cymru-wales- le pays de galles. who are the welsh? ► the word ‘welsh’ was given to the celtic-...

Cymru-Wales- Le Cymru-Wales- Le Pays de GallesPays de Galles

Who are the Welsh?Who are the Welsh?

►The word ‘welsh’ was given to the The word ‘welsh’ was given to the Celtic-speaking Britons by the first Celtic-speaking Britons by the first ‘Anglo-Saxons’ who settled in Britain in ‘Anglo-Saxons’ who settled in Britain in the 4-5the 4-5thth centuries. It was often used centuries. It was often used to mean Romanised Celt. (as in to mean Romanised Celt. (as in France).France).

The word ‘Welsh’The word ‘Welsh’

► In Old English (Anglo-Saxon) the word In Old English (Anglo-Saxon) the word used for the Britons was ‘wealas’ used for the Britons was ‘wealas’ which can be translated as ‘stranger’, which can be translated as ‘stranger’, ‘foreigner’, Briton, even slave.‘foreigner’, Briton, even slave.

In time the word wealas became Wales.In time the word wealas became Wales.

The Britons to ‘Welsh’The Britons to ‘Welsh’

►The Britons called themselves by The Britons called themselves by several names including ‘Brython’ several names including ‘Brython’ (Britons), and especially ‘Cymry’ (Britons), and especially ‘Cymry’ (fellow-countrymen/women.(fellow-countrymen/women.

Who are the Welsh?Who are the Welsh?

►Eventually the ‘Welsh’ (Celtic Britons), Eventually the ‘Welsh’ (Celtic Britons), were only in a majority in western were only in a majority in western Britain, especially today’s Wales, Britain, especially today’s Wales, Cornwall and Cumbria (NE England).Cornwall and Cumbria (NE England).

►Eventually the word was only used for Eventually the word was only used for the descendants of the Britons (Celtic the descendants of the Britons (Celtic Britons) in Wales itself.Britons) in Wales itself.

The ‘Welsh’ before Wales.The ‘Welsh’ before Wales.

►The Britons had inhabited the island of The Britons had inhabited the island of Britain for at least one thousand years Britain for at least one thousand years before.before.

►They were the Celts of Britain, and by They were the Celts of Britain, and by the 3the 3rdrd century BC shared the La Tene century BC shared the La Tene Celtic culture of the continent.Celtic culture of the continent.

Found in Tal-y-Llyn.

C150-50BC

Boudica

Boudica of the Iceni

The revolt in 60AD

Magnus Maximus383ADDeclared Emperor in Britain.‘left the nation as one’.

Circa 600-700AD‘Welsh’‘Cymry’‘Britons’

Wales- Cymru- Pays de Wales- Cymru- Pays de GallesGalles

►With the end of the Roman presence in With the end of the Roman presence in Britain (c430AD), and the beginnings Britain (c430AD), and the beginnings of the early medieval period (or as it of the early medieval period (or as it used to called the ‘dark ages’), we see used to called the ‘dark ages’), we see the emergence of Wales as a series of the emergence of Wales as a series of political entities, all contributing to a political entities, all contributing to a sense of independence.sense of independence.


►The colonisation of the east of Britain The colonisation of the east of Britain by Germanic peoples (‘Anglo-Saxons’) by Germanic peoples (‘Anglo-Saxons’) meant that Celtic culture and meant that Celtic culture and language was increasingly restricted language was increasingly restricted to northern and western Britain. to northern and western Britain.

►This is many ways ‘created’ Wales.This is many ways ‘created’ Wales.


►And in mainland Britain it was in Wales, And in mainland Britain it was in Wales, that Celtic culture was mostly preserved that Celtic culture was mostly preserved and promoted after the 6and promoted after the 6thth century AD. century AD.

►Nowhere were the ties to the past Nowhere were the ties to the past stronger.stronger.

►A past which the Welsh remembered as a A past which the Welsh remembered as a Golden Age of British (ie=Celtic) heroes, Golden Age of British (ie=Celtic) heroes, saints and above all political autonomy.saints and above all political autonomy.

