Rats

In the course of human events, there is perhaps no other epidemic that changed the world like "The Black Death".  An inflammatory swelling of a lymph gland, especially in the groin, is called a "bubo".  Being a predominate feature of this epidemic, it came to be called "bubonic plague", and changed the existence of mankind on the surface of this earth.

This plague arrived in central Europe just about the middle of "The Hundred Years War". [See last post of 8/14/14.]  The book above is a good overview and summary of this event.  In his preface Ziegler states:
           "...no one would to-day deny that the Black Death was of the greatest economic and social importance as well as hideously dramatic in it progress."

Well illustrated [many color plates included], it presents 17 chapters on various topics beginning with "Origins and Nature" and ending with "The Effects on the Church and Man's Mind".  For my own family tree climbing chapter 12, "The Welsh Borders, Wales, Ireland, and Scotland", was helpful.

The book was first published in 1969, and reprinted 1993 by Alan Sutton Publishing, Inc., Dover, NH.

Yersinia pestis was the bug.  It was transmitted by infective fleas of rodents or other mammals; and/or direct contact with infected mammals or their products; and/or inhalation of contaminated airborne droplets.  Rats you might say!

The Hundred Years War

The reign of Edward III begins 1337.    It was the same year that Philip VI of France took over the English head Duchy of Guyenne.  Oops...you might say...then Edward III claimed the throne of France.  Then began a long, long, struggle between France and England resulting in what has been called: "The Hundred Years War".  For the genealogist, a century is generally three to four generations of the family tree that must have been involved along the way.  The Welsh had something to do with period of history since the "long-bow" was Welsh.

The text above by Desmond Seward is a very readable book about this time in our JONES family tree.  The English in France 1337 - 1453 is the subtitle.  There is even a description of the "long-bow" pp. 54-55 and other types of weapons used.  The book was first published in 1978, and reprinted by Penguin Books in 1999.  A series of illustrations are used throughout the book which gives help to the visual learner.  A "Chronology" is given on pp. 271 - 273 which was helpful for my own tree climbing experience. [Joan of Arc had something to say about this period of history!]  A sweeping overview it is.

The Greatest Traitor

To label someone a "traitor" is bad enough.  To describe or designate someone "The Greatest Traitor" is certainly going to distinguish this individual.  From one Mortimer (Ian) to another Mortimer (Sir Roger Mortimer) this book is titled as such.

The period of the three Edwards (see last post) was certainly one of turmoil.  The families of the Marches had much to do with this since they saw themselves as "free agents" against the world.  The family of the Mortimers were involved in a number of events that were to shape the history of Wales, and they managed to use both sides (Wales/Plantagenets) against the middle.

The life of Sir Roger Mortimer, ruler of England 1327 - 1330 is the subject.  He is described as "brutal, intelligent, passionate, profligate, imaginative, and violent".  Sounds like most of the feudal lords of the day.  Unpublished primary and secondary sources are used along with a host of published sources. [Given in a selected bibliography pp. 325 - 335.]  The sources are not tied to the text.

At any rate, the text is an interesting account of the times, and gives much detail of  the drama involved.
The book is published by Thomas Dunne Books, St. Martin's Press, NY, 2006.  Anyone interested in reading about this "feudal lord, governor of Ireland, rebel leader, and a dictator of England" this book is for you.  But of course, you will have to decided if Sir Roger is indeed "The Greatest Traitor".

The Three Edwards

The period involving the three Edwards (1272 AD - 1377 AD) was a passive aggressive time for the family tree.  Edward I started thing off with his son Edward II being the first "Prince of Wales".  Edward III ended with a long reign (50 years) bringing a number of military activities to the pages of history.

This book by Costain, first published 1958, is a good, simple, overview of these folks. For Edward I, 19 short chapters are presented.  For Edward II, 11 chapters are written.  For Edward III, 20 chapters.

All "Plantagenets" they were.

A good overview this is.

Edward I, reign started 1272, lasted 35 years.
Edward II, reign started 1307, lasted 19 years.
Edward III, reign started 1327, lasted 50 years.

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...:-).

Castles In Wales

"...to those interested in the spectacle and romance of the past.", this cover states.

First published in 1982, by a joint endeavor from the Wales Tourist Board and the Automobile Association, it contains reviews of over 80 castles.  Since Edward I started things off,  the Edwardian castles were intended to be a permanent reminder that "subordination" was the order of the day.

The castles "A to Z" is presented.  Abergavenny Castle to White Castle...hum...no Zs...are shown with pictures, history, and some stories.  What a deal for those romantics.  Time charts, motor tours, and road maps are included.  A reference and resource indeed it is.

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.