/r/HistoryWales

Photograph via snooOG

A subreddit to discuss the history of Wales and the Welsh People.

Subreddit er mwyn sgwrsio am hanes Cymru a'r Cymry.

Welcome to /r/HistoryWales, a community to discuss anything pertaining to the history of Wales or the Welsh people!

Croeso i /r/HistoryWales, cymuned i sgwrsio am unrhywbeth sy'n ymwneud â hanes Cymru a'r Cymry!

Rules:

  • Be civil to one another - no personal attacks, and no bigotry. Simple enough.
  • The primary languages of this subreddit are English and Welsh; if you wish to post in another language let us now what language that is so we can moderate it.
  • Anything prior to the 21st Century is considered history to keep things simple.
  • Please keep politics to a minimum if not in a historical context.

Related Subredditts

/r/HistoryWales

13,462 Subscribers

7

Need help with Welsh history

Good day, evening, or whatever time it may be.

My name is Roman, and I’m creating my own indie game in the visual novel genre. Let me say this upfront: this is not a game for teenage girls. No porn, no anime, no pixel art — think of it as an interactive Game of Thrones with maximum realism and brutality.

Now, about the novel itself: it’s a detective story with elements of mysticism and horror. Here’s the synopsis:
"The Hundred Years' War. An English Dominican monk, Hubert, is sent to the English camp near Orléans. Upon arrival, he learns that a 'beast' has been terrorizing the area, killing English soldiers. At first, Hubert doesn’t believe it, assuming the murders are the work of French forces trying to intimidate the English. But soon, he witnesses one of his companions being killed by a werewolf with his own eyes. Hubert’s task is to uncover the truth of what’s happening here."

One of the main characters in my novel is the commander of a unit of Welsh hobelars. He fights for the English, but… not everything is as it seems.))) Apologies, but I can’t disclose too many plot details just yet. However, I promise this will be one of the deepest and most tragic characters in the novel.

Since I want to make the novel as authentic as possible, may I ask you for help with certain Welsh phrases, names and songs? I’m specifically interested in the period between 1410 and 1428. We can stretch this a bit, let’s say up to 1450.

I’ll mention upfront that I’m using Google as much as possible, but there are some things only native Welsh speakers would know. I promise to credit everyone who helps consult me in the game’s acknowledgments. Thank you in advance!

20 Comments
2024/11/20
19:10 UTC

8

Is this church built within an ancient 'druidical circle'? Ysbyty Cynfyn - Wales

0 Comments
2024/11/20
11:42 UTC

12

Aerial views of ancient Wales

2 Comments
2024/11/16
11:48 UTC

46

Carreg Coetan Arthur -Neolithic Cromlech in Pembrokeshire, Wales

0 Comments
2024/11/16
11:39 UTC

5

What does ‘Nadolig Llawen’ mean?

Nadolig Llawen: Merry Christmas

Anyone with some insights into etymology or other festive Cymraeg words?

Art by Joshua Morgan, Sketchy Welsh

3 Comments
2024/11/13
20:26 UTC

23

Medieval Wales history blog

Last year I wrote a history blog about medieval Wales, and specifically the Kingdom of Gwynedd, please feel free to read and comment... Enjoy!

https://teyrnasguynet.blogspot.com/?m=1

5 Comments
2024/11/08
11:18 UTC

9

Route guide for the Druids Stone Circle above Penmaenmawr in North Wales, UK. Actually erected long before Druids were using it this neolithic stone circle was built around 6000 years ago!

1 Comment
2024/11/01
10:52 UTC

6

Origins of Halloween in Wales - Nos Calan Gaeaf

2 Comments
2024/10/29
18:40 UTC

9

Who is the Man Buried in the Wall of Cardiff Museum and does his Ghost Haunt it?

