St Valentines Day Massacre. Harlech 1345.

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14th February 1345

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Welsh St Valentines Day Massacre
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Following on the Llywelyn Bren Southern Insurrection of 1315 –16 and subsequent brutal execution and imprisonment of its leaders, the Welsh became pretty passive and quiet. The early decades of the 14th century – “A Distant Mirror” was a time of hard bitter winters followed by long rainy springs leading the way into wet damp summers. This would lead to famine and in Europe, the legend of werewolves would be born as people turned to cannibalism and then blamed the wolf for human depravities. On top of all this, the plague was to start making it’s ravaging deadly way across Europe towards Wales. Against this background, the Welsh had more than enough to worry about. Welsh society, at this period, was not such that it would spark peasant or popular revolt as beloved by Marxist historians (although note the revolt of 24 fits that bill to some degree). Instead, in Wales, there occurred a rise in crime and outlawry as men took to the great woodlands to become “Adar y Griem”.
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By the 1340’s however, things were getting pretty grim as the English Colonists sought to ‘screw the Welsh’ with unreasonable tax demands and any other illogical excuse they could use to oppress and expploit the native, until at last in Northern Wales and in the Colonist Planted Perfeddwlad of the new shire of Denbigh, Welsh resentment was, once again, on the boil – stirred up once more by ‘Y Clerwyr’ with their ‘Mab Darogan’ prophecies and ballads of Anti – English sentiments. The stage was thus set for ‘Kick off’ and this took place with what we may call the ‘Beltain Bash’ of 1st May 1344 when Colonists from Rhuddlan attended a Fair at St Asaph in celebration of the ‘Feast of St Phillip and St James’. The Fair became severely disturbed by a running riot with the Colonists being chased back to Rhuddlan where the Welsh then took to attacking the Castle and garrison Town. Generally running amok, the Welsh took advantage of the situation and began to loot and pillage before they torched the new borough.
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As you can well imagine this did not go down well with the Colonists who called upon their king to enforce some 'Law & Order' on the unruly Welsh. One thing led to another and later in the year, one John de Huntington - the English king’s Sheriff of Merioneth was feloniously slain whilst holding court in the Kings name and robbed of the rolls of the king (evidence to Taxes and debts etc - Interestingly, the Merthyr insurrectionists of 1831 would seek to do the same - that is destroy Court records). The situation was simmering to the boil and on 14th February 1345 as Henry de Shaldeforde, the English Prince’s Attorney, went about Royal Business, he, and a party of his men were ambushed by the Welsh and slain as they made their way from Harlech to Caernarfon. Those responsible were to go on the run and took to the woods for safety and become wanted outlaws, but these incidents, at this time, were not to be the signal for a major national Welsh revolt. Ten years were to pass, and in the year of 1354 there was to be born a babe to become the Legend we know as our National hero and nation’s redeemer ‘Owain Glyndŵr – Mab Darogan’ who, in a further 45 years, would lead the Welsh in the greatest of all Welsh Revolts.

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Postscript 1345. Since first writing an account of the “Welsh Troubles” of 1345, I have come across a further reference to one of the Harlech Partisans. Having been declared an outlaw, one of the Welsh escaped to Cornwall where he hid out for a number of years. In these hard and forbidding times many of the down trodden poor or those declared ‘outlaw’ or ‘criminal’ for political reasons, may not only have escaped to the woodlands to become ‘Adar y Greim’ many may also have escaped to the independent Lordships of the Welsh Marches where they may have been hired as retainers (perhaps better known by the English as ''Hired Thugs'' and ''Hitmen'') and become involved in the numerous cross frontier disputes in the “Border Troubles” that raged between the many lords and nobles of the Marches.
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During the 14th century, there would be a considerable rise in the number of Welshmen leaving to become mercenaries in Europe, particularly in Flanders and in France as well as in Germany and Spain. The mercenary tradition of the Welsh really began in earnest following the great revolt of 1294. Somewhat ironically the 1294 revolt had, as one of its causes, Welsh refusal to be conscripted to go and fight in England’s Scottish War. Other causes of this revolt were taxation and land dispute which, in many ways, makes of this revolt one of Europe’s first ‘Popular Rebellions’, although the later revolts of 1316 and 1345 had ''populist motivations'' it would be in the Owain Glyndwr war that is best seen elements pf a ''Welsh Peasant Rebellion".
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The 14th century also saw many Welsh Men become ‘Gwenoliaid Cymreig’ Mercenaries * fighting in the armies of England or France. An episode of particular interest is one that occurs on 24 July 1345 when Jacob Van Artevelde of Ghent in Flanders was attacked and killed by an insurrection of weavers, with him fell 500 of his Welsh bodyguard. It is of further interest to note that history records that it was a Welshman, one Gruffydd of Wales who had, a few years earlier, killed Jacob’s wife and brother.

