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.