Coming New Feature in 2008. Battles that shape Nations.

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Of course some battles in this future on going feature will be about the undoing of some nations or thwarting of national development as the so called 'Battle of Irfon Bridge in December of 1282. Whatever, part motivation of this feature is not simply to inform but also spark some interest in our own patriotic European Battle Field Tours. Noting that best time to visit these battlefields would be at time of annual commemorations, and if you go remember to take our national & patriotic flags. So first off, given that Belguim is in a state of Political melt down and possible disintegration, I shall be first drawing your attention to the Battle of the Golden Spurs 11 July 1302. Plus note that annually it's anniversary is celebrated as the National Day of Flanders, I also draw your attention to the National Hero of Flanders Robert III, Robert of Bethune otherwise known as the Lion of Flanders who whilst not having actually fought at the Battle of the Golden Spurs was fictionalised as having done so. The Lion of Flanders is the name of a very important 19th century book that inspired Flemish Nationalism, also produced later as a very successful film, long before Mel Gibson's Braveheart this film became a bench mark for films about medieval national heroes and battles. For further information, see links below, I suggest that it could be a good idea for Welsh Patriots to make a visit to Flanders on their National Day to participate in celebration of this great Flemish Victory over the French, Oh yes, as for the Golden Spurs, the spoils of war taken off their dead knights, guess what? the French nicked them back during the first world war when they occupied Flemish Flanders.

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The Battle of the Golden Spurs (1302). Guldensporenslag. Tourist ...
The Battle of the Golden Spurs was fought on July 11th 1302 near Kortrijk, between the rebellious Flemish towns, led by Bruges, and an army sent by Philip ...www.trabel.com/kortrijk/kortrijk-battle.htm - 14k - Cached - Similar pages

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flandersnews.be - Flanders National Day
On 11 July Flanders celebrates its National Day. ... The Flemish victory prevented the incorporation of Flanders into the kingdom of France and allowed ...www.flandersnews.be/cm/flandersnews.be/Flanders+Today/special+reports/070711_eleventhofjuly - 35k - Cached - Similar pages

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Hendrik Conscience - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
With "The Lion of Flanders" Conscience did that very effectively with the character of Robert of Bethune, a 13th Century count of Nevers and Flanders, ...en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hendrik_Conscience - 30k - Cached - Similar pages

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Next up, and sure to be in the news a lot next year 'The Battle of Kossovo', fought on 15 June 1389 but in modern times commemorated on the 28 June. Since the contemporary troubles in Kossovo, the battle field itself, also known historically as the ''Field of Blackbirds'' as come under threat from various developments. One cannot but help wonder if and when Kossovo gains Independence? if the Memorial will remain in it's present form?

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Battle of Kosovo - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Kosovo Field with probable disposition of troops before the battle .... Prince Lazar of Serbia at Kosovo Polije (Blackbird's Field) in the central Balkans. ...en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Kosovo - 59k - Cached - Similar pages

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Next up and which Welsh Patriots should give much attention to, so that we make ourselves more aware of Polish (and Lituanian) History, thus perhaps with our fellow Polish countrymen and women annually celebrate the Battle of Grunwald fought on 15 June 1410. Hopefully in time, we may see Polish Patriots attending our commemorative events particularly at the annual Rali Cimeri, so spread the word within the Polish Community in Cymru/Wales.

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Battle of Grunwald - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
It was the decisive engagement in the Polish-Lithuanian-Teutonic War (1409-1411) and one of the greatest battles of medieval Europe. ...en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Grunwald - 135k - Cached - Similar pages

Have you any suggestions for Battles in this feature series? If you have contact me: gethin.apgruffydd@ntlworld.com

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Gethin.

The Second War of Independence 1282 - 83.

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I produced these rather crude pre PC Cofiwn 1282 - 1982 Info sheets, just have no time to rework them but perhaps a Welsh Education Body or publishers would like to take such project aboard as possibly a 20'' X 30'' wallchart. Maybe something the new National History Museum of Wales could do as an item to sell to visitors?

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Most of us are pretty much up on the 1282 months of the Second War of Independence but what about 1283, I guess many of us only have a vague knowledge of that and many patriots perhaps never get past 11 Rhagfyr 1282? So I suggest it's time we take a closer look at the months following the death of Llywelyn III in December of 1282 up to the capture of Dafydd III during summer of 1283. Sometime early in new year I will post some information up on this, for your attention.

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Gethin.