History of Wales 15-HW-CE-11

The course presents the history of Wales from ancient times to the modern era. It begins with a brief introduction to the Celts and discusses the Roman conquest of Britain, paying particular attention to ancient written sources, such as Caesar's Gallic War and the Annals by Tacitus. The effects of the Anglo-Saxon invasions are discussed along with the processes of the Christianization of the British Isles. The medieval period is discussed in detail, with special attention given to the unification of Welsh lands by successful native rulers such as Rhodri Mawr and Gruffydd ap Llywelyn as well as the codification of law attributed to Hywel Dda. The latter lecture is supplemented with discussion of European law from ancient and medieval times. The students are also introduced to primary historical sources from the era (such as Historia Brittonum, Annales Cambriae and legal texts). The final medieval history lectures devote attention to the conquest of Wales by Edward I and the rebellion of Owain Glyndŵr and its aftermath. The lecture on the Tudor period discusses the “acts of union” between England and Wales, the significance of the Reformation and the importance of translating the Bible into Welsh. Subsequently, the course deals with the Stuart period and the situation of Wales during Cromwell’s dictatorship. Lectures about 18th century Wales concentrate mostly on the Methodist Revival as well as on academic and literary activities of the Welsh. The 19th century is discussed in detail. Topics covered include industrialization, changes in society and new ideologies (e.g. the formation of the Working Class, Chartism), the campaign for disestablishment and home rule, the role of Nonconformism in the formation of the Welsh national consciousness, and educational reforms. The source material for this period consist of letters, newspapers/magazines, memoirs, and official documents . The course ends with a look at the twentieth and twenty first centuries, concentrating particularly on the effect of two world wars, the social revolution of the 1960’s and the establishment of the Welsh Assembly as a law making body.