history
The peaceful landscape is in contrast to Wales’ often turbulent history, struggling against invasion both from near neighbours and conquerors from afar. The hills often provided a haven to hide the people from their oppressors and a barrier against less determined enemies.
Early settlers from the continent of Europe built the huge stone structures and burial chambers seen in many parts of the country. Over the centuries others followed and became settled farming communities. They were skilled in metal-working, mining for copper in particular, and developed tools and intricate jewellery. These Celts were known as a powerful people with fierce warriors but their civilisation was marred by inter-tribal warfare and the better disciplined Roman legions were able to conquer and subdue them in much of Europe.
Pentre Ifan burial chamber.
In Britain the Celts retreated to the mountain areas and held on to much of their culture, their language and beliefs. The Brythonic form of the Celtic language took in many Latin words but survived as a distinct, ancient language. The religion of the time, Druidism, was concerned with preserving the traditions, largely relating to the natural world and worshipped the deities that were thought to control it. They glorified warfare, accompanying tribal warriors to the battlefield and celebrating with elaborate feasts. The Romans were able to slaughter the druids but in their 400 year occupation of Britain they never totally subdued the fierce Celtic resistance, preferring to establish forts at strategic sites in both the north and south in order to protect the lead, tin and gold mines.
Even before the Romans left Britain, Goidelic Celts from Ireland began to attack the shores of Wales and to settle there. These two groups of Celtic peoples remained enemies until the end of the 6th century, when the Anglo-Saxons began to invade Wales, then they joined together against the new threat. They gave themselves a new name – Cymry, the people. Further invasions followed by Picts, Vikings and Normans. These latter took some of the best lands and built castles to hold on to their conquests.
Casgwent Castle.
The Middle Ages saw constant resistance by the Welsh princes to domination from England. Llewellyn ap Gruffydd was recognised by the English throne as the Prince of Wales but after he was killed struggling against Edward 1, his lands were confiscated. Edward then appointed his own son to be the first English Prince of Wales and much of Wales was ruled by English barons.
There was constant friction between the Welsh and these lords, the last being an uprising under Owain Glyn Dwr which almost succeeded in overthrowing the English. Laws were then passed to prevent Welshmen from carrying arms and forbidding them from owning land in England or the English towns within Wales. These laws, understandably, caused much dissatisfaction throughout Wales and caused Welsh people to be seen as second-class citizens.
Finally in the 16th century Wales and England were unified by act of parliament. English became the official language of Wales although at that time Welsh people spoke their own language. In the 19th century children were forbidden to speak Welsh in church schools and only in recent times has the language begun to be revived significantly.