Wales annexed (1277-83)

For 200 years the Welsh mountain kingdoms had preserved their independence from permanent English rule. Strong rulers, such as Rhys ap Gruffud (d.1197) or Llywelyn the Great, prince of Gwynedd, (d.1240) had always been a danger to the English border. Llywelyn II was even recognized as Prince of Wales by king Henry III.

When Llywlyn had attacked English border castles in 1277, an English army conquered South Wales and the Welsh king had to make peace. In 1282, Llywelyn and his brother David broke the treaty and once more revived Welsh resistance, but were both killed and defeated in the course of the action. By 1283, Wales was more or less under English control. Edward I split Llywelyn's and David's lands into six new counties, enforced the obeisance of English law, and re-organized the land holdings. Large estates were created and new towns were founded. Hundreds of English and foreign settlers, craftsmen and traders were sent to Wales.

Moreover, Edward built a chain of huge castles to enforce his rule in North Wales. Hardech, Conway, and Caenarvon are among the most famous of these fortifications. In 1301, Edward's eldest son, the later Edward II, was created the first English Prince of Wales.

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