A dispute between the cunning and powerful…

A dispute between the cunning and powerful Welsh lord Owen Glendower and an English neighbor in 1400 had sparked Glendower’s ruthless revolt against Henry IV, whom he had earlier supported.

Aided by countrywide resentment of high taxes and poor administration imposed by the English, Glendower, proclaimed prince of Wales in 1400, had rapidly ousted Henry’s forces from castles and towns in Wales.

Glendower in 1402 had gained the support of Edmund de Mortimer.

The powerful English Percys, after quarreling with Henry over the ransom of Scottish prisoners in 1402, had turned against him, becoming supporters of Glendower in his Wales-based rebellion.

With the defeat of the Percys at Shresbury in 1403, Glendower had turned to France for aid.

After seizing the key castles of Aberystwyth and Harlech by 1404, the able Glendower had gained control of most of Wales and the recognition of King Charles VI of France, with whom he has made an alliance.

Glendower begins losing battles in 1405, however, and, because the promised French support fails to appear, will continue to do so.