth/Bro Dyfi on and about 21 Mehefin 2008. Thus we have about a year to think this over and come up with proposals to suit successful advance of this world wide umbrella and platform for promotion of Hanes Glyndwr and of his Cenedl Glyndwr.

Further to above please take aboard the following matters and areas in which such a Byd Glyndwr - Foundation Glyndwr International would be involved in:

a) In the first instance we designate a specific medieval period in which we are to work, the period of 1282 to 1485 more or less, at same time we do not wish to see Byd Glyndwr just mean a narrow time span within Medieval Wales alone. We are considering that as our work will increasingly be international, so too would we broaden interests in study of the medieval world in an international context. Thus by Byd Glyndwr we also mean the world in which Glyndwr lived, the same medieval period in comparative studies of medieval history be it in Europe, the Americas or in the Southern hemisphere. This era is of course a world of dynamic change and the Wales of Glyndwr did not escape the winds of such change, and whilst time and location would contstrain our Embassy staff in wriiting of such histories abroad, it is hope that ''pobl Glyndwr in disporia'' would be able to contribute as and when possible. A further post will enlighten more on work in this are, suffice to say for now that I am working on a post personally to imitiate work in this direction, this post will look into other ''national heroes'' involved in comparative struggles in and around the times of our national hero Owain Glyndwr.

b) Central to a F.G.I would be the organisation of a bi annual gathering - Conference with symposium and workshops etc, in area of Machynlleth & Bro Dyfi, possibly being held in week prior to, or following the National Eisteddfod. As it is in this period it appears that most ''Welsh Exiles'' return to Cymru for an holiday. However, much will be detirmined by ''feed back'' by potential members of a F.G.I. as we cannot second guess when Welsh people abroad have their holidays and are most likly to return to Wales. Many may wish to attend the developing Machynlleth Glyndwr Festival in June or take a long autum break in the Gwlad Glyndwr of Corwen - Glyn Dyfrdwy, so please do inform us as to when you are most likly to return to Wales for a long or short holiday or even if you would be prepared to return to Wales, especially for a Glyndwr event. Much of what we do here in Wales, in a F.G.I. connection will be detirmined by information you supply us with, so please do.

c) Of course F.G.I. would have organised ''Branches'' in a number of countires or regions of countries eventually and would be responsible for promotion of Hanes Glyndwr and Gwaith Glyndwr in these world wide locations. not least promoting observation, recognition and commemoration of our three main celebratory ''Glyndwr Days'', which are:

* 28 Mai 1354 Glyndwr's Birthday (see Elusen Glyndwr Charity work).

* 21 Mehefin 1404 'Dydd Glyndwr' aka 'Dydd Coroni Glyndwr'.

* 16 Medi 1400 'Dydd Glyndwr' aka ''Independence Day.

Not above alone, ''Branches'' would be expected to organise other events and activities as their own Byd Glyndwr Historical Conferences and Symposia etc. Not least with academic areas as it is within such as Universities and colleges internationally that F.G.I. may best advance an educational interst in Owain Glyndwr and medieval Wales in which he lived. Of course work in this area may expand into schools and the wider communities by means of work with libraries and adult education etc. Plus other work similar to as we carry out here in Wales.

d) There is another important area in which the F.G.I. would work and which is why we call it a Foundation - thus a charitable body which will raise funds for major Glyndwr project work at Home here, in Wales as well as abroad. At moment we have projects we would like Byd Glyndwr - F.G.I, to assist with in Wales, they are as follows:

* A Founding Fathers Memorial Initiative for the Gwlad Glyndwr of Corwen & Glyn dyfrdwy with propsed project in villages of Glyndyfrdwy and Lidiart y Parc, more details in due course. If you have a specific interest in this area let us know.

* Support for Cefn Caer - Home to Coron Glyndwr - Symbol of National Soveriegnty, here there are a number of developments in which you can help. There are major renovation development plans for Cefn Caer which requires there being set up a CYFEILLION CEFN CAER, even though you may not live in the locality or Wales, and thus be available to take an active part, you may become an ''affiliate friend'' and otherwise support and recieve in time a newsletter. Embassy Glyndwr is assisting in setting up of such a ''Friends Organisation'' but once established will be an ''Independent body''. However, we are taking a more pro - active role in promotion of there being set up in the orchid of Cefn Caer an artistic appreciation of Coron Glyndwr in a dveloped are we may call 'ARDD GLYNDWR'. More information on this and making appointments to visit Cefn Caer and view Coron Glyndwr also if you wish booking a place at one of the splendid medieval banquets held at Cefn Caer. More information will be found on our CENEDL GLYNDWR Blog http://cenedl.blogspot.com

* Supporting as best as possible Canolfan Senedd dy Glyndwr, not least in re-development, in this area we are engaged in a project to provide the ''Canolfan Newydd'' with a very special opening day gift, more details in due course. In this connection you may in particular wish to see the F.G.I. particularly patronise our TEYRNAS GLYNDWR http://teyrnasglyndwr.blogspot.com/

SIAN ADD ANY OTHER IDEAS HERE ON OK.

