On 1 April 1400, a small band of Welsh rebels remarkably captured Conwy Castle, one of the most impregnable royal fortresses in England or Wales. Their leaders were Gwilym and Rhys ap Tudur, two redoubtable figures who had grown despondent with English rule. They set about teaching Henry IV a lesson.
In this video chat, I explore the moment the Welsh rose up in revolt against the English, looking at the transformation of Owain Glyn Dŵr from conformist local lord to national leader and recount just how the Tudurs were able to revitalise flagging Welsh fortunes by heaping humiliation upon the fledging House of Lancaster by stealing away one of their royal palaces. It is a fascinating tale and I hope you enjoy.
For more on Conwy Castle and the Tudors:
In 2023, I featured in History Hit’s ‘Castles That Made Britain’ episode on Conwy Castle last year, discussing this very April Fool’s castle capture with my good friend
- subscribers can watch that episode HERE
Or you can of course order a copy of ‘Son of Prophecy: The Rise of Henry Tudor’ from your chosen retailer - this book is on sale everywhere now.
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