The Welsh Connection

 I am indebted to ex-Wealdstone centre back and club legend Sean Cronin for retweeting the following from one of his compatriots:

I had not heard of this letter before so I looked it up. The original is in the French National Archive. There is however, no record of a reply. Is this because the King of France decided not to offend the English, or felt that a secret reply was more discreet? No, it is because he regularly received letters similar to the one below and simply filed away Owain's letter as just one more of a set.

Dear King Charles VII

I hope this letter finds you in the very best of health. Let me introduce myself - I am Owain Glyndŵr, Prince of Wales and I need your help in something that will be of the greatest benefit to both of us. Some time ago a very rich man, Charles of Harlech, deposited all his money with the Royal Bank of Wales. Unfortunately he died in a tragic crossbow bolt to the throat accident. He did not name his next of kin and nobody has claimed the money. It has been in a special holding account for five years and will shortly be forfeit, unless it can be claimed first.  This, Your Highness is where you come in. It so happens you have the same name as the deceased and if you made the claim, the Bank would have to honour it.  I can ensure that your papers are quickly processed and propose to give you 30% of the proceeds. The total sum is two hundred and forty (240) groats, thereby making your share no less than eighty (80) groats!!

Please write back urgently, using only the most efficient of messengers, with the following details:

Name
Age
Job Title
Address of main castle of residence
Passport number

and enclose the sum of two (2) groats to cover preliminary expenses, which will of course be reimbursed when the funds are released. 

Most respectfully yours

Owain Glyndŵr, Prince.