Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
c 410
The Romans pull out of Britain and the empire starts to crumble. A number of disparate kingdoms
emerge in Wales, including Morgannwg (Glamorgan), Gwent, Dyfed, Gwynedd and Powys.
5th century
The Saxons and other Germanic tribes arrive in Britain, eventually overrunning all of England. The
Celtic Britons hold fast in the west where a separate Welsh identity starts to form.
6th century
Wales enters the 'Age of Saints'. Religious communities spring up all over the country, including the
one founded in Pembrokeshire by Wales' patron saint, David.
1066
The Normans invade England. By 1086 the Kingdom of Gwent has fallen and there are Norman
castles in Chepstow, Monmouth and Caerleon, controlled by the powerful Marcher Lords.
1134
Robert, the eldest son of William the Conqueror, dies in Cardif Castle, where he had been im-
prisoned for many years by his brother, Henry II of England.
13th century
Llywelyn ap Grufydd emerges as a unifying Welsh leader but is trounced by Edward I, who builds a
ring of castles to suppress the Welsh uprising.
1301
Edward I formally invests his son Edward with the title Prince of Wales, starting the tradition where
the heir-apparent to the English throne is granted that title.
1400
Welsh nationalist hero Owain Glyndŵr leads the Welsh in rebellion and is declared 'Prince of Wales'
by his followers, but his rebellion is short-lived and victory leeting.
1536 & 1543
The Tudor Acts of Union introduced by Henry VIII unite Wales and England, granting equal rights
and parliamentary representation, but make English the main language.