Hopefully above will give you some idea as to what we are about with this initiative, please provide us with your feed back via llysgenhadaeth@ntlworld.com Next post will look into F.G.I. in greater detail.

Sian Ifan.

IS THIS THE PEN ULTIMATE BOOK ON OWAIN GLYNDWR? Go Read Owain Glyndwr by Terry Breverton, well worth buying & do so today!

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We are please to announce publication of an exciting new book on Owain Glyndwr by Terry Breverton and published by ? to be released on ? We have been pleased to offer the Author some good assistance in particular because he has been a worthy long time supporter of Embassy Glyndwr being activelly involved with some of the 600th anniversary celebrations of Glyndwr’s War, and was asked to write poems commemorating specific events. Terry in particular contributed to our initiative of providing a new set of regalia for Wales, as all the state symbols of Wales had been stolen and melted down.

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Welsh Embassy Glyndwr is a 'Glyndŵr awareness raising group' rather than a cultural group, which acts as the modern voice/ambassadors of Glyndŵr. It is to be hoped that the memorial events happen every year, to help not only public awareness but also tourist opportunities. At least one-third of people now living in Wales were not born in Wales, and it is to be hoped that these incomers also embrace Welsh culture and history, and appreciate such events.

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The three key commemorative celebrations we promote regards our National Hero are those remembering is birth on the:

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* 28 May 1354, in this connection we request our supporters to organise 'Elusen Glyndwr Charity' events and activities on behalf of children in hospital or otherwise disadvantaged, as well as for older disadvantaged young people in Welsh Communities. We also encourage people on or about this date to visit the remains of Llys Sycharth, made famoues by the poem of Iolo Goch. For those who might want to make an healthy weekend of it, do note there is a bridle path that crosses the Berwyn Mountains between Sycharth and Glyn Dyfrwdwy, idea for a Bank Holiday ramble with opportunities perhaps to visit Village Halls in both Communities in which there are small Glyndwr exhibitions. Plus of course not far from Corwen are the remains of Llys Glyndyfrdwy where Owain met with others to declare for a struggle for WelshIndependance.

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* Secondly, and most important is commemoration and celebration of 21 June 1404 the day upon which took place the coronation of Glyndwr at the First Welsh Parliament at Machynlleth. SIAN MENTION HERE CROWN & CEFN CAER ALSO SWORD & COUNCIL PRESENTATION. We are endeavouring to help Ardal Machynlleth community to organise an annual 'Gwyl y Coroni Tywysog Glyndwr' without much success thus far sad to say but Coron Glyndwr is publically revealed annually on 21 June in Machynlleth at Canolfan dy Owain Glyndwr with support of Machynlleth Town Council, and it is hoped in time this might include a civic ceremony. Other than this, a number of Welsh Patriots organise a small gathering to mark this as 'Dydd y Senedd Glyndwr' to allow they the opportunity to discuss opportunities by which Senedd Glyndwr might be restored in Machynlleth as an alternative to the, often seen as powerless Welsh Assembly in Cardiff.

* Third and finnaly, there is of course the most important national heroes day 'Dydd Glyndwr' commemoration held throughout Wales on 16 Medi, to mark occaision of the start of the War of Liberation on 16 Medi 1400. This commemoration is the most widely marked of Owain Glyndwr anniversary days, celebrated throughout Wales with numerous events and activities plus raising of 'Baner Glyndwr', even by a number of ''official'' bodies (see previous post in my other blogs, search Banner Glyndwr). Some years ago Cofiwn, a Cymric Consciousness Movement organised Rallies on 16 Medi at Corwen and walked up Caerdrewyn to rise up 'Baner Glyndwr'. Embassy Glyndwr held a major commemoration in Corwen and presented the Town Council with a replica of 'Dagr Glyndwr', but unfortunatly despite our efforts neither the Town Council or community appears to be interested in organising an annual commemoration as we had hoped they would. However, there is some discussion within circles of supporters of SOFRANIAETH (see blog by that name) to make this day and Corwen an opportunity for they to annually meet and eventually hold 'Save Our Sovereignty' Rally.

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Any further information on the above may be found on my Owain Glyndwr Communicates and other Gwaith Glyndwr blogs I am responsible for. The above anniversary dates are not the only Glyndwr historical events commemorated and celebrated, there are others that have become venues for such, and some remain so or are being thought of us idea to build community events on, be they for local liesure interest or/and with tourism potential in mind. Below I print details of such, thanks to Terry Breverton who had drawn this list up for his book but space alloed made publishers drop this information which Terry now gives as permission to print in this blog.

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January 12 (1406) Aberystwyth – Ratification of the Franco-Welsh Treaty.

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January 30 (1402) Rhuthun attacked and burnt – perhaps the opportunity for a great bonfire (if the Health and Safety ‘professionals’ still allow any enjoyment in Britain)

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February 26 (1405) Aberdaron – Signing of the Tripartite Indenture.

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March 11 (1405) Defeat at Grosmont.

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March 16 (1405) Defeat at Pwll Melyn, Usk.

