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 ap Hywel Dda Owain ap Hywel Dda Owain ap Hywel (died ) was king of Deheubarth in south Wales and probably also controlled Powys. Owain was one of the three sons of Hywel the Good. Upon Hywel's death around 950, Owain, Rhodri, and Edwin divided his lands among themselves according to Welsh law. The sons were not able to retain Hywel's hegemony over Gwynedd, which was reclaimed for its earlier dynasty by the sons of Idwal Foel. In 952, two of the sons of Idwal Foel, Iago and Ieuaf, invaded the south, penetrating as far as Dyfed. The sons of Hywel retaliated by