The Battle Of Irfon Bridge - The Big Lie?
First a Proposal: That there be held annually a Welsh Battles Conference, possibly at the Cae Beris Manor Hotel, Builth Wells over weekend closest to the annual anniversary of the death of Llywelyn ap Gruffydd on 11 Rhagfyr 1282. Such conference, possibly a weekend event with on the Saturday there being held the conference and evening social activity. On the Sunday there being a morning workshop and then after dinner an outing to locations associated with the Battle/Massacre of Irfon Bridge 11 Rhagfyr 1282. (See useful information links below). This Welsh Battles Conference would become an annual event, but in the first instance with it's proposed launch this December 2007, I suggest much attention is given to the Battle/Massacre of Irfon Bridge. Noting that the Caer Beris Hotel is ideally situated close to the site of this tragic event, so making it possible to make a walking tour of the site at any time over the weekend. However, who will organise such a conference, as I am not in position to do so. Thus, myself favour the Welsh Section of the Battlefield Trust being responsible, I shall propose this to they. failing they, then if enough people show an interest and would be prepared to help each other organise and attend such conference, then I will put such enthusiasts in touch with each other to discuss and possibly organise my proposal. Failing these endeavours, then I suggest that those who are in favour of such proposal but are not in position to commit, all such persons just meet up at the Caer Beris Manor over weekend of 8&9 December to discuss my propsal and see if it can be taken further in coming year of 2008 and beyond. At same time you will have plenty of opportunity to tour the locations associated with the Battle/Massacre? and with the death of Llywelyn ap Gruffydd. It is hoped that over years ahead papers will be produced on subject of Welsh Battles, not least papers detirmining the truth of the events of December 1282 as made in the account researched and written by Anthony H.Edwards. Now Read On:
Battle or Massacre?
For many 100’s of years the accepted account of this battle and the account of the death of Llywelyn ap Gruffydd has been passed down and accepted, even by establishment Welsh Historians. It is a version based on the Chronicle of Walter of Guisborough. However, in recent years this account has been significantly challenged by historian Anthony Edwards in a number of essays published and available to the public. We would certainly call upon Cymric patriots to obtain these publications, read and pass on their important information to a wider Cymric public by all means possible. It is centrally the most worthy of ways we can commemorate the death of Llywelyn ap Gruffydd, is by doing all possible to ensure that the truth as to the tragedy of 11 Rhagfyr 1282 becomes the more accepted account. We should not believe nor commemorate the lies to cover up the treachery of the Anglo – Normans and also that of the Cymric “Betrayal in the Belfry of Bangor’’.
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This true account is most eloquently put in the following publications:· Marwoliaeth Llywelyn ap Gruffydd – Y Gwirionedd 1987.· The Ghosts on the Fairway – The Army that vanished 1988.· Appointment at Aberedwy – Death of Llywelyn ap Gruffydd 1992.· Letters of a peace maker 1998.· The Massacre at Aberedw 1999.Publications from address as follows: Anthony Edwards Hafodty Uchaf, Tregarth, Gwynedd, Cymru.
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Other works worth reading are:
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Other works worth reading are:
* The standard work is of course Llywelyn ap Gruffudd by J. Beverly Smith, UWP 1998. A weighty book but a must read for the enthusiast, stacked with excellent detailed information. However, it favours the ''English Dogma''.
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* Further, most important read writings of Edgar Pritchard on ‘Y Croes Naid’ and other stolen national treasures of the Cymry taken by Edward 1 on the Conquest of Cymru 1282 - 83.* Check out the Bibliographies for further reading material plus of course do a web search. Plus search out articles in journals.
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Following is an introduction to the case put forward and written by Anthony Edwards himself, which argues against acceptance of that account of events as written by Walter of Guisborough and then slavishly followed by many historians, unfortunately many of them Welsh. From Appointment in Aberedwy, the main points made by Anthony H.Edwards:
* Further, most important read writings of Edgar Pritchard on ‘Y Croes Naid’ and other stolen national treasures of the Cymry taken by Edward 1 on the Conquest of Cymru 1282 - 83.* Check out the Bibliographies for further reading material plus of course do a web search. Plus search out articles in journals.