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The Flanders and French connection also reminds us of two of the most famous of the ‘Gwenoliaid Cymreig’ mercenaries. They were Ieuan Wyn and Owain Lawgoch, Yvain de Galles. Owain Lawgoch (Owain of the Red hand) was thought of as the long awaited ‘Mab Darogan in Wales of the 1370s, unfortunately, this was not to be as Owain Lawgoch was assassinated by the English before he had the opportunity to return to Wales.
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Generally speaking, the Welsh Mercenaries in Flanders were well known as a pretty wild bunch and cause of much trouble in way of arson and looting, on occasion, well out of control and uncaring of whom they would pick a fight with. On one occasion it is recorded that a body of Welsh mercenaries were returned to Wales as undisciplined rabble who had annoyed much of a local population. Flemish chroniclers also record the Welsh as only wearing one shoe and having a liking for toasted cheese. There is, of course, a significant Flemish connection with Wales and also a Welsh Mercenary connection with the low countries ( Netherland ) that would last into the 17th century.
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* Gwenoliaid Cymreig – Welsh Swallows, a Welsh term for Mercenaries similar to the Irish Wild Geese. The term ‘Gwenoliaid Cymreig’ comes from heraldry and poetry where those without land were referred to as the ‘Cyw’r Wennol’ – young of the Swallows which in heraldry were painted without feet so, symbolic of being with out land. Further of interest in matters of heraldry is that the ‘Red Hand’ was used to note that some one was outlawed.
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It is interesting to note: that it was in the 1440’s, 28 years after the end of the last Great War of Welsh Independence 1416-22, that the Welsh were, once more, stirring with discontent and starting again to yearn for a ‘Mab Darogan’. But it was not to be, the ‘troubles’ of the 1440’s were to only lead the Welsh closer towards involvement in ‘English Dynastic troubles of the ‘War of the Roses’, and we all know which ‘treacherous trail’ that took the Welsh down, led by a ‘False Mab Darogan’ by the name of ‘Henry Tudor. See my forthcoming article: ‘Glyndŵr – the Aftermath’, to be published later this year.

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G. ap Gruffydd Gruffydd (c) 2005.

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See Links of Interest below:

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Jacob van Artevelde - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jacob van Artevelde listen (help·info) (c. 1290 - July 24, 1345), also known as the Wise Man and the Brewer of Ghent, Flemish statesman and political leader ...en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacob_van_Artevelde - 20k - Cached - Similar pages - Note this

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The Battle of the Golden Spurs (1302). Guldensporenslag. Tourist ...
In the 19th century the commemoration of the Battle of the Golden Spurs became a symbol of the struggle for Flemish recognition in the French-dominated ...www.trabel.com/kortrijk/kortrijk-battle.htm - 14k - Cached - Similar pages - Note this

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The Revolt of Llywelyn Bren 1316.

Llywelyn Bren Remembered?
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The Southern troubles 1314 – 1318: Introduction to the 1315 Llywelyn Bren Rebellion. See also my other post on a Welsh St Valentines Day Massacre 1345 regarding troubles in northern Wales 1344 – 1345 that nearly brought about a second 14th century rebellion 55 years prior to the Glyndŵr rebellion.

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28 Ionawr marks day when in 1316, Llywelyn ap Gruffydd (not the Llywelyn III of same name) aka Llywelyn Bren and sons with their followers made a surprised attack upon a court being held beneath the walls of Caerffili Castle. In this attack they reputedly kicked over the tax collectors table, slew a number of soldiers and captured William de Berkerolloes, lord of St Athan (described as sheriff of Glamorgan and keeper of Caeffili castle) along with other officers present. This bold but desperate act began the last major Welsh rebellion before that of Owain Glyndŵr in 1400, it is perhaps surprising that this last revolt was of the Welsh of Blaenau Morgannwg. The rebellion was to end with defeat and a noble surrender at Ystrad Fellte on the 18 March 1316 in the same year, the revolt had lasted but a few weeks but not before the entire Blaenau Morgannwg had risen up in arms against the oppression of their Anglo – Norman Overlords. Under the leadership of Llywelyn Bren the rebellion became known by his name but a fact which is often ignored is that this was no mere localised revolt but a major rebellion of the ‘Southern Welsh’. However, the Rebellion was to remain a regional one; even so it was widely spread through out Southern Wales with the many lords and chieftains of Blaenau Morgannwg to the fore.

