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 Fychan and destroying the royal castle there, which was made of timber until fortified in stone in 1194) and Iorwerth Goch from Mochnant Is Rhaeadr in 1166. Owain Fychan now controlled Mechain, Cynllaith, Caereinion and Mochnant Is Rhaeadr. Carreghofa Castle was retaken by Henry II in 1165, but Owain Fychan had recaptured it again by 1187. The castle may have been important because of silver mining operations taking place there. He was attacked at night and killed at Carreghofa Castle by Gwenwynwyn and Cadwallon, the sons of Owain Cyfeiliog. They were unable to control the territories gained to the west of