Wales and its History

1136 was an eventful year for the Welsh, they won the Battle of Llwchwr near Swansea, they ambushed and killed a powerful Norman Lord in Gwent, they did however lose the brave Gwenllian when she led an army against the Normans while her husband was on his way to her dads, (Gruffudd ap Cynan of Gwynedd) to ask for support against the invaders, they also had the battle of Crug Mawr The battle of Craig Mawr was a major victory for the Welsh against the Normans, The Norman army led by Robert fitz Martin consisted of around 1,000 professional Flemish infantry and another 7,000 infantry . In addition, it had around 2,000 cavalry, most of which was heavy cavalry. The Welsh army under Owain Gwynedd was slightly smaller at around 6,000 infantry and 2,000 longbowmen. Cavalry was around 1,000 horse. The Normans marched northeast of Cardigan and fortified their position on Crug Mawr hill to meet the Welsh army coming from the north. Flemish troops were placed at the front and the Norman levies...

  Owain ap Cadwgan (died 1116) He is best known for his abduction of Nest, wife of Gerald of Windsor. Owain was the eldest son of Cadwgan ap Bleddyn Killed kings sons He is first recorded in 1106, when he killed Meurig and Griffri, the sons of Trahaearn ap Caradog (part of this list) who was the king of Gwynedd feast In 1109 Owain's father Cadwgan gave a feast at his court, and at this feast Owain was told of the beauty of his second cousin Nest, whose husband Gerald of windsor held the castle of Cenarth Bychan.   Visits to see nest He decided to visit Cenarth Bychan to see for himself, and having done so fell in love with Nest and determined to have her.  It was also enticing that Nest was the daughter of the last King of Deheubarth rhys ap tewdwr.  Abduction of nest One night at Christmas 1109 Owain and fifteen companions burrowed underneath the gate to get into the castle then rushed in to abduct Nest and her children and set fire to the castle.  Her hus...