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Following is an introduction to the case put forward and written by Anthony Edwards himself, which argues against acceptance of that account of events as written by Walter of Guisborough and then slavishly followed by many historians, unfortunately many of them Welsh. From Appointment in Aberedwy, the main points made by Anthony H.Edwards:
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*The Chronicle of Walter of Guisborough has been generally accepted as a true account of the death of Llywelyn ap Gruffydd but there are serious reasons to doubt it’s accuracy. It is the only account to speak of a battle on a bridge and the discovery of a ford as an alternative crossing. This recalls the battle of Stirling bridge in 1297. In fact so close is the account to the chronicler’s own record of that battle that it must have been written after 1297. at least fifthteen years after the “Welsh battle”, and at roughly the same time as the investiture of the first English Prince of Wales in 1301. Efforts were then made to present him as a ruler worthy of the loyalty who had gained his title with honour. No mention is made of the intrigues on the English side and Llywelyn is shown acting in a foolish and cowardly manner. As if to lend credibility to his story all manner of detailed information is given including the actual words spoken in battle. How could the writer have gained this information?
*The Chronicle of Walter of Guisborough has been generally accepted as a true account of the death of Llywelyn ap Gruffydd but there are serious reasons to doubt it’s accuracy. It is the only account to speak of a battle on a bridge and the discovery of a ford as an alternative crossing. This recalls the battle of Stirling bridge in 1297. In fact so close is the account to the chronicler’s own record of that battle that it must have been written after 1297. at least fifthteen years after the “Welsh battle”, and at roughly the same time as the investiture of the first English Prince of Wales in 1301. Efforts were then made to present him as a ruler worthy of the loyalty who had gained his title with honour. No mention is made of the intrigues on the English side and Llywelyn is shown acting in a foolish and cowardly manner. As if to lend credibility to his story all manner of detailed information is given including the actual words spoken in battle. How could the writer have gained this information?
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*The chronicle says “Llywelyn came down from the mountains with one man at arms to determine by stealth whether the valley folk remained loyal to him as before”. This is unlikely behaviour for a commander on the eve of battle and in context of the country at Builth is incomprehensible. The chronicler is thinking of the wide plain besides the river fourth in Scotland.
*The chronicle says “Llywelyn came down from the mountains with one man at arms to determine by stealth whether the valley folk remained loyal to him as before”. This is unlikely behaviour for a commander on the eve of battle and in context of the country at Builth is incomprehensible. The chronicler is thinking of the wide plain besides the river fourth in Scotland.
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*He continues “He left his entire army in a hill above the river called wye and his men took possession of Irfon Bridge”. The wooden bridge over the Fourth at Stirling played a vital part in the strategy of the battle. The Irfon Bridge was of little importance as the Irfon can be forded in many places.
*He continues “He left his entire army in a hill above the river called wye and his men took possession of Irfon Bridge”. The wooden bridge over the Fourth at Stirling played a vital part in the strategy of the battle. The Irfon Bridge was of little importance as the Irfon can be forded in many places.
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*A wholly incredible part of the narrative begins when Llywelyn is described as hiding in the barn at Llanfair when the noise of the battle reaches him. Llanfair must refer to St Mary’s church, about 700 yards from Builth Castle and on the wrong side of Irfon Bridge. He is still accompanied by the one man at arms, and he is then reported as making some boastful remarks. Boastfulness was part of the Welsh stereotype seen again in Shakespeare’s caricature of Glyndwr. The story of his death at the hands of a soldier who did not know his identity is impossible to reconcile neither with the certain testimony of John Peckham nor with the elegy of Gruffydd ab yr Ynad Goch which states that there were eighteen men with him when he was overcome.
*A wholly incredible part of the narrative begins when Llywelyn is described as hiding in the barn at Llanfair when the noise of the battle reaches him. Llanfair must refer to St Mary’s church, about 700 yards from Builth Castle and on the wrong side of Irfon Bridge. He is still accompanied by the one man at arms, and he is then reported as making some boastful remarks. Boastfulness was part of the Welsh stereotype seen again in Shakespeare’s caricature of Glyndwr. The story of his death at the hands of a soldier who did not know his identity is impossible to reconcile neither with the certain testimony of John Peckham nor with the elegy of Gruffydd ab yr Ynad Goch which states that there were eighteen men with him when he was overcome.
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*The whole account is a work of fiction, based on the battle of Stirling, created to discredit and belittle Llywelyn and to favour acceptance of the English prince. Some minor features of the story are so accurate that it is certain that Walter of Guisborough had a truthful record of the events before him when he wrote his fable. My book takes another look at the evidence and is an attempt to put the record straight.
