Wales


No, we aren't talking about Whales, the sea creature.

Rather the nation of Wales, located in the British Isles.


Here the descendants of ancient British Celts keep the ancient Celtic fire alive and well even into our times.


So, let's learn about them.


An ancient people

Modern-day Wales is located just west of England.

Artwork by “UKPhoenix79”*

This ancient people have long roots that have been forged in the fires of conquest.


The Welsh began as a Celtic people known as the Britons by the Romans. In the year 43, the Roman Emperor Claudius launched an invasion of conquest against these Britons. After 20 long years of fighting the Romans conquered all of what is now England and Wales but stopped up north when the local tribes, known as Picts, proved too much effort to conquer than seemed worth it.


For over 300 years these Britons enjoyed the protection of Rome and grew very peaceful. Then in 410 a dying Rome empire completely withdrew its soldiers out. This was a declaration of independence for the Britons, but it also meant they had to face the threats to their safety on their own.


The Britons fought hard to keep out the invaders – this is where the story of King Arthur comes in – but in the end, they simply couldn't. Without mercy, the invaders threw them off their lands and pushed them ever west. These haughty invaders insulted the previous residents by calling them the foreigners or strangers; Walha in their language.


From this we get the name Wales.


Note: The Welsh call themselves Cymru (which means the comrades or compatriots).

Map of Medieval England, artist unknown

For centuries that was the way things were. Then in the 1070s the English, under William the Conqueror, began taking over the different tribes that made up Wales. Later, in 1282, the English king Edward I finished the job of bringing Wales under the English crown. Even to this day, all those who are next in line to be king of England is granted to be “Prince of Wales;” currently it is Prince Charles.

Caernarfon Castle, Wales. Here the heir apparent is installed as the Prince of Wales.


The land west and its people

Wales is a land with mountains and lots of hills. This is an important point, as it helped protect the Welsh people from invading Saxons. But it also provides for some lovely scenery. For example, in northwest Wales the mountains, called the Snowdonia mountains, are particularly beautiful.



The climate in Wales goes from soggy winters, where it can get down to freezing, to the summer where the highs tend to be in the beautiful 70s °F.


Despite everything, the Welsh people remain an independent people, with their own culture and language.

Flag of Wales


Places to see

The city of Cardiff is the capital of Wales and is located in the southernmost part of Wales and has about 500,000 people living there.


In speaking about the towns and villages of Wales, one cannot leave out the town with the longest name on record.


Ready for it?


Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwyllllantysiliogogogoch


Yep, that's a town name. Can you say it? Thankfully, the thoughtful town folk have come up with a song to help us all learn how to say it.


Along with the cities and mountains are the castles. Edward I went on a building spree building castles to secure his Welsh conquest. Today they make for fun sight-seeing. The most famous is Conwy castle.


And then, there's the countryside.


Wales presents a wonderful package of ancient goodness, from the land to the people and their language and culture. 'tis a grand place to get to know.

The Bard by Thomas Jones, 1774


Great books

A Light in the Dark Ages (series)

This series of historical fiction begins with the Romans leaving Britain and follows those uncertain times through to king Arthur. The titles of the books themselves are as follows:


Caution: Some content may not be suitable for children, although most cases are subtle.


Le Morte d'Arthur

The famous collection of tales of King Arthur by Sir Thomas Malory.


On the web

A Travel Photography Assignment in Wales

Traveling photographer Brendan van Son goes to Wales on a shooting assignment. While there, he takes video of his traveling around and allows us a chance to see Wales.


Medley of Welsh Folk Songs | DnA Folk | TEDxSwansea

A group performs a variety of traditional Welsh folk music.


The WHISTLING BADGER pub (Mid Wales) | Traditional music session

More Welsh music, here performed in a pub.


Welcome to Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwyllllantysiliogogogoch

Here is a video tour of the town with the longest name.


Welsh lessons (by Gwyneth Angharad)

The Welsh language can be a bit different for us non-Welsh. This is a series designed to give a few brief lessons on the Welsh language.


*License under Creative Commons 3.0.


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