Owain Lawgoch Monument Wales
Raising awareness for Owain Lawgoch, a Welsh hero and important historical figure.
Who Is Owain Lawgoch And What Is The Mission for COLC?
Owain Lawgoch was a true Welsh hero: a prince of the royal House of Gwynedd and a fearless soldier who fought across Europe, ultimately leading a campaign to reclaim the Welsh throne in the 14th century. Known in France as Yvain de Galles, he rose to command in the French army during the Hundred Years’ War and is still honoured there for his courage and leadership. He was assassinated in 1378 on the orders of England’s King Richard II.
Today, a statue of Owain Lawgoch stands proudly in Mortagne-sur-Gironde, France – a lasting tribute to his legacy. Erected in 2003, the monument was a joint effort, funded largely from Wales and built from Welsh slate and local limestone by a Welsh sculptor after a decade of work led by dedicated historians. Yet in Wales, no monument exists to honour his memory or the cause he died for: Welsh independence and identity.
We believe it’s time to change that.
Join us in raising awareness of Owain Lawgoch and funding a statue in Wales – where his roots, his people, and his dream belong. Together, we can ensure future generations remember and are inspired by one of Wales’s greatest, yet often overlooked, national figures.
What Are We Doing To Help?
In July 2025, Kevin Bowen will embark on a heartfelt return journey from Cross Hands, Wales, to Mortagne-sur-Gironde, France – retracing the powerful route he first cycled to raise awareness for Owain Lawgoch, the forgotten Welsh prince.
This time, Kevin's mission goes even further: to unite communities in both countries in support of a shared history and a bold future. His aim is to inspire an annual cross-cultural event that will alternate between Wales and France, held each year around the anniversary of Owain Lawgoch’s assassination on the 22nd of July.
These events will celebrate Welsh heritage, foster international solidarity, and raise funds for a long-overdue monument to Owain in Wales. Kevin plans to leave Wales on the 17th of July 2025, arriving in Mortagne-sur-Gironde for commemorative activities around the 22nd. In Wales, the Gower Heritage Centre has been proposed (but not yet confirmed) as the future home of these community-driven celebrations, with a vision of inclusive, family-friendly gatherings where history, identity, and local pride come together.
Donations Towards The Welsh Monument For Owain Lawgoch
We are raising funds to create and install a statue of Owain Lawgoch in Wales: a permanent tribute to a forgotten national hero, and a powerful symbol of Welsh pride, history, and resilience. While France honours him with a statue, Wales has yet to do so. With your support, that will change.
Your donation, no matter the size, brings us closer to:
- Commissioning a locally crafted memorial to represent the efforts and sacrafices of Owain Lawgoch
- Securing a meaningful and accessible location for the monument
- Educating the public about Owain Lawgoch’s life and legacy
- Celebrating Welsh history through public art