*The whole account is a work of fiction, based on the battle of Stirling, created to discredit and belittle Llywelyn and to favour acceptance of the English prince. Some minor features of the story are so accurate that it is certain that Walter of Guisborough had a truthful record of the events before him when he wrote his fable. My book takes another look at the evidence and is an attempt to put the record straight.
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*Anthony Edwards © 2005.*Hopefully, the above will have greatly aroused your curiosity regards wanting to know not only the truth of what occurred in this area of Buellt on and around 11 Rhagfyr 1282 but of the plot put into action prior to that day to murder Llywelyn ap Gruffydd, ‘Tywysog Cymru’. It is a tragic truth that our people must fully be informed and appreciative of, as to just how the completion of the conquest of Cymru was achieved by this assassination of the last prince of Gwynedd, a royal dynasty that had existed from the ‘Age of Cunedda’.
*Anthony Edwards © 2005.*Hopefully, the above will have greatly aroused your curiosity regards wanting to know not only the truth of what occurred in this area of Buellt on and around 11 Rhagfyr 1282 but of the plot put into action prior to that day to murder Llywelyn ap Gruffydd, ‘Tywysog Cymru’. It is a tragic truth that our people must fully be informed and appreciative of, as to just how the completion of the conquest of Cymru was achieved by this assassination of the last prince of Gwynedd, a royal dynasty that had existed from the ‘Age of Cunedda’.
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The above and following is indebted to Anthony Edwards ‘Appointment in Aberedwy’.*The accepted dogma: From Walter of Guisborough to our own historians as J.Beverly Smith would have us accept and believe that Llywelyn III was killed by accident – a chance encounter in area of Cefn y Bedd (near Cilmeri). However, Anthony Edwards points towards the tragedy of the death of Llywelyn III having taken place near Aberedw and makes good case for Llywelyn III having been deliberately lured to a meeting and there either, he and the 18 men of his retinue were ambushed and all killed. Alternativelly they were attacked during course of a meeting Llywelyn III and Llywelyn was mortally wounded by being struck down from behind and then his retinue was attacked and killed to the last man standing. Alternatively in the ambush Llywelyn was quickly felled and taken prisoner and later in cold blood murdered by beheading, possibly in what has since been named 'Ogof Llywelyn'.
The above and following is indebted to Anthony Edwards ‘Appointment in Aberedwy’.*The accepted dogma: From Walter of Guisborough to our own historians as J.Beverly Smith would have us accept and believe that Llywelyn III was killed by accident – a chance encounter in area of Cefn y Bedd (near Cilmeri). However, Anthony Edwards points towards the tragedy of the death of Llywelyn III having taken place near Aberedw and makes good case for Llywelyn III having been deliberately lured to a meeting and there either, he and the 18 men of his retinue were ambushed and all killed. Alternativelly they were attacked during course of a meeting Llywelyn III and Llywelyn was mortally wounded by being struck down from behind and then his retinue was attacked and killed to the last man standing. Alternatively in the ambush Llywelyn was quickly felled and taken prisoner and later in cold blood murdered by beheading, possibly in what has since been named 'Ogof Llywelyn'.
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* Certainly if we accept the dogma then we go along with the English version of events deliberately concocted for reasons aforementioned and which Anthony Edwards enlarges on in his writings and which you must obtain and read in full. All patriots must now make every effort to fully inform themselves of all the information and detail he gives and thus become fully aware of the whole awful truth. That truth is one of a great treachery in both its plotting and brutal conclusion in the assassination of a most noble Prince and leader of his countrymen in defence of their homeland's freedom and people’s century’s old liberties. There is something else most worthy of our patriotic consideration and it is this, accepting the dogma not only hides the treachery but paints a picture of a boastful and deceitful Llywelyn III “scurrying around in bushes as if a frightened rabbit” to be killed as if by passing chance. If we refute the English dogma then we see a Llywelyn III as the bards seen him, as a most courageous warrior not one to run and certainly not one to surrender his life as easy as the English dogma suggests.
