Croeso!

Wales is one of four constituent countries of the United Kingdom and is located on the island of Great Britain. While English is the majority language spoken in Wales, around 30% of the current Welsh population still speaks Welsh, the original Celtic language which developed in Wales.

Integration into England

While the Romans (in GB from 43-410 AD) were setting up towns in what is now England, they never managed to conquer the whole of Wales which was then a region of various Celtic kingdoms. The Anglo-Saxons also didin't manage to get Wales.

Norman Period

It was only after the Norman Conquest of England in 1066 where Norman nobility began to build or persuade marcher lordships, which were basically semi-independent kingdoms who pledged allegiance to the English crown.

Llywelyn the Great

Llywelyn the Great (1173-1240) was a smart king and Prince of Wales who managed to consolidate much of Wales under a single banner through alliance and war and defeated most of the before-mentioned Anglo-Norman marcher lords, causing English influence to temporarily wane over Wales.

Welsh Wars

He was succeeded by Llywelyn ap Gruffudd or Llywelyn the Last (1246-1282) and was declared Prince of Wales, as stated by the Treaty of Montgomery (1267) which officialized his title and had England recognize his rule over Wales as legitimate. In return, Wales would show homage (submission) to England.

Tensions were already souring due to Llywelyn showing signs of disobedience, but Edward I, king of England, finally reacted when Llywelyn married Eleanor de Montfort who was a descendant of English nobles in 1275 without Edward's permission. Long story short it esclatated into the First Welsh War and ended with Llywelyn giving up land and pay war reperations.

Second Welsh War

Llywelyn rose up in 1282 with his brother, Dafydd ap Gruffudd, and was killed in December during a military skimrish. Dafydd was later captured and executed by the English. The power vaccuum allowed England to claim full control over Wales (since there was no one to lead Wales anymore) and Edward later in 1301 even made his son, future Edward II, Prince of Wales (which is a tradition that still goes on today).