Criccieth Castle a distant relation of Llywelyn ap Gruffudd, began an uprising against English rule that spread quickly through Wales. Several English-held towns were razed and Criccieth (along with Harlech Castle and Aberystwyth Castle) were besieged that winter. Its residents survived until spring when the castle was resupplied. In the 14th century the castle had a notable Welsh constable called Hywel ap Gruffydd, known as Howell the Axe, who fought for Edward III at the Battle of Poitiers in 1356. The castle was used as a prison until 1404 when Welsh forces captured the castle during the rebellion of Owain Glyndŵr. The
Welsh chronicles semi-legendary or semi-historical material, which however cannot be substantiated as historical with any certainty. "Brut y Brenhinedd" is the title given to Middle Welsh versions of Geoffrey of Monmouth's "Historia Regum Britanniae". "Brut y Tywysogion" is a continuation of "Historia Regum Britanniae", covering the period of 682 to 1332. The "Brenhinoedd y Saeson" survives in 14th-century manuscripts and covers events from 682 to 1282. The "Annals of Owain Glyndwr" give an account of the Glyndŵr Rising, covering the period of 1400 to 1422. Welsh chronicles A number of medieval chronicles of the history of Wales survive, notably the 9th century