* Certainly if we accept the dogma then we go along with the English version of events deliberately concocted for reasons aforementioned and which Anthony Edwards enlarges on in his writings and which you must obtain and read in full. All patriots must now make every effort to fully inform themselves of all the information and detail he gives and thus become fully aware of the whole awful truth. That truth is one of a great treachery in both its plotting and brutal conclusion in the assassination of a most noble Prince and leader of his countrymen in defence of their homeland's freedom and people’s century’s old liberties. There is something else most worthy of our patriotic consideration and it is this, accepting the dogma not only hides the treachery but paints a picture of a boastful and deceitful Llywelyn III “scurrying around in bushes as if a frightened rabbit” to be killed as if by passing chance. If we refute the English dogma then we see a Llywelyn III as the bards seen him, as a most courageous warrior not one to run and certainly not one to surrender his life as easy as the English dogma suggests.
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So the choice is yours, which version of events would you accept as the truth? The Search for the truth? For many years patriots rather blindly have accepted the English version of events, largely due to fact that there is at Cilmeri a memorial which in our own contemporary times was established in 1956 as if “Monumental Rock” testifying to the “truth” of Llywelyn III’s “accidental death” closes by at Cefn y Bedd. This has been further made more acceptable by virtue of fact that since 1966 there has been held annually in December a patriotic commemorative Rally and thus, this event often noted in the media and seen on television has unfortunately contributed to hiding a greater truth. This year (2006) the Cilmeri memorial, now seen as a national ‘Cofia 1282 Cenotaph’ marks it’s 50th anniversary, in the same year the annual Cilmeri rally founded by an “Alternative Nationalist Movement”, the Patriotic Front in 1966 marks it’s 40th anniversary. It is with these anniversaries arising not least the important one which falls in 2007, that being the 725th anniversary of the death of Llywelyn ap Gruffydd, 'Tywysog Gwynedd', 'Tywysog Cymru'. Thus it is pertinent and incumbent upon us that we not only consider more closely the death of Llywelyn III on 11 Rhagfyr 1282 according to the case Anthony Edwards presents but that if accepting his account as the more truthful patriotic record of events. Then surely we must now best consider how we annually commemorate such patriotic truth and perhaps in 2007 memorialise it in such way that it’s historical account will at the very least stand in light of day along side the less and less, I hope accepted English dogma.
So the choice is yours, which version of events would you accept as the truth? The Search for the truth? For many years patriots rather blindly have accepted the English version of events, largely due to fact that there is at Cilmeri a memorial which in our own contemporary times was established in 1956 as if “Monumental Rock” testifying to the “truth” of Llywelyn III’s “accidental death” closes by at Cefn y Bedd. This has been further made more acceptable by virtue of fact that since 1966 there has been held annually in December a patriotic commemorative Rally and thus, this event often noted in the media and seen on television has unfortunately contributed to hiding a greater truth. This year (2006) the Cilmeri memorial, now seen as a national ‘Cofia 1282 Cenotaph’ marks it’s 50th anniversary, in the same year the annual Cilmeri rally founded by an “Alternative Nationalist Movement”, the Patriotic Front in 1966 marks it’s 40th anniversary. It is with these anniversaries arising not least the important one which falls in 2007, that being the 725th anniversary of the death of Llywelyn ap Gruffydd, 'Tywysog Gwynedd', 'Tywysog Cymru'. Thus it is pertinent and incumbent upon us that we not only consider more closely the death of Llywelyn III on 11 Rhagfyr 1282 according to the case Anthony Edwards presents but that if accepting his account as the more truthful patriotic record of events. Then surely we must now best consider how we annually commemorate such patriotic truth and perhaps in 2007 memorialise it in such way that it’s historical account will at the very least stand in light of day along side the less and less, I hope accepted English dogma.
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End.
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USEFULL INFORMATION REGARDS WEEKEND PRE XMAS BREAK.
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Builth CastleHistory, location details and photographs of the former castle at Builth Wells.www.castlewales.com/builth.html - 11k - Cached - Similar pages
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USEFULL INFORMATION REGARDS WEEKEND PRE XMAS BREAK.