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March 31 (1406) Pennal Policy drafted and sent from Cefn Caer, Pennal to Charles VI of France. The commissioned silver crown, Coron Glyndwr is at Cefn Caer, and there is an annual medieval Glyndwr Dinner there.

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April 1 (1401) The Fall of Conwy Castle.

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April 8 (1421) Maredudd ab Owain accepts pardon from Snowdonia – the End of the War.

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May 10 (1404) Dolgellau – Owain’s Senedd meets for the first time and ambassadors are sent to Charles VI .

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[May 10 (1372) The Treaty of Paris was signed between Owain Lawgoch and Charles V of France] .

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May 28 (1354) BIRTHDATE of Glyndwr at Sycharth.

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June 21 (1404) First Parliament and Coronation of Prince Owain IVat Machynlleth. The commissioned sword and shield of Glyndwr are on display in Machynlleth.

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June 22 (1402) Victory at Bryn Glas, Pilleth.

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July (1403) The Men of Flint joined the Glyndwr Cause.

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July 6 (1403) The royal castle of Carmarthen (Caerfyrddin) surrenders to Owain in ‘Haf Glyndwr’ (the summer of Glyndwr), where celebrations can be held all along the Tywi Valley.

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July 14 (1404) The Signing of the Franco -Welsh Treaty of Alliance at Machynlleth.

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August 20 (1404) Victory at Craig-y-Dorth, near Trelech, and pursuit to Monmouth.

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September 16 (1400) DYDD GLYNDWR - GLYNDWR DAY – Owain declared Tywysog Cymru at Llys Glyndyfrdwy – commemorations at Carrog and Corwen, where there is now a new statue of Glyndwr on horseback.

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September 17 (1400) The Raising of the Standard on Caerdrewyn, Corwen.

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September 18-24 (1400) The Burning of Rhuthun and the Border Towns.

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September 23 (1408) Loss of Aberystwyth Castle.

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September 28 (1400) The First Eight Welshmen are Executed, Duffryn Clwyd.

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October 9 (1401) Execution of Llywelyn ap Gruffydd Fychan outside Castell Llanynddyfri (Llandovery Castle) where there is now an evocative stainless steel statue.

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November 2 (1400) The Golden Dragon banner is raised on Twt Hill outside Caernarfon.

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November 30 (1402) The Marriage of Edmund Mortimer and Catrin Glyndwr at Harlech.

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December 1 (1413) Marged Glyndwr, another daughter, Catrin Mortimer and her four children were all known to have died between 13 June 1413 and this date – St Swithin’s Memorial Garden, City of London.

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December 25 (1407) Glyndwr and his family spend Christmas in Harlech Castle.

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Also a ‘Gwyl Henry Dwn’ has been held at Cydweli Castle. A biennial ‘Gwyl Glyndwr’ (Glyndwr Festival) has been held at Coity Castle since 2000, commemorating Glyndwr’s siege of 2003-2005, with medieval re-enactments. There has been an annual event in Hope since 2003 to commemorate its being burnt in August 2003. Abercraf has had a large and growing ‘Gwyl Glyndwr’, next to the Ancient Briton public house since 2004. Hopefully these local initiatives will continue to grow over the years, and be recognised by politicans as being something to be proud of and worthy of support.

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Glyndwr’s flag of red and gold rampant lions has seen a resurgence in the 21st century. Embassy Glyndwr presented a huge Glyndŵr flag to the Welsh Assembly in 2001. Another flag was given to the National Eisteddfod of Wales that is flown annually. CADW flies the banner on some of their castles on Glyndwr Day, after a great deal of lobbying by Embassy Glyndwr, and it is seen in abundance on the St David’s Day March through Cardiff, along with the Welsh flag and the St David’s flag. Colourful rugby shirts can be bought featuring the flag, and more are being seen at festivities and national rugby matches. Various sizes of flags, replica swords and other Glyndwr memorabilia are available at Castle Crafts opposite the superb Cardiff Castle.

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Plenty to Commemorate and Celebrate and not least set about with Memorial Initiatives, major sculptures or plaques, and we would always be available to offer advice & assist otherwise, if interested do contact me S.Ifan llysgenhadaeth&ntlworld.com
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IMPORTANT NEWS:

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I and other Embassy Glyndwr staff have for 10 years done much Gwaith Glyndwr in Wales, all of which is reported in a number of our blogs, not least in Owain Glyndwr Communicates blog and Cenedl Glyndwr blog which is the blog platform I have used most to promote Embassy concerns, affairs and Initiatives in development etc. Over the coming years, I intend to give muchg more attention to this blog: Byd Glyndwr with purpose of advancing a FOUNDATION GLYNDWR INTERNATIONAL as a world based organisation very similar to the Richard III Foundation. Do not expect miricles but I will do the best I can to post up information on this major Initiatve before end of the year, in the mean time please note, anyone interested out there in the great wide world in an Antur FGI do please get in touch.

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Juratus Oweyn.

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S.Ifan Llysgenhadaeth Glyndwr.