Christianity in Early Wales400-1000AD

The Celtic Church in WalesThe Celtic Church in Wales

►Although Christianity was introduced Although Christianity was introduced into Britain under Roman rule, it was into Britain under Roman rule, it was mainly concentrated in the south-east mainly concentrated in the south-east of Britain in urban locations.of Britain in urban locations.

►After the end of Roman rule (c410AD), After the end of Roman rule (c410AD), Christianity in the Celtic west between Christianity in the Celtic west between the fifth and the eighth centuries was the fifth and the eighth centuries was diffused by groups of monks, often led diffused by groups of monks, often led by charismatic leaders.by charismatic leaders.


►Such leaders known as ‘saints’ Such leaders known as ‘saints’ spearheaded the growth of Christianity spearheaded the growth of Christianity in the Celtic west of Britain as the in the Celtic west of Britain as the Anglo-Saxons arrived in the east.Anglo-Saxons arrived in the east.

►The British Celts (Welsh, Cornish, The British Celts (Welsh, Cornish, Cumbrians), the Bretons and the Cumbrians), the Bretons and the Galicians developed a cultural and Galicians developed a cultural and spiritual consciousness which was spiritual consciousness which was clearly identifiable as ‘Atlantic’.clearly identifiable as ‘Atlantic’.


►Shipping routes played an important Shipping routes played an important role in bringing new ideas from one role in bringing new ideas from one region to another.region to another.

►As far as Wales was concerned, the sea As far as Wales was concerned, the sea acted as a major Christianizing acted as a major Christianizing superhighway.superhighway.

►Links between Wales, Cornwall (also Links between Wales, Cornwall (also devon and Somerset), Ireland and devon and Somerset), Ireland and Brittany.Brittany.

The Celtic Saints of WalesThe Celtic Saints of Wales

►The ‘Lives’ of the saints (biographies).The ‘Lives’ of the saints (biographies).►One of the most influential was One of the most influential was St St

Dyfrig Dyfrig (d c 550).(d c 550).►He was undoubtedly one of the first of He was undoubtedly one of the first of

these saints. these saints. ►He was a teacher, bishop and He was a teacher, bishop and

organizer.organizer.


►One of his students was One of his students was St IlltudSt Illtud who who converted his own monastery into a converted his own monastery into a proto-University.proto-University.

►One of his students was One of his students was St Samson St Samson who brought this version of who brought this version of Christianity to Brittany. (The bishopric Christianity to Brittany. (The bishopric of Dol).of Dol).


►The most prominent of all Welsh saints The most prominent of all Welsh saints was was St David St David (d.c.589AD).(d.c.589AD).

►He was the acknowledge abbot-bishop He was the acknowledge abbot-bishop in St David’s in south-west Wales.in St David’s in south-west Wales.

►He lived in an area where was Irish He lived in an area where was Irish influence.influence.

►St David became a potent symbol of the St David became a potent symbol of the distinctive identity of the Welsh Church.distinctive identity of the Welsh Church.


►The hallmark of the monastic settlements The hallmark of the monastic settlements was austerity, simplicity and purity.was austerity, simplicity and purity.

►The most widely used word for church or The most widely used word for church or Christian foundation was Christian foundation was llanllan, a word , a word often followed by a saint’s name:often followed by a saint’s name:

►Llanddewi (the church of St David), Llanddewi (the church of St David), Llanbadarn, Llanilltud.Llanbadarn, Llanilltud.

►Their churches were made of timber, and Their churches were made of timber, and were very small indeed.were very small indeed.

