The National Library of Wales
Glyndŵr Pennal Letter on display at Library
Thu, 23 Apr 09 15:26:00
A copy of the Owain Glyndwr Pennal Letter is now on display at The National Library of Wales. The National Library is one of 6 institutions across Wales to display a facsimile copy of Glyndŵr’s letter.
Owain Glyndŵr sent a letter in 1406, now know as the Pennal Letter, to Charles VI King of France requesting assistance for help in his rebellion against English rule. In it he sets out what he was prepared to concede in return – the main concession being the recognition of Benedict XIII of Avignon as Pope.
The letter was composed during a synod of the Welsh Church at Pennal in 1406 and gives an insight into the ambitions of Glyndŵr and his vision for a new and autonomous Wales, which included establishing an independent church and two universities.
The original letter is held at the Archives Nationales in Paris and the facsimile copies have been prepared by staff at The National Library of Wales led by Julian Thomas, Head of The National Library of Wales’ Conservation Treatment Unit. They are exact facsimile copies of the original and have been created on parchment using specialist ageing techniques and the seal of Glyndŵr has been recreated from moulds of the original.
Please note: The Pennal letter will not be available for view 5-8 of May due to maintenance work in the exhibition space. The letter will be back on view from 11 May.
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