The history of Cambria, now called Wales: A part of the most famous Island of Britain, written in the British language above two hundredth years past: translated into English by H. Lhoyd Gentleman: Corrected, augmented, and continued out of Records and best approved Authors, by David Powel Doctor in divinity.  
CUM PRIVILEGIO.   

To the Right worshipful Sir Philip Sidney knight.  
IT is the manner of most writers (Right worshipful) in dedicating of their books, to praise and extol the virtues and noble qualities of such men as they choose to be the patrons of their works, whereby to win some credit and countenance to themselves: the which thing I see to be done by a great number of writers (as well strangers as countrymen) who have set out the praise and commendation of your noble gifts: I am therefore at this time to direct my stile the rather to admonish you how to employ and use the same, to that end that they are bestowed upon you, than otherwise vainly with suspicion of flattery to speak of them. And first I would have you to consider with yourself, that you have received all the good gifts you have at the hands of almighty God, who is the giver of all goodness, for the which your duty is to tender most humble and hearty thanks unto his divine majesty. The end also for the which they are given unto you, is at no time to be forgotten, that is, the setting forth of the glory of God, & the benefit of your country. Call also to remembrance, that they be talents delivered unto you of credit to use for a time, for the which you must tender an account whensoever it pleaseth the owner to call you to it: the more you have, the greater your account will be; for he that hath received five talents is further to be charged than he which hath received but one; and he that hath received ten, deeper than he that hath received but five. Use them therefore and hide them not in a napkin, for they are the better for the wearing; the more you use them, the more they will increase; the more you lay out, the richer you shallbe. Have always before your eyes the glory of God, never forget the same in any thing you do: seek the weal public of your country, labour to do it good in any thing you may, while you have time so to do: for you have but a while to remain here, away you must go after the common course of nature. Let the remembrance of your account when your stewardships is ended, be never out of your mind. These be the chief points leading the right path to true nobility: these you shall found set out at large in that book, wherewithal you are most delighted.  
For the putting of these things in practice, I am to lay down two examples for you to imitate, the which (because they are domestical) aught to move you to be the more willing to follow them. The one in your own noble father, who always hath been and yet is more inclined and bend to do good to his country, than to benefit or enrich himself, as Wales and Ireland, beside his own can bear him witness. The other in your honourable father in law, Sir Francis Walsingham, her majesties chief Secretary, a man for his zeal of God's glory, and love towards them that fear God unfeignedly, well known to the world. Fellow their steps, with the remembrance of that noble house, out of the which you are descended by your honourable mother, and then you cannot do amiss. Labour by the example of your father to discover and bring to light, the acts of the famous men of elder times, who with conference of the estate and government of all ages, will bring you to the perfect experience of those things that you have learned out of Aristotle, Plato, and Cicero, by your travel in philosophy. Your father, with his great expenses and labour, having procured & got to his hands the histories of Wales and Ireland (which countries for many years with great love and commendation he governed) committed unto me this of Wales, to be set forth in print, with direction to proceed therein, and necessary books for the doing thereof. And although I was unsufficient for doing of it, yet I have done mine endeavour, and now do present the same unto your worship, as by good reason due to the son and heir of him that was the procurer and bringer of it to light: desiring you to accept it with as good will as the same is offered unto you, and so following the godly zeal, love of the common wealth, and care to do it good, of so noble and worthy parents, to bear countenance and favour to the country of Wales, which heartily wisheth you honourable preferment in the fear of God. The Lord increase his gifts in you to his glory, the benefit of the commonwealth, and your endless comfort. From my lodging in London the 25. of March. 1584.  
Your worship's ready at commandment, David Powel.   

