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
Owain ab Edwin of Tegeingl Angharad, married Gruffudd ap Cynan, Prince of Gwynedd, by whom she had three sons: Cadwallon, Owain Gwynedd (the first Welsh prince to take the title "Princeps Wallensium", Prince of the Welsh) and Cadwaladr ap Gruffydd. His sons were Goronwy, Meilir, Llywelyn, Aldud, and Rhirid. Goronwy was the father of the Cristin who was the second wife of Owain Gwynedd. However, in 1125 a son of Gruffudd ap Cynan killed all Owain's male heirs bringing the direct line of the family to an end. Owain ab Edwin of Tegeingl Owain ab Edwin of Tegeingl or Owain Fradwr (Welsh: "the Traitor"; ?