Edward I and Wales, 1254-1307

by David Pilling

Overview

The late 13th century witnessed the conquest of Wales after two hundred years of conflict between Welsh princes and the English crown. In 1282 Llywelyn ap Gruffudd, the only native Prince of Wales to be formally acknowledged by a King of England, was slain by English forces. His brother Dafydd continued the fight, but was eventually captured and executed. Further revolts followed under Rhys ap Maredudd, a former crown ally, and Madog ap Llywelyn, a kinsman of the defeated lords of Gwynedd.

The Welsh wars were a massive undertaking for the crown, and required the mobilization of all resources. Edward’s willingness to direct the combined power of the English state and church against the Prince of Wales, to an unprecedented degree, resulted in a victory that had eluded all of his predecessors.

This latest study of the Welsh wars of Edward I will draw upon recently translated archive material, allowing a fresh insight into military and political events. Edward’s personal relationship with Welsh leaders is also reconsidered. Traditionally, the conquest is dated to the fall of Llywelyn in December 1282, but this book will argue that Edward was not truly the master of Wales until 1294. In the years between those two dates he broke the power of the great Marcher lords and crushed two further large-scale revolts against crown authority.

After 1294 he was able to exploit Welsh manpower on a massive scale. His successors followed the same policy during the Scottish wars and the Hundred Years War. Edward enjoyed considerable support among the ‘uchelwyr’ or Welsh gentry class, many of whom served him as diplomats and spies as well as military captains. This aspect of the king’s complex relationship with the Welsh will also feature.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781526776419
Publisher:	Pen and Sword
Publication date:	08/06/2021
Pages:	224
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.25(h) x (d)

About the Author

David Pilling is a self-employed author and historian based in West Wales, where he was raised on a smallholding. As a child he acquired a love for the Welsh countryside and Welsh history, especially the medieval era. His particular interests lie in the Edwardian wars of the late 13th century.

Table of Contents

Foreword vi

Backdrop vii

Chapter 1 By This Great Victory 1

Chapter 2 Civil War 16

Chapter 3 The Ford at Rhyd Chwima 25

Chapter 4 Money Matters 32

Chapter 5 The Road to Aberconwy 45

Chapter 6 Terms of Submission 61

Chapter 7 Seeking Justice 70

Chapter 8 As Judas Betrayed the Lord 77

Chapter 9 At the Death 103

Chapter 10 The Wretched Death of a Traitor 120

Chapter 11 A Kingdom in Itself 133

Chapter 12 Badges of Subjection 142

Chapter 13 The Brightness of a Little Star 158

Chapter 14 For the Good of Peace 167

Chapter 15 Raging in his Fury 176

Chapter 16 The King's Welshmen 197

Conclusion 210

Appendix 214

Notes 222

Bibliography 233