I was born in Munmouth in 1381 my mother had died giving birth to me, so it was left to my father to raise me. It had been a bad year for all, there had been a rebellion in London, the Great rising, or as some called it the Peasants revolt, my father told me that King Richard had called us Peasants and had lied to us, all that was being asked for was a fair and just life. We should have known that the nobility wouldn’t grant us a just life especially in Cymru. Many in Cymru had a liking for Richard and many Welsh Archers had fought with him in Ireland including my father, but it is said we couldn’t trust him.

It was difficult for Father to raise me, he had very little help from family and it was a struggled to live and survive from day to day. As was the custom I was married young to a lad from my village who in no time was off to war in France and he took me with him. I followed my man, an Archer, to war.

When he was killed I found myself alone and took the guise of a young lad.  I lived by my wits. I was trying to make my way home when I was met and befriended by a group of Welsh mercenaries, Mistress Nia gave me shelter and I was soon accepted by this ragged band of Archers.

One day while watching the men practicing at the butts, I surprised them all by taking up the bow and loosing an arrow, hitting the target. My poor dead husband had taught me well, it seemed that I could shoot as well as any man.

Llywelyn y Goch noticed me that day and as he had been garrisoned at one time in my home town of Munmouth under the command of the Duke of Lancaster, we drew closer.  I am now known as Nell the wife of Llew y Goch.

Llew took me to his family’s home in a lovely village near the sea called Ewenny. I was well received by his mother and family. His mother taught me many of the old ways of healing with potions. She was Spanish and I was to find that this meant my husband’s family had many secrets concerning their dealings with Spain and England. Many journeys were made to visit family and trade. This, I was to find out enabled my husband to carry not just wine but important information.

I trust in God that he will be safe in his endeavours.