Unless you are a fan of the Welsh Middle Ages you may not have heard of Angharad ferch Owain or her father Owain ap Edwin known as Owain Fradwr (Owain the Traitor). Their story is worth hearing yet is shrouded in many mysteries.

At the beginning of the twelfth century, Wales was in a time of great change. The influence of the Normans who had taken over much of Wales was having an enormous effect.

I first discovered Gruffydd ap Cynan when I was looking into Gwenllian, the Welsh warrior princess. I wondered what in Gwenllian’s upbringing had led her to become a woman who inspired the whole of Wales.

Angharad lived at a time that was undergoing huge change as Norman influences put pressure on the Welsh. It was also a time when Wales was renowned throughout Europe for its learning and culture.