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Photos below are of a summer outing to Castell Morgraig, best time for families to visit with children for a Picnic in a buetiful woodland setting. Fotos show entrance to Tafarn Car Park, Car park facilities and entrance to the wood in which the remains of Castell Morgraig are now within. Final view is looking south towards Caerdydd and Vale of Glamorgan, which the Welsh would later raid with such ferocity. However, during first days of the revolt following on the ''Kick off'' at gates of Caerfilli Castle, the Welsh were to dig in at Castell Morgraig where they were in a commanding position on crest of an hill to beat of an English attack. However, the English although retreating under a fierce hail of missiles did not give up but were soon outflanking the Welsh position at Castell Morgraig. Thus the Welsh were forced to withdraw to carry out an eventual retreat deeper into the Blaenau Morgannwg towards eventual surrender at Ystrad Felte. If wishing to hold a major Patriotic gathering to remember the start of the Llywelyn Bren Revolt on or about 28 Ionawr, why not gather at Caerffili Castle and then make way to visit Castell Morgraig for a Rali Gwladgarol followed by a commemorative meal and pint in the Tafarn close by. I hope all those ''Hwntws'' who manage to make it to Cilmeri annually to remember a ''Gog'' prince could make perhaps make a little effort to remember an ''Hwntw'' Lord and descendant of the Princes of Morgannwg/Glywysing. Certainly, the location with Tafarn close by as shelter from bad weather makes this ''Welsh Alamo'' a good location for a post Rali Cilmeri Southern Gathering before a year of commemorations, maybe or better some hard work in footsteps of I'r Gad Welsh Battlefield Campaign, in this case memorialising the Llywelyn Bren Revolt in any and all of aforementioned associated locations.

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A later Royal inquiry’ records over 200 leading rebels, in particular as noted being: Llywelyn Bren and his wife Lleucu, their five sons, Gruffydd, John, Dafydd, Muerig and Roger. Also named as listed chief rebels were Madog Fychan and his brother Llywelyn ap Madog of Senghenydd (Grandson of Gruffydd ab Ifor ap Meurig), Gronw ab Iuean and his son Hywel, Hywel ab Ifor and Ieuan ab Ifor of Meisgyn, Gronw ap Rhys and Rhys Meisgyn of Nedd, and a Madog Fychan. Madog Fychan of Tir Iarll (ardal Llangynwyd) a famously noted warrior. The list of rebels goes on also naming; Rhun ap Gronw of Cibwr and Gwilym Gethin of Glyn Rhondda. Last but not least, Rhys ap Gronw of Aberpergwm, of a family of sound patriots whose descendants as other aforementioned rebels of 1315 were also ‘Welsh Patriot Rebels ''out with Glyndŵr'' during the last war of Welsh Independence. Of course it goes with out saying that there were Welsh traitors who collaborated with the Anglo – Norman oppressors and it is perhaps pertinent that we know their names too, most chiefly being Cynfrig ap Hywel and his son Llywelyn ap Cynfrig but there were others too.
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Photos below, show a ''Millenium Stone'' at edge of car park in Ystrad Felte, if holding a Patriotic Rally this may be best place to gather prior to walk to site of the Castle of Ystrad Felte. If many cars best they are parked here as lane is narrow near to castle and do note you cannot go on the land on which remains of Castle are situated. The ''Milenium Stone'' is also perhaps best place to leave ivy and floral tributes in memory of those Welsh who died in the 1316 Rebellion. Be great if only, one day a statue of Llywelyn Bren was placed upon this ''Milenium Stone''. I guess we can but wish, I did contact the community council about a Llywelyn Bren memorial but recieved no reply, guess they were not much interested? Always better, if some one local moves such suggestions forward within the community rather than ''outsiders'' appearing to poke their noses into what the community may deem a local matter?

