The Struggle 1066 - 1284

To make violent strenuous efforts against opposition is one definition of struggle.  The conquest, colonization, and conversion of Albion between 1066 and 1284 is certainly one such struggle.

The peoples England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales, were all involved in this struggle.  This book by David Carpenter deals mostly with the Welsh and Scottish against the Normans.   Since my own family tree climbing (genealogy) involved the struggle between the Welsh and Normans, it seemed like an important subject to try and get a handle.  The regions and political divisions of Wales were important for me to sort out.   Wales by 1200 AD was a back and forth between the Anglo-Saxon : Norman powers leading to the wars of Edward I.  This book covers the waterfront.

First published in 2003 by Allen Lane, it was then published by Penguin Books in 2004.  Maps and genealogical tables are helpful.  [Includes the dynasty of Gwynedd, Deheubarth, and Powys.]  A good read for those with Welsh genes among the trees...:-).

The Welsh Wars of Edward I

Edward I like to fight.  He was at war with France, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales all at the same time.  This of course cost a lot of money, and Edward I was the first to call the English people together to gain their continual support....and money. [The Parliament it was called.]

Wales had been a difficult problem for those folks from across the Channel.  It took Edward I military determination and castle building to subdue the Welsh.  "The Welsh Wars of Edward I" by John E. Morris is an account of this activity.  He was one of the first historians to apply modern methodology to medieval history studies.  The cover to my copy is shown below.

The book covers the period 1277 to 1296.  For the genealogist, it helps to understand the feudal period and the relationship between the people and the army of the day.  In great detail Morris examines the documents of the day, and evaluates the methods of warfare.  It provides lots of names and events which can help find some folks in the family tree.  At times, it is not what you would call an easy read, but for the detailed person seeking information surrounding this period in Welsh history, it is helpful.  The chapter titles are:
                                      I. England and Wales before 1277
                                     II. An Edwardian Army
                                    III. The War of 1277
                                    IV. The War of 1282 and 1283
                                     V. The Peace Settlement and Rhys's Rising
                                   VI.  The Custom of The March
                                  VII. The Last Rising; Madoc, Maelgwn, and Morgan; 1294 and 1295
                                 VIII. Events Leading from the Welsh Wars

There are a number of pedigrees of families involved in the conflicts which can be very helpful.

The book was originally published by Oxford at the Clarendon Press in 1901.  This copy was published by Combined Books, PA, 1996.