Pennal Letter

[1] The letter is regarded as unique as the only surviving written documentation detailing secular and religious policies for a potential independent Wales in the Middle Ages.

In the letter, Owain pledges obedience to Antipope Benedict XIII of Avignon, supported by Charles VI during the Avignon Papacy, as opposed to the Province of Canterbury and Pope Innocent VII, the pope in Rome, who was supported by the English king Henry IV.

The letter was sent by Owain Glyndŵr in 1406 to the king of France, Charles V asking for assistance in fighting against English rule in Wales.

[1] It was briefly exhibited at the National Library of Wales in 2000, and there is a campaign for its permanent return and display at the Senedd in Cardiff.

[3] Mark Drakeford, First Minister of Wales was shown the letter on his visit to Paris to strengthen the Welsh relationship with France.