Owain, the eldest son of Cadwgan ap…

Owain, the eldest son of Cadwgan ap Bleddyn, prince of part of Powys,is first recorded in 1106, when he killed Meurig and Griffri, the sons of Trahaearn ap Caradog, who held lands in Arwystli.

Owain's father Cadwgan in 1109, had given a great feast at his court in Ceredigion, and at this feast Owain was told of the beauty of Nest, whose husband Gerald of Windsor holds the castle of Cenarth Bychan (possibly Cilgerran Castle).

He had decided to visit Cenarth Bychan to see for himself, and having done so fell in love with Nest and determined to have her.

Owain and fifteen companions one night at Christmas 1109 burrowed underneath the gate to get into the castle then rushed in to abduct Nest and her children and set fire to the castle.

Her husband, Gerald, had fled through a garderobe.

Owain's actions lead to his father being confronted with an invasion, as the justiciar of Shropshire, Richard de Beaumais, has promised the members of the cadet branches of the ruling house of Powys extensive lands if they will attack Cadwgan and Owain.

Owain had fled to Ireland while Cadwgan surrendered to King Henry I of England and lost all his lands.

Ceredigion is later returned to Cadwgan, under the condition of paying a fine of one hundred pounds and promising to have nothing more to do with Owain.