Owain Glyndŵr were leaving their studies to join Owain, and Welsh labourers and craftsmen were abandoning their employers in England and returning to Wales. Owain could also draw on Welsh troops seasoned by the English campaigns in France and Scotland. Hundreds of Welsh archers and experienced men-at-arms left English service to join the rebellion. In 1404, Owain held court at Harlech and appointed Gruffydd Young as his Chancellor. Soon afterwards, he called his first Parliament (or or "gathering") of all Wales at Machynlleth, where he was crowned Prince of Wales and announced his national programme. He declared his vision of an independent
Owain Cyfeiliog for a crusade, and was excommunicated as a result. In 1195 Owain handed the rule of most of his realm to his son Gwenwynwyn ab Owain and retired to the abbey of Strata Marcella, where he died and was buried two years later. His illegitimate son, Cadwallon, was given the commotes of Llannerch Hudol and Broniarth. Owain has also long been considered a notable poet. Although only one poem ascribed to him has been preserved, this one, "Hirlas Owain", is commonly rated as one of the finest Welsh poems of this period. In the poem, Owain's bodyguard are gathered at