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1316 Southern Rebellion: The rebellion was almost over as quickly as it had began. But as short as the rebellion had been, it had been devastating with far reaching consequences throughout Glamorgan. Not least for much of the Anglo – Norman dominated Marcher lands in the then much larger vale of Glamorgan. Initially the insurgents had besieged Caerffili castle but Edward I had reacted quickly ordering a number of his Barons to quell the Rebellion, mindful of the fact regards how quick a localised revolt in 1294 had become a major National rebellion. Edward I was not going to risk the same possibility again. (interestingly records account an outburst of rebel activity in area of Dinefwr at the same time) However, it was not until the second of March than a major Anglo – Norman army began to converge on Senghenydd, cockpit of the rebellion. Too late to have stopped a localised revolt in Senghenydd spreading across the highlands of Blaenau Morgannwg leading to the long oppressed Welsh rising quickly to occasion of opportunity to make rapid raiding attacks on the entrenched Anglo – Norman lowlands of the vale. Record of these ravaging raids show clearly they were devastating throughout much of Glamorgan, there is every likely hood that “Welsh serfs” enslaved to the Marcher lords in the vale also made good use of occasion and opportunity to join the growing rebellion or engage in some free enterprise and thus give this ‘Southern Welsh Rebellion’ much the nature of a ''popular'' if not exact ''peasant revolt’’ . (noting that the 14th century becomes the century of ''popular revolt'' throughout Europe, one already having taken place in Wales in the 1294 Rebellion prompted by unpopular English rule, taxation and conscription). By 6 March the Anglo – Norman Army was at Caerdydd, news of this led Llywelyn Bren to withdraw the main body of his army northward toward the highland interior of Blaenau Morgannwg. Leaving behind a small force at the old ruined castle of Morgraig on the ridge between Cefn Carnau and Cefn Onn to employ them selves in delaying the advancing enemy. (another ''Welsh Thermopylae'' see battle of Crogan 1165).The enemy however, about March 12 were to gain advance upon the Welsh and after heavy losses by both sides the Welsh withdrew and the English advanced and relieved Caerffili Castle and preceded to ''mop up'' Welsh resistance in Senghenydd, Meisgyn and in Glyn Rhondda, following on the trail of retreating rebels towards the Brecon Beacons.
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18 March 1316, Llywelyn Bren surrenders bringing the Southern rebellion to an end. One major enemy army had began a direct move on Llywelyn Bren in his stronghold of Senghenydd, another great enemy army had mobilised from Anglo – Norman lordship of Brecon under command of Humphrey, Earl of Hereford and had based itself at his castle of Ystrad Fellte. The purpose being to both cut off any Welsh reinforcements for the rebels form the west and at the same time cut off the rebels escaping west. Further, of course from this base they could send out ‘Search and Destroy’ missions to hunt down rebels in west and mid Blaenau Morgannwg. Llywelyn Bren must have realised the hopeless of their position and after some initial parleying Llywelyn Bren surrendered with two of his sons at the Castle of Ystrad Fellte on the 18 March 1316. a chronicler of the times noted for posterity that upon giving reason for surrender Llywelyn Bren stated ''It is better for one man to die than for a whole population to be killed by the sword'' * , Llywelyn Bren with many other leaders of the insurrection were imprisoned at the tower of London, many would be quickly released and returned home as Edward ever the good strategist did not wish to further antagonise the Welsh, especially has he had need of they to fight the Scots.

