Gruffudd Vychan - Later Life and Execution

Later Life and Execution

Three of Sir Gruffydd's sons and three of his daughters married and he became connected with some of the great families of Powys and no doubt played an important part in the local politics of that time. This was still a time when any discussion of Welsh independence or pretentions of royal title were extremely dangerous occupations. However, by virtue of his ancient pedigree and local connections as time went on his rise in stature became increasingly apparent and probably fearing a "second Glyndŵr" the local English lord allowed him no quarter.

On 10 Aug. 1443, at Caus Castle Sir Gruffydd pierced with a lance the heart of his master, Sir Christopher Talbot (1419–1443), son of John Talbot, 1st Earl of Shrewsbury, and the champion tilter of England. It is not known whether the blow was struck by accident or design. He was outlawed and a reward of 500 marks (£166 6s 8d) offered for his capture, as the death of the young knight was not regarded as an accident. For the next four years Sir Gruffydd remained at large as an outlaw.

A year later on 18 July 1444 his estates and those of his eldest son, Reynold, and nephew David Lloyd, were made over to John Sutton, 1st Baron Dudley. In April 1447 a general pardon was issued for those involved in the affair, but Sir Gruffydd was excluded from it.

In July 1447 Sir Gruffydd was summoned to Powis Castle in Pool (later to be renamed Welshpool). He refused to go at first as he had suspicions of the outcome. He then received what he thought was a 'safe conduct' promise and went on 9 July, but on entering the courtyard was apprehended and 'beheaded on the spot without judge or jury' in the presence of Henry Grey, 2nd Earl of Tankerville, Lord Powis - the son of John Grey whose funeral Sir Gruffydd had arranged in 1421. This execution of a warrior well advanced in years, about 60, was very likely the violent act of an unbridled youth who thought his dignity affronted and it has been suggested that Henry Grey thought that Sir Gruffydd had claimed some right to the Lordship of Powys or that jealousy of Sir Gruffudd Vaughan's position and his descent from the princely families of Powys led Sir Henry Grey to take advantage of the outlawry. Alternatively, the motive may have been linked to the imprisonment and death in prison of Humphrey, Duke of Gloucester in February 1447 as a preliminary to the Wars of the Roses soon to break out, maybe under the instruction of Queen Margaret.

Sir Gruffydd was buried under the Chancel in the Parish Church at Welshpool and his name is on the board near the main door of 'Important People Interred in the Church'.

The Welsh poets were infuriated by Grey's treachery, and the indignant elegies of Lewis Glyn Cothi and Dafydd Llwyd ap Llywelyn ap Gruffudd (Dafydd Llwyd o Fathafarn) have survived. In the second of these Dafydd Llwyd o Fathafarn expresses the deep sense of anger and loss in Powys at the taking of his life:

For the man with the golden collar whom I loved best, the breast is pining.
If Gruffudd Fychan, thou art alive and well why dost thou not kindle a fire?
If thou art, tall hero, unrecorded killed, may God avenge thy beauteous brow.
No man with wrathful hand could have slain thee unless he were a fiend inspired with jealousy.
My friend, I did not counsel reliance on the sign-manual of a Saxon!
Miserable remnants of Troy! For ages have we known the perfidy of the Saxons, were it not for our madness!
The head of the Prince of Wales in Buellt;
The head of Gruffudd Fychan (whose long ruddy lance was like the lightening) the firm support of his country.
A Knight with a brave hero's arm they cut off! A head that would not be sold for pounds:
A holy head like John (the baptist); a fair head even when it was made a present of;
A head that long gave law to Powys, a sacred head, the head of an illustrious prince.
A beautiful head until he was betrayed. Was not the 'safe conduct' execrable?
When this head was severed in violence it was struck off by the double tongued Earl,
Harry Grey! Long may he hang