Margaret Hanmer

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Margaret Hanmer (c. 1370 – c. 1420), sometimes known by her Welsh name of Marred ferch Dafydd, was the wife of Owain Glyndŵr and was thus, technically, Princess of Wales for the time her husband was known by the title of Prince of Wales. She is not officially recognised as a Princess of Wales since there is no contemporary record of her having used the title.

[edit] Early life and marriage

Little is known of Margaret's early life. She was the daughter of Sir David Hanmer and his wife Angharad, and she had three brothers, Gruffydd, Philip and John, all of whom supported Glyndŵr when he proclaimed himself Prince of Wales in 1400.

The couple had homes at Sycharth and Glyndyfrdwy, and raised several children. It is thought that some of these were Owain's illegitimate children from other relationships, but under Welsh law they would have been treated equally with any legitimate children. One of their daughters, Catrin, married Edmund Mortimer, an unransomed hostage who had become Owain's ally.

[edit] Rebellion

After Owain had proclaimed himself Prince, Margaret and her children were obliged to move to more secure accommodation to avoid capture by the English and becoming pawns, prisoners, informants and victims of the ruthless regime of the times.

They lived for some time at Harlech Castle, which was taken in 1409 by the future King Henry V of England. Margaret, her children and grandchildren were all taken prisoner. The fates and dates of death of some of them are known, but Margaret's own death is not recorded.