CAradoc of Lancaruan (gentle Reader) collected the successions & acts of the British Princes after Cadwallader, to the year of Christ 1156. Of the which collections there were several copies afterward kept in either of the Abbeys of Conwey and Stratflur, which were yearly augmented as things fallen out, and conferred together ordinarily every third year, when the Beirdh which did belong to those two Abbeys went from the one to the other in the time of their Clêra, 
Clêra is their ordinary visitation which they use every third year.  wherein were contained besides, such notable occurrences happening within this isle of Britain, as they then thought worthy the writing: which order of registering and noting continued in those Abbeys until the year 1270. which was a little before the death of the last Lhewelyn who was slain at Buelht. These collections were copied by divers, so that there are at this day of the same in Wales a hundred copies at the lest, whereof the most part were written two hundred years ago. This book Humffrey Lhoyd gentleman (a painful and a worthy searcher of British antiquities) translated into English, and partly augmented, chiefly out of Matthew Paris, and Nicholas Trivet: but before the book was polished (having yet many imperfections, not only in the phrase, but also in the matter and substance of the history) it pleased God to take him away in the flower of his time: who (if God had spared him life) would not only have set out this history absolute and perfect, but also have opened unto the world other antiquities of this land, which now lie hidden and unknown. The copy of his translation, the Right honourable Sir Henry Sidney Lord Precedent of Wales (whose disposition is rather to seek after the antiquities, and the weal public of those countries which he governeth, than to obtain lands and revenues within the same, for I know not one foot of land that he hath either in Wales or Ireland) had lying by him a great while, and being desirous to have the same set out in print, sent for me in September last, requesting me to peruse and correct it, in such sort as it might be committed to the press. But I (knowing myself to be far unable to perform and accomplish those things which are requisite to the publishing of such an history, and being otherwise called and employed) was very loathe any thing to meddle therein, and so excused myself; yet he conceiving a better opinion of me than there was cause, would needs have me to do mine endeavour in that behalf. Whose request I was not of duty to gainsay or withstand, and thereupon I promised to do my best, which travel two things have caused me to be the more willing to take it in hand.  
First, because I see the politic and martial acts of all other inhabitants of this Island, in the time of their government to be set out to the uttermost, and that by divers and sundry writers: and the whole doings and government of the Britons the first inhabitants of the land, who continued their rule longer than any other nation, 
Rob. Caenal. li. 2. Par. 2.  to be nothing spoken of nor regarded of any, especially sithence the reign of Cadwallader, having so many monuments of antiquity to declare and testify the same, if any would take the pains to open and discover them to the view of the world.  
The second thing that moved me thereunto, is the slanderous report of such writers, as in their books do enforce every thing that is done by the Welshmen to their discredit, leaving out all the causes and circumstances of the same: which do most commonly not only elevate or dissemble all the injuries and wrongs offered and done to the Welshmen, but also conceal or deface all the acts worthy of commendation achieved by them. Search the common Chronicles touching the Welshmen, and commonly thou shalt found that the King sendeth some noble man or other with an army to Wales, to withstand the rebellious attempts, the proud stomaches, the presumptuous pride, stir, trouble and rebellion of the fierce, unquiet, craking, fickle and unconstant Welshmen, and no open fact laid down to charge them withal, why war should be levied against them, nor yet they swerving abroad out of their own country to trouble other men. Now this history doth show the cause and circumstances of most of those wars, whereby the quality of the action may be judged. And certainly no man is an indifferent witness against him whom he counteth his enemy or adversary, for evil will never speaketh well. The Welshmen were by the Saxons and Normans counted enemies, before the twelfth year of Edward the first, while they had a governor among themselves: and afterward, when king Edward had brought the country to his subjection, he placed English officers to keep them under, to whom most commonly he gave the forfeits and possessions of such Welshmen as disobeyed his laws, and refused to be ruled by the said officers: the like did the other Kings that came after him. The said officers were thought oftentimes to be over-severe and rigorous for their own profit & commodity: which things caused the people often to disobey, & many times like desperate men to seek revengement, having those for their judges which were made by their overthrow, and also wanting indifferency in their causes and matters of griefs: for the Kings always countenanced and believed their own officers, by them preferred and put in trust, before their accusers, whom they liked not of. Whereupon the inhabitants of England favouring their countrymen and friends, reported not the best of the Welshmen. This hatred and disliking was so increased by the stir and rebellion of Owen Glyndoure, that it brought forth such grievous laws, as few Christian kings ever gave or published the like to their subjects. These things being so, any man may easily perceive the very occasion of those parentheseiss and brief notes of rebellion and troubles objected to the Welshmen, without opening of cause or declaration of circumstances.  
The Normans having conquered England, and got all the lands of the Saxon nobility, would feign have had the lands of the Welshmen also, whereupon divers of them entered▪ Wales with an army, so that the Welshmen were driven for their own defence to put themselves in armour: for the which fact they are by some writers accused of rebellion, whereas by the law of Nature it is lawful for all men to withstand force by force. 