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Execution 1318, By the vengefulness of Hugh Despenser who had Llywelyn Bren brought to Caerdydd and there sometime after July 1318 he was brutally executed by means of being hung, drawn and quartered. His body was laid to rest at the now demolished Gray Friars, Caerdydd. Causes of the Llywelyn Bren ‘great Southern rebellion’ are many and much argued over; in particular many emphasise fact that the 14th century was to be a period of intolerably bad weather causing famine and rampant inflation all of which prompted a number of ‘peasant and Popular Rebellions’ throughout Europe ( see The Popular Revolts of the Late Middle ages by M. Moffat and P Wolff, George Allen & Unwin ltd.). These conditions were made worse later in the Century by plaques but unlike in England where the ills of the 14th century had caused the great 1381 peasant rebellion, Wales witnessed discontent mostly in the growth of crime (see Adar y Greim) and emigration to the continent to join mercenary bands as that of Owain Llawgoch rather than rebellion. But by the 1390’s rebellion had began to ferment in Wales which would of course lead to 16 September 1400 and all that followed. The 14th Century had began with a long freezing winter (see Dorothy Tuchmans book ‘A Distant Mirror’, the classic book on the 14th century and a must read.) and by 1314 discontent took the form of a small localised revolts in the lordships of Nedd and Tir Iarll and by 1315 the men of Senghenydd were in an agitated state of growing discontent. Add to all this further reasons for discontent leading to disputes between alien lords amongst themselves with Edward I and with the Welsh plus Welsh v Welsh then yes there are much in way of Socio – economic conditions prompting a Kick off for trouble. However, the rebellion that eventually took place in the early months of 1316 had possibly been on the boil for over 300 years, from time the Normans had began their conquest of the South, the ancient provinces of Morgannwg and Gwent or once jointly known as the kingdom of Glywysing’.
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A Patriotic View: there is the straight patriotic view that Llywelyn Bren was continuing in a tradition of resistance to Anglo – Norman conquest and colonisation. Of course there is much truth in this, many think that with the onslaught of Norman conquest of the South during latter part of the 11th century to early part of the 12 century that southerners had given up resistance but this is not true. Southern Welsh resistance continued as under the leadership of noted southern Welsh patriots as Iorwerth ab Owain (grandson of Caradog ap Gruffydd, the last king of Gwent) with his brother Morgan led the Welsh of Gwent in the liberation Liberation war of 1136 later the torch was carried by Morgan ap Hywel of Machen and Gwynllwg. During the 12th century Morgannwg had fine patriot freedom fighters as Ifor ap Meurig and later Rhys ap Gruffydd last native lord of Senghenydd, followed by his sons Gruffydd and Morgan ap Rhys, Maredudd and Morgan Gam ap Caradog ab Iestyn, Lords of Afan, his cousin Llywelyn ab Owain. Also Cadwallon and later his son, Morgan ap Cadwallon of Glyn Rhondda also Llywelyn ap Maredudd of Meisgyn. Not least mention should be made of Madog ap Llywelyn of Tir Iarll supporter of Llywelyn III and not least Hywel ap Maredudd patriot stalwart of the ''no surrender'' school, began his life fighting the Anglo – Normans as a valuable ally of Llywelyn ab Iorwerth and was still fighting them as a dispossessed exile in the entourage of Llywelyn ap Gruffydd and as an old warrior possibly died with Llywelyn III in his last days still fighting for his homelands freedom. In the great revolt of 1294 it is a Morgan ap Maredudd ap Maredudd ap Gruffydd of Machen who leads the men of the South. This patriotic view of the Llywelyn Bren rebellion clearly shows that the South had not entirely surrendered to Anglo – Norman conquest as from their involvement in major uprising in the national revolt of 1094 and would still be fighting along side Owain Glyndŵr in the last great war of Welsh Independence of 1400 – 16 – 22.

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Photo above: I place a flower in remembrance of Llywelyn Bren at the Greyfriars Plaque in the Old Pearl Insurence Building in Caerdydd, why don't others do the same on and around 18 March or later, closer to time of his execution at Cardiff Castle during the Summer of 1318. Tributes could also be placed at gates of the Castle, as it was possibly outside the gates of the Castle that Llywelyn Bren was hung, drawn and quartered, he was then bueried at Greyfriars where his body remained certainly up to the 16th century.

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Castell Morgraig
For a further examination of the mystery of Morgraig castle, please visit the Castell Morgraig: Year 7 Project web site at: ...www.castlewales.com/morgraig.html - 13k - Cached - Similar pages - Note this

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G.ap Gruffydd.

I'r Gad 2008: A New Year Hello!

Here we go another year, have you made some new year resolutions? How about making another one? Like this year really getting into some of your own community campaigning on behalf of your nearest and dearest forgotten local Welsh Battlefields, sometimes I feel that turning passive patriotic interest into some real positive patriotic action is not just an up hill struggle but also a momentous meander in the realms of apathy. If you have been reading this blog you will see how far we have come with the campaign, pretty far and as I have previously stated the RCAHMW, Cadw and O.S. are all on board and speaking from the same Hymn Sheet.

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I have been campaigning on behalf of Welsh Battelfields since the 60's but in recent years really began to move things forward with I'r Gad Welsh Battlefield Campaign, and have had much success by virtue of my own commitment. Many have wrote to me suggesting the setting up of an I'r Gad Society and as good as that may sound, I oppose such for a verity of reasons. Chief reason being, I know what will happen, after much work and calling of a meeting some people will turn up and elect a committee, usually of the same people. Just look at Fforwm Hanes Cymru, Abaty Cwm Hir Heritage Trust, Cilmeri Committee and the related Bryn Glas Society and related recently formed ''Welsh Battlefield Society'', their committees are made up of more or less the same people in rotation around a series of ''National Meetings''. It is my belief that much more will get done by the empowerment of individuals, simply by providing them with information and perhaps a little motivation. Not least and do pay good attention to what I am going to say to you here, MONEY IS AVAILABLE! The days of one having to fork out money from ones own pocket as I have done and am still doing are over, if one wishes to really advance fast forward in your work towards memorialising local Battlefields and holding events associated with them, then note the following sources of finnancial help:

