Anglo-Welsh Wars, 1050-1300
Stuart Ivinson
ISBN: 1-872424-86-4
Warfare along the border was endemic as the English and Welsh peoples attempted to forge themselves into nations throughout the early mediaeval period. The culmination of this was a single English state, constantly at war with the numerous Welsh principalities until the final conquest of Wales in 1282.
Rarely was the situation a clear-cut battle between Englishmen and Welshmen. Conflicts frequently created short-term cross-border alliances. Men of both nations fought both for and against each other. Matters were further complicated by the involvement of Viking mercenaries.
This book studies the period when a united England attempted, frequently without success, to subjugate a fragmented Wales. The influence of Viking, Anglo-Saxon, Norman and Welsh tactics are all considered, as are the strategies and logistics employed for the prosecution of campaigns. They point to both how and why the war machine of the powerful Anglo-Norman state was held at bay for so long and, by way of conclusion, how the adoption of elements of each others startegies ultimately proved beneficial to both sides in the struggle.
Author Profile
Stuart Ivinson was born in Carlisle. He studied at the University of Wales, Bangor, where he rgaduated with a BA in History, an MA in Mediaeval History and a diploma in Heritage Management. He currently works at the Royal Armouries in Leeds.
