See all Historic Place in Machynlleth
Canolfan Owain Glyndwr Centre
Parliament House, Heol Maengwyn, Machynlleth, Powys, SY20 8EE, WalesAbout
The Owain Glyndwr Centre is built on the site of the famous parliament held in 1404 at which Owain was crowned Prince of Wales. The Centre hosts a new interactive and informative exhibition on the life, times and vision of Owain Glyndwr. The Owain Glyndwr exhibition has been completely redesigned with many new attractions which include a specially commissioned video of the proceedings of the parliament held on this site by Glyndwr in 1404. Powerful men from within Wales and notable dignitaries from France, Scotland and Spain, were invited to witness his coronation as Prince of Wales. An interactive timeline provides detailed, chronological information about the uprising and attractively illustrated, bilingual panels show more information about Glyndwr and his time. Descriptive bilingual display panels depicting life in the late medieval period and the background to the Owain Glyndwr uprising. They show Owain's links to previous Welsh princes, which supported his claim to the title Prince of Wales, and his battles for independence after 1400. The attempts at alliances with Scotland and France to this end are clearly displayed. Interactive computer systems providing a chronological timeline of the history of Glyndwr - from his early life and his career as soldier and lawyer, the causes of unrest in Wales, the resort to rebellion, and the subsequent war against English rule. A mural by Scottish artist Murray Urquhart (1880-1972) portraying, in particular, Glyndwr's decisive victory over the King's forces at the Battle of Hyddgen in 1402. The mural is unique in that it is the only mural of this size to adorn a public building before 1914. A reproduction of the Pennal Letter, sent by Glyndwr to King Charles VI of France in 1406, in which he refers to himself as Prince of Wales. Authentic replicas of medieval costume and artefacts, including a broadsword and colourful banners of the sort Glyndwr's men would have carried into battle. Brass-rubbing - an opportunity to try your hand at this ancient art.