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* Community First Fund. Communities First Support Network
We aim to offer on this site news and information about the Communities First Programme in Wales. We also offer support and resources to all people involved ...www.communitiesfirst.info/ - 75k - Cached - Similar pages - Note this

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* Heritage Lottery Fund. Wales - Heritage Lottery Fund
...www.hlf.org.uk/English/InYourArea/Wales/ - 38k - Cached - Similar pages - Note this

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* Welsh Assembly Grants. Welsh Assembly Government Voluntary sector grants guide This guide provides information on all Welsh Assembly Government voluntary sector grants. Introductionto the Guide to the Welsh Assembly Government ...new.wales.gov.uk/topics/housingandcommunity/grants/voluntary/?lang=en - 24k - Cached - Similar pages - Note this

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* Other - Just Search Web, but first visit this site: voluntary arts wales - links
Voluntary Arts Network, information and advice for the voluntary arts sector. ... www.wbc.org.uk - Welsh Books Council, advice and information ...www.voluntaryarts.org/cgi-bin/website.cgi?tier1=wales&tier2=links - 23k - Cached - Similar pages - Note this

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I really believe that much more can be achieved by not wasting time travelling around the Country attending ''national meetings'' which at end of the day will see agendas and programme priorities set by those individuals who bother to turn up. This is not to say that there are not dedicated individuals within such bodies who do much good work, but at end of the day such enthusiasts would do it anyway, possibly more so if they were not wasting much time on increasingly fruitless ''National Meetings''. I am a great believer in ''Autonomous Action'' in my Politics and the same applies with much else I do, not least with my work in areas of Welsh History Interest and in particular regards I'r Gad Welsh Battlefield Campaign. Of course this has an added advantage to myself and others who might not agree with my Patriotic Politics, I can remain truthful to myself and not moderate or water down my patriotic views, whilst others interested in Welsh History or this I'r Gad W.Bf. Campaign may get on with local campaigning as they wish, including in a totally in a bi partizan and non - political way.

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So, the new year message is quite simply, it's now up to you locally to become active, really I'r Gad W.Bf.C. has served it's pro-active purpose. Future successes does depend on local action and within this blog I have informed how you may do this, if you do want to join a ''National'' body then join the Battlefield Trust, they have dropped the ''English'' but remain ''British''. However, they are an excellent body and by joining you may advance ''Welsh Interests'', even promoting idea of a Welsh Battlefield Trust. If you do intend to really get up and at it with local Battlefield Interests, I would be pleased to help further as and when I can, not least you can pass on news or make appeals via this blog. Myself now, will not focus so much on individual Battlefields as there is on line a number of excellent Websites dealing with such, the best being:

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The Battles of Wales
The second book in the series is now entitled Welsh Battles, 1055 to 1295 and covers the 69 battles mentioned in historical sources between those dates. ...www.castles99.ukprint.com/battles.html - 11k - Cached - Similar pages - Note this.

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I believe Terry Breverton is working on a Welsh Battlefield Directory, and so plenty of information out there on the web but it's locally we need to see more action and activity. In this direction I will do my best to keep you up to date with any information that comes my way that will be of use to you, from with Wales or elsewhere. However, also do note that both Cadw and RCAHMW will be of aid and assistence to your efforts, I do urge you work with these bodies and develope good relationships, as these proffessionals do have the data bases and other good resorces to use to good end. Other than this, this year I am not going to focus so much on Battlefields, be they well known or not so well known but more so on Uprisings and campaigns in which Guerrilla Wars of lightening raids and skirmish were the chief feature. My intention here is to draw attention to fact that the Scottish Battlefield Register is to take aboard fact, that due to nature of warfare in Scotland such must be taken into consideration. Is that any less true of Wales, in historic signifigance as for example the events in the below two examples.

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Do note the following two posts will deal with the following areas of interest; the Revolt of Llywelyn Bren 1316 and the Revolt of 1345 which began on St Valentines Day of that year. Later in the year I shall be focusing on the last months of Welsh Miltary Resistence following the death of Llyewelyn III in December 1283 to the capture of Dafydd III on 25 April 1283 and his eventual execution on 3 Hydref 1283. Long term I am working with others on the idea of establish a Welsh Military History and Battlefield Interpretation Centre, this is really up hill work as much must be taken into consideration, not least in seeking grants to fund this major ambitious project.

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That's what I am going to do, and you?

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Gethin.