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Builth CastleHistory, location details and photographs of the former castle at Builth Wells.www.castlewales.com/builth.html - 11k - Cached - Similar pages
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Aberedw Castle - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaThe remains of the Aberedw Castle, also known as Castle in Elvayl Huchmenyt [1], are located in the small village Aberedw located in historically known ...en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aberedw_Castle - 19k - Cached - Similar pages
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Aberedew a Swansea and Brecon Diocesan Church.Aberedew a Church in Swansea and Brecon. ... There are many references in Kilvert to Aberedw and the nearby rocks which was a popular beauty spot in ...www.churchinwales.org.uk/swanbrec/churches/builth/5928.html - 7k - Cached - Similar pages
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ourpasthistory.com: Masonry CastlesCaer Beris Motte, Llangantan; Llanganten, Brecknockshire, Earthworks. Castell Blaenllynfi, Blaen Llyfni; Blaen Lleveny; Blaenllyfni, Brecknockshire ...www.ourpasthistory.com/medieval/?c=Masonry-Castles - 70k - Cached - Similar pages
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Builth Wells Hotel :: Caer Beris Manor Hotel in WalesCaer Beris Manor Hotel, Builth Wells. Mid Wales. Fine Welsh cuisine in our restaurants, well stocked bar and comfortable accommodation.www.caerberis.co.uk/ - 6k - Cached - Similar pages
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Abbey CwmhirThe ruins of Abbey Cwmhir lie in the secluded valley of the Clywedog brook in a remote and delightfully scenic location typical of those chosen by the ...www.castlewales.com/cwmhir.html - 7k - Cached - Similar pages
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The Eating Out Guide - Seven Stars InnA warm welcome awaits you at The Seven Stars Inn, a 13th Century Inn situated in the peaceful village setting of Aberedw where Llywelyn ap Gryffydd, ...eatingoutguide.uk.com/business.asp?id=1527 - 14k - Cached - Similar pages
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Happy Unionvillage pub in abbeycwmhir,powys called the happy union with a strange pub ... The Happy Union Inn , a pub that does not lean towards modern day pubs in ...www.abbeycwmhir.org.uk/id6.html - 18k - Cached - Similar pages[ More results from www.abbeycwmhir.org.uk ]
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Prince Llewelyn Inn, Cilmeri Prince Llewelyn Inn, Cilmeri. Home ~ HoWL ~ Cilmeri ~ Map. 01982 552694.www.heart-of-wales.co.uk/cilmeri/llewelyn.htm - 2k - Cached - Similar pages
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Have a good and useful weekend.
Hwyl!
Gethin ap Gruffydd.
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Aberedew a Swansea and Brecon Diocesan Church.Aberedew a Church in Swansea and Brecon. ... There are many references in Kilvert to Aberedw and the nearby rocks which was a popular beauty spot in ...www.churchinwales.org.uk/swanbrec/churches/builth/5928.html - 7k - Cached - Similar pages
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ourpasthistory.com: Masonry CastlesCaer Beris Motte, Llangantan; Llanganten, Brecknockshire, Earthworks. Castell Blaenllynfi, Blaen Llyfni; Blaen Lleveny; Blaenllyfni, Brecknockshire ...www.ourpasthistory.com/medieval/?c=Masonry-Castles - 70k - Cached - Similar pages
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Builth Wells Hotel :: Caer Beris Manor Hotel in WalesCaer Beris Manor Hotel, Builth Wells. Mid Wales. Fine Welsh cuisine in our restaurants, well stocked bar and comfortable accommodation.www.caerberis.co.uk/ - 6k - Cached - Similar pages
.
Abbey CwmhirThe ruins of Abbey Cwmhir lie in the secluded valley of the Clywedog brook in a remote and delightfully scenic location typical of those chosen by the ...www.castlewales.com/cwmhir.html - 7k - Cached - Similar pages
.
The Eating Out Guide - Seven Stars InnA warm welcome awaits you at The Seven Stars Inn, a 13th Century Inn situated in the peaceful village setting of Aberedw where Llywelyn ap Gryffydd, ...eatingoutguide.uk.com/business.asp?id=1527 - 14k - Cached - Similar pages
.
Happy Unionvillage pub in abbeycwmhir,powys called the happy union with a strange pub ... The Happy Union Inn , a pub that does not lean towards modern day pubs in ...www.abbeycwmhir.org.uk/id6.html - 18k - Cached - Similar pages[ More results from www.abbeycwmhir.org.uk ]
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Prince Llewelyn Inn, Cilmeri Prince Llewelyn Inn, Cilmeri. Home ~ HoWL ~ Cilmeri ~ Map. 01982 552694.www.heart-of-wales.co.uk/cilmeri/llewelyn.htm - 2k - Cached - Similar pages
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Have a good and useful weekend.
Hwyl!
Gethin ap Gruffydd.
