Owen Tudor

Owain ap Maredudd (or Owain ap Maredudd ap Tudur or Owen Tudor) (c. 1400 - February 2, 1461) was a Welsh soldier and courtier, directly descended from The Lord Rhys but remembered only because of his role in founding the Tudor dynasty and for his relationship with Catherine of Valois, widow of King Henry V of England. At some point Owain anglicised his name from the Welsh Owain ap Maredudd to Owen Tudor, taking his grandfather's name for a surname rather than the more common practice of taking his father's.

Wars of the Roses activities

Owen was later involved in the Wars of the Roses (1455 - 1487) between the House of Lancaster and the House of York.

Related Topics:
Wars of the Roses - 1455 - 1487 - House of Lancaster - House of York

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On February 2, 1461, as a man of advanced years, Owen led the Lancastrian forces at the Battle of Mortimer's Cross against Edward, Earl of March. They were defeated. Owen was shortly after executed by decapitation along with other prisoners. He is said to have expected a reprieve because of his relationship with the former royal family. Owen reportedly was not convinced of his approaching death until the collar was ripped off his doublet by the executioner. At which point he is alleged to have said that "the head which used to lie in Queen Katherine's lap, would now lie in the executioner's basket".

Related Topics:
February 2 - 1461 - Battle of Mortimer's Cross - Edward, Earl of March - Executed - Decapitation - Reprieve - Death - Collar - Doublet - Executioner - Head - Basket

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