The early Christian treasures of WalesThe Gospels of St Chad730AD

Survival of Latin in The early Welsh church

Survival of Romano-British culture

Cadwgan’s Stone

The Stone of Paulinus Peulin)

The BellOf Gwynhoedl

Cross of Houelt

Cross ofConbelin (Cynfelin)

Cross of Nevern(Nanhyfer)Pembrokeshire

St Melangell


► In inhabitants of Wales were soon cut In inhabitants of Wales were soon cut off from the Britons (ie=Celts) of off from the Britons (ie=Celts) of Cornwall and Cumbria (northern Cornwall and Cumbria (northern Britain) by the expansion of the Britain) by the expansion of the Germanic kingdoms of Wessex, and Germanic kingdoms of Wessex, and Northumbria.Northumbria.

►The Vikings too, who assumed power The Vikings too, who assumed power on the Isle of Man were able to attack on the Isle of Man were able to attack the Welsh coastal areas.the Welsh coastal areas.

Cornwall

Wales

Elmet

Cumbria

Britainc.600AD

The Kings of Early WalesThe Kings of Early Wales

►Cunedda Wledig (Cunedag)Cunedda Wledig (Cunedag)►He and his eight sons left the territory He and his eight sons left the territory

of the Uotadini (Gododdin- today’s of the Uotadini (Gododdin- today’s Scotland) for Gwynedd (NW Wales)Scotland) for Gwynedd (NW Wales)

►They expelled Irish settlers and founded They expelled Irish settlers and founded a new dynasty. The Royal House of a new dynasty. The Royal House of Gwynedd.Gwynedd.

►Rhufoniog; Edeirnion, Ceredigion, Rhufoniog; Edeirnion, Ceredigion, Meirionydd.Meirionydd.


►Other kingdoms were formed in the Other kingdoms were formed in the south of Wales in Dyfed, Brycheiniog south of Wales in Dyfed, Brycheiniog and Morgannwg.and Morgannwg.

► In north central Wales, the kingdom In north central Wales, the kingdom was called Powys- which may possibly was called Powys- which may possibly have existed from Roman times.have existed from Roman times.

►(Paganses)(Paganses)

Irish influence in early WalesIrish influence in early Wales

►During the late Roman period, parts of During the late Roman period, parts of Wales became Irish colonies especially Wales became Irish colonies especially in the NW and SW.in the NW and SW.

► Inscriptions in ogam are found in both Inscriptions in ogam are found in both parts of the country.parts of the country.

► Irish missionaries passed through Wales Irish missionaries passed through Wales on their way to the Continent.on their way to the Continent.

►Some words were borrowed from Irish Some words were borrowed from Irish into Welsh (eg cerbyd=chariot).into Welsh (eg cerbyd=chariot).


►Although Wales was largely a Although Wales was largely a patchwork of small kingdoms until the patchwork of small kingdoms until the 800s, by 855, Rhodri Mawr (‘the 800s, by 855, Rhodri Mawr (‘the Great;’) started to unify Wales.Great;’) started to unify Wales.


► One of the most prominent Welsh kings of One of the most prominent Welsh kings of that time was Rhodri Mawr (Rhodri the that time was Rhodri Mawr (Rhodri the Great), who became ruler of Gwynedd in Great), who became ruler of Gwynedd in 844. He became an internationally famous 844. He became an internationally famous warrior king by defeating the Danes in 856 warrior king by defeating the Danes in 856 AD. He extended his kingdom to all of North AD. He extended his kingdom to all of North and mid Wales.and mid Wales.

Offa’s Dyke-Clawdd OffaOffa’s Dyke-Clawdd Offa


►The opinion today is that Offa’s Dyke The opinion today is that Offa’s Dyke was a boundary, a means of economic was a boundary, a means of economic and political control between Offa and and political control between Offa and the Welsh kings. the Welsh kings.

►The bank itself was 7 meters high, The bank itself was 7 meters high, with a ditch 2 meters deep, and up to with a ditch 2 meters deep, and up to 20 meters wide. This would have made 20 meters wide. This would have made it difficult for troops or livestrock to it difficult for troops or livestrock to cross this cultural, political and cross this cultural, political and linguistic border.linguistic border.


►With the dangers posed by the With the dangers posed by the heathen Vikings, the Welsh made heathen Vikings, the Welsh made alliances with English kingdoms to alliances with English kingdoms to withstand their attacks.withstand their attacks.

