Dafydd ab Ieuan ab Einion (1440 - unknown)

The most famous of the Barons of Edeyrnion. His fame rests on his defence of Harlech castle for the Lancastrians (1460- 1468) during the wars of the roses. Like so many young Welshmen of his day, he served with the English forces in France during the latter part of the Hundred Years' War in Rouen.

When the English power in Normandy collapsed in 1450 Dafydd returned to England, possibly with the troops, under his fellow countryman Mathew Gough. In 1453 his name appears in a Record of Inquisitions for Merioneth to the effect that some of his cattle had been stolen near Ffestiniog. Two years later the rival Roses were at war. Dafydd is stated to have been authorised by Queen Margaret to hold Harlech. During the campaign which culminated in the battle of Northampton (July 1460), the Queen took refuge in Harlech, and that may have been the occasion on which she put Harlech in Dafydd's keeping.

The castle now became a refuge for prominent English Lancastrian partisans, and a convenient link between Margaret and her supporters. Dafydd was repeatedly called upon to surrender, though no active steps were taken to enforce the summons. However, when Jasper Tudor landed with a Lancastrian force at Barmouth (June 1468), Edward IV sent William (Lord) Herbert with a powerful army to reduce Harlech, and Dafydd at last submitted (1st. August 1468). Fifty prisoners were taken.

It is understood that famine forced the actual surrender and Dafydd handed the castle to Lord Herbert (and his brother Sir Richard Herbert) on honourable terms. King Edward IV at first refused to honour the terms of the settlement but Sir Richard Herbert, out of respect for the bravery of the defenders, offered his own life in exchange for Dafydd's, rather than see his promise broken. These defenders were the 'Men of Harlech' commemorated in the song.

Two of the most prominent English Lancastrian leaders Elwick and Troublok, were taken to the Tower of London and executed. Dafydd was apparently included in a general pardon (1st. December 1468), while Herbert's reward was the Earldom of Prembroke. The date of Dafydd's death appears to be unknown.

The song 'Men of Harlech' is something of an unofficial anthem in Wales. Outside Wales, the song has become well known as a result of the film 'Zulu' which told the story of a small detachment of soldiers and their epic stand against a huge Zulu army in southern Africa. The soldiers were from a regiment which recruited in Wales and the borders and their heroism came to be compared with the bold exploits of their ancestors in ancient days.

 

In the early part of the Wars of the Roses Daydd was a Lancastrian whilst his cousin Ithel ab Iorweth ab Einion (Sheriff of Merionethshire) was a Yorkist. At that time the Yorkist party was rampant which gave Ithel much favouritism. As a consequence Daydd met Ithel at the Llandrillo Fair and sent him to the shades by one thrust of his glaivemore.

Daydd absconded and bore arms under John Duke of Bedford. Because of this breach of peace the fair was not allowed to take place for 180 years.