Vim vi repellere licet.  They were in their own country, the land was there's by inheritance and lawful possession: might they not therefore defend themselves from violence and wrong, if they could? What right or lawful title had the Earl of Chester to Ryvonioc & Tegengl? or the Earl of Salope to Dyvet, Caerdigan, & Powys? or Rob. Fitzhamon to Glamorgan? or Barnard Newmarch to Brechnoke? or Ralph Mortimer to Eluel? or Hugh Lacie to the land of Ewyas? or any other of them to any country in Wales? By what reason was it more lawful for those men to dispossess them of these countries with violence and wrong, than for them to defend and keep their own? Shall a man be charged with disobedience, because he seeketh to keep his purse from him that would rob him? I mean not by this to charge those Noble men, which won these countries by the sword: but I speak it to note the partial dealing of the writers & setters forth of those histories, that should have reported things indifferently, as they were done, and laid down the causes and circumstances of every action truly, who being altogether partial, favouring the one side & hating the other, do pronounce of the fact according to their private affections, condemning oftentimes the innocent, and justifying the wrong doers.  
These considerations I say, besides my bound duty, caused me to venture to take this thing in hand. The translation of H. Lhoyd I have conferred with the British book, whereof I had two ancient copies, and corrected the same, when there was cause so to do. And after that the most part of the book was printed, I received another larger copy of the same translation, being better corrected, at the hands of Robert Glover Somerset Herald, a learned and studious Gentleman in his profession, the which if I had had at the beginning, many things had come forth in better plight than they now be. Again, I got all the authors that I could come by, which have any thing written of the affairs of Wales, as Gildas, Asser Menevensis, Galfride, William of Newborow, Matthew Paris, Matthew Westminster, Thomas Walsingham, Ponticus Virunnius, Polydore Virgil, Io. Leyland, Io. Bale, I Prize, Matthew Parker, Io. Caius, William Lambert, and all the English Chronicles printed. In written hand I had Gildas Sapiens alias Nennius, Henry Huntingdon, William Malmsbury, Marianus Scotus, Ralph Cogshall, Io. Euersden, Nicholas Trivet, Florentius Vigorniensis, Simon of Durham, Roger Hovedon, and other which remain in the custody of I Stowe citizen of London, who deserveth commendation for getting together the ancient writers of the histories of this land. I had also the British books of petegrees. I Castoreus, & Sylvester Giral. Cambrensis, which with divers other rare monuments of antiquity, I received at the hands of the Right Honourable the Lord Burghley high treasurer of England: who also directed me by his letters to all the offices where the Records of this realm are kept, out of the which I have gathered a great part of this history, and more would have done, if the time had permitted. The copy I have conferred with the aforenamed authors, and where I found them to entreat of the matters therein contained, I have noted them in the margin, and in such authors as are printed I have most commonly directed thee gentle Reader to the page or chapter of the book where thou shalt found the same history treated of. Again, where I found any thing of Wales worthy the noting in the said authors being not contained in the copy, I have inserted the same in a smaller letter with this mark * before it, whereby it may be discerned from the copy itself. Further, such things as were briefly set down in the copy without signification of cause or declaration of circumstances, if I found the same in any of mine authors treated of and further opened, I have likewise inserted it in his due place. In the possession and succession of families, I have sought what I could for the time, and have laid down most of the noble families of England, which had lands in Wales, or descended out of that country. I was greatly furthered in this work by the painful and studious travel of the right worshipful Sir Edward straddling Knight, Thomas Powel of Whittington park, and Richard Broughton Esquires.  
In the description I have taken the less pains, looking daily for the coming forth of the painful and studious travel of some other, who hath laboured in that behalf, and studied all the Roman and British histories concerning the ancient names of nations and places within this Island, so that my labour were superfluous in that behalf. Herein if happily I have swerved or omitted any thing, which should have been laid down in this history, I neither did it wittingly nor willingly: and therefore being ready upon better information to amend that which shallbe found to be amiss, if any so shallbe, I am the rather to be born withal, because I am the first setter out in print of this history: for things can never be so well done at the first when there is but few that do travel therein, as they may in process of time, when every man putteth to his helping hand, which courtesy I am to desire of thee gentle Reader for the perfecting of this work.  
Concerning the alteration of the estate, there was never any thing so beneficial to the common people of Wales, as the uniting of that country to the crown and kingdom of England, whereby not only the malady and hurt of the dissension that often happened between the Princes of the country, while they ruled, is now taken away, but also an uniformity of government established; whereby all controversies are examined, herded & decided within the country: so that now the country of Wales (I dare boldly affirm it) is in as good order for quietness and obedience as any country in Europe: for if the rulers and teachers be good and do their duties, the people are willing to learn, ready to obey, and loathe to offend or displease. And if it please God once to sand them the Bible in their own language according to the godly laws already established, the country of Wales (I doubt not) will be comparable to any country in England.   