0 Comments
2024/10/21
13:49 UTC

7

Ystum Cegid Isaf - Remains of a larger monument? - Exploring Prehistory in North Wales

0 Comments
2024/10/21
09:57 UTC

7

I made a short film about the man who is buried in the walls of Cardiff museum and his ghost who is said to haunt the place:

0 Comments
2024/10/14
15:14 UTC

7

The Finest Ancient Ring Cairn In Wales - Bryn Cader Faner

0 Comments
2024/10/13
16:31 UTC

26

Welsh Rebellions from Welsh Histories

Before Owain Glyndŵr, there was Owain ap Thomas ap Rhodri (1330 - July 1378).

Owain, better known today as Owain Lawgoch, was a Welsh soldier who fought for the French, whilst leading a free company (a mercenary army), against the English in the Hundred Years' War (1337–1453).

Most interestingly, he was a senior descendant of Llywelyn Fawr of House Aberffraw - giving Lawgoch a strong claim on the titles "Prince of Gwynedd" and "Prince of Wales".

It was in Paris in May of 1372 when Owain would announce his intention on claiming the throne of Cymru and, with the financial support of French King Charles V (21 January 1338 – 16 September 1380), he set out to reclaim his family's traditional Kingdom.

He would prove to be a formidable thorn in the side of the English, who began to fear the potential ramifications of his claim. So much so, in fact, that the English establishment sought the aid of an assassin, John Lamb of Scotland, to take down Owain. He succeeded in killing Owain in July of 1378 and was rewarded a large sum of £20.

Lawgoch is today buried at the Church of St. Leger, near Cognac, France and a memorial at Lawgoch's death location was unveiled Mortagne-sur-Gironde in 2003. He is a hero of Cymru whose name should never be forgotten.

0 Comments
2024/09/15
04:47 UTC

8

New Power Metal Album: Hic Sunt Dracones – Dive into Welsh Myths and Legends

We just released a new power metal album called "Hic Sunt Dracones," and if you're into epic fantasy and mythological storytelling, you’ll want to check this out. The album dives deep into the myths and legends of ancient Wales, drawing inspiration from the Mabinogion and legendary figures like Bran the Blessed and Rhiannon. Each track is like a journey into a forgotten realm, filled with mythical creatures, gods, and battles of epic proportions.

If you love bands like Battlelore or Blind Guardian, you'll definitely enjoy the mix of symphonic metal and heavy, heroic riffs we’ve crafted. From the atmospheric opening with "Arawn's Call" to the powerful closing track about the Lady of the Lake, this album takes you straight into the heart of ancient Celtic lore. Let us know what you think and where the dragons take you!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ek69p6Awe7M&list=OLAK5uy_nfpY22yKvwdtLSgXCErcTJEIJD7TiA9Nc

2 Comments
2024/09/13
21:13 UTC

27

Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch

Llan: church land/parish/linked to root for ‘land’ Fair: Mary (Mair) Pwll: pool/pit/a hollow Gwyn: white Gyll: hazels (cyll) Go ger: fairly near Y chwyrndrobwll: the fierce whirlpool Llantysilio: church of Tysilio Ogof: a cave Goch: red (Coch)

Image by Joshua Morgan, Sketchy Welsh www.sketchywelsh.com

0 Comments
2024/09/12
20:26 UTC

6

Status of Women in Medieval Wales?

Do we know what was the general role women played in pre-14 century Wales society? Was it similar or different to other nations? Were there famous example of Welsh women from this time?

2 Comments
2024/09/12
19:00 UTC

31

Wales from the 1930s to the 1970s and was the photographer of record in Welsh-speaking Wales for most of that period. Today his archive is one of the treasures of the National Library of Wales.

2 Comments
2024/09/12
14:55 UTC

57

A day in the life of Welsh Histories

I can't possibly begin to imagine why but some people, for some strange reason, equate anti-Edward Longshanks leaning posts with anglophobia. It's maddening!

1 Comment
2024/09/11
11:25 UTC

211

Courtesy of Welsh Histories

Here's a homemade meme.

