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
Gweirca ferch Owain part of two animals with their heads back to back and their tails interlacing elaborately with two circles. The lower part of the panel has interlacing stems." The inscription in Latin reads: Translated as: P. Lord states that Gweirca's grave slab is "the earliest dated Welsh memorial of any kind" Gweirca ferch Owain Gweirca ferch Owain (possibly Gwerica) was a medieval Welsh noblewoman, granddaughter of Madog ap Gruffydd Maelor and daughter of Owain ap Gruffydd ap Madog. Gweirca died in 1290 and is buried at Valle Crucis Abbey, near Llangollen, which was founded by her grandfather. Her sepulchral grave slab