►Around 893 the Welsh princes stood Around 893 the Welsh princes stood with their Wessex allies against the with their Wessex allies against the Viking invasion of c893AD.Viking invasion of c893AD.

Hywel DdaThe Lawgiver


►Although Wales was still a collection of Although Wales was still a collection of kingdoms (5 in all), we see the beginnings kingdoms (5 in all), we see the beginnings of a desire for some form of unity.of a desire for some form of unity.

►Under Hywel Dda (Hywel the ‘Good’ who Under Hywel Dda (Hywel the ‘Good’ who was Rhodri’s grandson), Wales codified its was Rhodri’s grandson), Wales codified its law system (no small matter for a nation law system (no small matter for a nation that wants to find a sense of unity). He that wants to find a sense of unity). He had a vast territory which had brought had a vast territory which had brought most of Wales under his rule.most of Wales under his rule.


►Typically, this disintergrated after his Typically, this disintergrated after his death.death.

►Wales had its own version of a civil Wales had its own version of a civil war during the hundred years between war during the hundred years between 950-1050. The two side represented 950-1050. The two side represented the northern kingdom (Gwynedd) and the northern kingdom (Gwynedd) and the southern kingdom (Deheubarth).the southern kingdom (Deheubarth).


►The beginning of the eleventh century saw The beginning of the eleventh century saw the appearance of several new dynasties.the appearance of several new dynasties.

►A certain Llywelyn ap Seisyll became king A certain Llywelyn ap Seisyll became king of Gwynedd around 1010. He extended his of Gwynedd around 1010. He extended his control to include Deheubarth by warfare.control to include Deheubarth by warfare.

►His young son, Gruffudd (ap Llywelyn) took His young son, Gruffudd (ap Llywelyn) took over where his father left off and extended over where his father left off and extended the lands of this Gwynedd dynasty even the lands of this Gwynedd dynasty even further.further.


►Between 1056 and his death in 1064, Between 1056 and his death in 1064, Gruffydd ap Llywelyn ruled the whole Gruffydd ap Llywelyn ruled the whole of Wales, the only Welsh king ever to of Wales, the only Welsh king ever to do this.do this.

►He also played an important part in He also played an important part in English politics; he made alliances English politics; he made alliances many of the English earls. This soured, many of the English earls. This soured, and led finally to the assassination of and led finally to the assassination of Gruffydd.Gruffydd.


►Gwynedd lost its independence and Gwynedd lost its independence and Deheubarth regained theirs.Deheubarth regained theirs.

►England had emerged as a unified England had emerged as a unified kingdom under Alfred, but in Wales kingdom under Alfred, but in Wales were plagued by an adherence to were plagued by an adherence to petty kingdoms and local power.petty kingdoms and local power.


►This early Welsh society had eveolved This early Welsh society had eveolved a kind of ‘tribal’ society in which blood a kind of ‘tribal’ society in which blood relationships were all-important.relationships were all-important.

►This society was found in scattered This society was found in scattered settlements called settlements called maenorsmaenors, groups of , groups of which formed which formed cantrevscantrevs, the basic unit , the basic unit of royal administration.of royal administration.


► By the latter part of the twelfth century, By the latter part of the twelfth century, three Welsh kingdoms stood out: Gwynedd three Welsh kingdoms stood out: Gwynedd (capital: Aberffraw), Powys (capital: (capital: Aberffraw), Powys (capital: Mathrafal) and Deheubarth (capital: Mathrafal) and Deheubarth (capital: Dinefwr).Dinefwr).

► This was called in medieval Latin This was called in medieval Latin WalliaWallia or or Pura WalliaPura Wallia and was seen as being quite and was seen as being quite different to the parts of Wales that came different to the parts of Wales that came increasingly under Norman control the increasingly under Norman control the Marchia WallieMarchia Wallie..


► In that era the dynasties ruling Gwynedd In that era the dynasties ruling Gwynedd became the most important political force in became the most important political force in Wales.Wales.

