Gwen ferch Ellis

Gwen ferch Ellis (lit. trans. "Gwen the daughter of Ellis"; – 1594) was born in Llandyrnog in the Vale of Clwyd. Ellis was the first person in Wales to be executed under the Witchcraft Act 1562 in 1594 by hanging before the year's end.

The record of Gwen ferch Ellis' trial is the earliest mention of witchcraft trial and execution in Wales.

Early years Gwen ferch Ellis was born in the parish of Llandyrnog in . Her parents' names are not recorded, other than her father's Christian name, Ellis. She had a sister named Elizabeth.

Marriages Gwen ferch Ellis was married three times in total. Her first husband, Lewis ap David ap Gwyn, died after two years of marriage. She married a miller called Lewis ap David ap Gruffith Gethin (Lewis Gethin). The couple moved to his mill at Llanelian-yn-Rhos and were living there in 1588. After 18 years of marriage, her second husband also died. In 1592, Gwen married John ap Morrice from the neighbouring parish of Betws yn Rhos and settled there. The fate of her third husband is unknown, although he was not mentioned during her trial.