To English royalist historians, Edward I is often remembered as one of the most successful Kings of England.

To the Welsh and Scots, however, his place in history is forever cemented as being the primary historical enemy.

A cruel and vicious King who attempted to eradicate us.

28 Comments
2024/09/07
03:31 UTC

5

Bow and Blade Podcast: The Battle of Bryn Glas (1402)

Short description in Medievalists.Net

0 Comments
2024/09/03
13:09 UTC

8

Ffigyrau di-glywed yn Hanes a soni yn hoffi bach o wybodaeth ar, os bosib. Some obscure figures in History that I'd like some help/information on?

I'm writing this mainly in reference to one figure I've heard of, but seen so very little of, being that of Bywyr Lew ap Bywydeg. I've seen nothing according to general history on this figure (Wikipedia, Journal Articles, University reports) excluding a varying amount of Genealogy sites, Family Tree and so forth. Is there anything we know about this figure apart from his death date and death area essentially? Did he do anything notable in the history of Powys and Pengwern, or in the wider Briton scale? I thank all that give any sort of answer or even better, sources of any according reliability, it's just so obscure and I'd love to be able to read further into this figure.

Y rhynig rheswm dwi'n ysgrifennu am ydi ambod o'r son o un ffigwr dwi wedi clywad amdan, ond di weld dimbyd amdan heblaw am y pethau coedan teulu ma ti weld weithiau, dwi heb gweld dim taflen prifysgol na wicipedia na'm byd felna, y rhynig wybodaeth fedrai gael ar, i weld, ydi dyddiad bosib marwolaeth ac ardal byw. Wnaeth y ffigwr yma wneud rhywbeth enwedig yn hanes Powys a Pengwern neu yn y edrychiad fwy o sgop Brythoneg? Dwi'n diolch i unrhyw un sydd hefo unrhyw atebion neu ffynhonnellau o unrhyw fath, ma'r ffigwr yma yn un unigryw a soni hoffi gallu ddarllan fwy fewn i'r berson ma.

Diolch yn fawr i unrhyw un sydd yn ateb (Thanks to any and all that answer!)

0 Comments
2024/09/01
07:53 UTC

40

Courtesy of Welsh Histories Facebook Page

The Edwardian Conquest of Wales by Edward I (often known as Edward Longshanks) took place between 1277 and 1283. It culminated with the deaths/executions of Llywelyn (1282) and Dafydd ap Gruffydd (1283), the last of the native Princes of Wales.

A couple of descendants would claim the title in the coming years, such as the rebels Madog ap Llywelyn (Welsh Revolt of 1294–95) and, most notably, Owain Glyndŵr (Glyndŵr Uprising of 1400-1415).

Edward Longshanks would be remembered for centuries in Cymru as a cruel tyrant who ended Welsh sovereignty.

4 Comments
2024/08/28
10:26 UTC

40

Per Welsh Histories: Betsi Cadwaladr

Betsi Cadwaladr (1789-1860) was from a working-class background at a time when being a working class woman often meant a lifetime of housework. She would instead prove to be one of the most significant figures in healthcare - a moderniser who recognised the importance of cleaning wounds and keeping them clean.

Whilst a mutual respect would grow between the two, Betsi would often butt heads with the other most famous nurse of the Crimean War, Florence Nightingale - a woman from a very opposite background to Betsi. It is believed she would initially sneer at the Welshwoman but come to respect her and her methods.

One of the more well-known comments Betsi made to Florence was: "Do you think I am a dog or an animal to make me over? I have a will of my own." - This came after Nightingale attempted to bar Cadwaladr from working in Crimea, perhaps fearing the rise of Betsi as a famed nurse in her own right.

2 Comments
2024/08/27
06:36 UTC

58

Courtesy of Welsh Histories Facebook Page

I mean, is it wrong?

3 Comments
2024/08/26
04:47 UTC

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