► The most impressive was Llywelyn ap The most impressive was Llywelyn ap Iorwerth (or Llywelyn the Great). He spent Iorwerth (or Llywelyn the Great). He spent much time fighting against his own much time fighting against his own relatives, until he was the undisputed ruler relatives, until he was the undisputed ruler of Gwynedd, and recognised as such by the of Gwynedd, and recognised as such by the English king John. (Llywelyn married his English king John. (Llywelyn married his daughter).daughter).


► In 1216 he summoned the Welsh In 1216 he summoned the Welsh princes from the south to a kind of princes from the south to a kind of parliament at Aberdyfi.parliament at Aberdyfi.

►He repeated this in 1238 to a kind of He repeated this in 1238 to a kind of privy council at Strata Florida in west privy council at Strata Florida in west Wales.Wales.

►He never called himself ‘prince of He never called himself ‘prince of Wales’ but he clearly was deserving of Wales’ but he clearly was deserving of the title. He died in 1240.the title. He died in 1240.


►His grandson Llywelyn ap Gruffudd. His grandson Llywelyn ap Gruffudd. After an internecine war between the After an internecine war between the sons of LLywelyn ap Iorwerth and also sons of LLywelyn ap Iorwerth and also another by his own brothers, Llywelyn another by his own brothers, Llywelyn ap Gruffudd created a kingdom which ap Gruffudd created a kingdom which came close to covering the whole of came close to covering the whole of Wales, and he declared himself ‘Prince Wales, and he declared himself ‘Prince of Wales’ (Tywysog Cymru).of Wales’ (Tywysog Cymru).


►He created a a Principality of Wales He created a a Principality of Wales composed of Gwynedd, Powys and composed of Gwynedd, Powys and Deheubarth.Deheubarth.

►Eventually hostility developed Eventually hostility developed between Llywelyn and the powerful between Llywelyn and the powerful English king Edward I. Certain English king Edward I. Certain impositions made the Welsh indignant impositions made the Welsh indignant and eventually a revolt ensued.and eventually a revolt ensued.


► Llywelyn was killed shortly before the battle Llywelyn was killed shortly before the battle of Irfon Bridge in mid Wales on 11 of Irfon Bridge in mid Wales on 11 December 1282.December 1282.

► Llywelyn, the last native Prince of Wales, Llywelyn, the last native Prince of Wales, was beheaded.was beheaded.

► His brother Dafydd fought on for another His brother Dafydd fought on for another year.year.

► Welsh independence was at an end. Wales Welsh independence was at an end. Wales became an integral, if troublesome, part of became an integral, if troublesome, part of the realm of England.the realm of England.

The tomb of Llywelyn ab Iorwerth

The Castles of WalesThe Castles of Wales


►Most of the castles in Wales today Most of the castles in Wales today date from the period of the defeat of date from the period of the defeat of the Welsh after 1282the Welsh after 1282

►Dolwyddelan is however a native Dolwyddelan is however a native Welsh Castle:Welsh Castle:

Conwy CastleConwy Castle

Caernarfon CastleCaernarfon Castle


►The great castle of Caernarfon stands The great castle of Caernarfon stands at the junction of the Menai Straits and at the junction of the Menai Straits and the river Seiont.the river Seiont.

► In design the the castle is a long oval In design the the castle is a long oval enclosure running east-west.enclosure running east-west.

►All the castle towers are polygonal, All the castle towers are polygonal, copying possibly designs known copying possibly designs known elsewhere, especially the walls of elsewhere, especially the walls of Constantinople.Constantinople.

Caernarfon Castle Caernarfon Castle

Rhuddlan CastleRhuddlan Castle

Beaumaris Castle AngleseyBeaumaris Castle Anglesey

cymru-wales- le pays de galles. who are the welsh? ► the word ‘welsh’ was given to the celtic-...

Documents

britons celtic britons

welsh celtic britons

celtic west of britain

celtic heroes

celts of britain

western britain

todays wales

emergence of wales