A description of Cambria now called Wales: Drawn first by Sir john Prise knight, and afterward augmented and made perfect by Humphrey Lhoyd Gentleman.  
FOr as much as it is necessary for the understanding of this history, to know the perfect description of the country of Wales, to the end the acts achieved and done in the same may be the better known; I thought good somewhat to travel therein, and so to lay down the same as it was in those days, and as it is now: that the reader by conference of both times may the better understand this work. Therefore after the three sons of Brutus had divided the whole isle of Britain into three parts; that part contained within the French seas, with the rivers of Severn (called in British Hafren) Dee and Humber, fallen to the elder son Locrinus, which was after his name called Lhoyger, which name it hath in the British tongue to this day, and in English now it is called England, and is augmented Northward to the river Tweed. The second son Albanactus had all the land Northward from Humber to the sea Orkney, called in the British tongue Mor Werydh, and in Latin Mare Caledonicum. The third son Camber had to his part all that which remained undivided, lying within the Spanish and Irish seas, and separated from England, 
Cambria.  with the rivers Severn and Dee, and this part was after his name called Cambria, and the inhabitants thereof Cambry, and their language Camberaec, and so are at this day. So that they have kept the same country and language this 2690. and odd years, without commixtion with any other nation, especially in North-wales, as it shall hereafter appear.  
And because the name of this country is changed, or rather mistaken by the inhabitants of England, and not by them called Cambry, but Wales: I think it necessary to declare the occasion thereof, which is, that where the Saxons a people of Germany were the first that after the Britons inhabited and ruled the greatest part of this isle, & drove the Britain's to that corner, which according to the manner of their country they called Wales, and the people Welshmen, and the tongue Welsh, that is to say Strange, or not of them understanded. For at this day the inhabitants of the low countries call their next neighbour's language of Henegaw, or other that speak French, Welsh, as a language to them unknown. Likewise the dwellers of tyrol & other the higher countries of Germany do name the Italian their next neighbour a Welshman, and his language Walsh. And this is an evident proof, that they which harped upon a Queen Gwalaes', and of a Prince Wala (of whom neither British, Latin, nor English history maketh mention) were foully deceived: and so likewise was a great historiographer of late days, which says, that it was called Walia, quasi Italia, because the rest of the Romans which remained in the isle were driven thither. Neither is this any new invention, although Polydore Virgil with an Italian brag doth glory himself to be the first that espied it out, for divers ancient writers do allege the same cause of the name of Wales, of whom Sylvester Giraldus is one, who written in the time of Henry the second after the conquest, before 380. years passed: which is an evident token, that the said Polydore did either never see nor read the ancient histories of this realm, or dissembleth the same to the advancement and praise of himself and his country: which to the learned and indifferent reader shall appear to be the only occasion he took that work in hand, for all his book redoundeth only to the praise and honour of the Romans, as well spiritual as temporal, and to blaze forth their acts and deeds within this realm: and upon the other part doth either openly slander, or else privily extenuate, or shamefully deny the martial prowess and noble acts, as well of Saxons, Danes, and Normans, as of the Britain's, all inhahiters of this isle. Which thing he that list to prove, let him read and confer Caesar's Commentaries, Cornelius Tacitus, Herodianus, and other ancient writers, as well in Latin as in Greek, with his work. As for the ancient writers of the British history, as the British chronicle, the history of Gildas, Ponticus Verunnius, yea the golden work of Matthew Paris monk of Saint Albon, which written from William Bastard, to the last years of Henry the third; I dare well say he never saw them, they be in divers places to be had, so that the truth may be easily proved. To make an end I say, that he being first a stranger born, and also ignorant as well in the histories of this realm, as of those tongues and languages wherein the same were written, could never set forth the true and perfect Chronicle of the same. But he having a good grace and a pleasant stile in the Latin tongue, and finding himself in a country where every man either lacked knowledge or spirit to set forth the history of their own country, took this enterprise in hand, to their great shame, and no less dispraise, because he a blind leader shall draw a great number of undiscreet and rash followers, as well Geographers and Cosmographers, as Chroniclers and Historiographers, to the dark pit of ignorance, where I leave them at this time, remitting the reader to the apology of Sir john prise knight, and his British history, written by him of purpose against the envious reports and slanderous taunts of the said Polydore, where he shall see a great number of his errors confuted at large. And to return to my former matter of the name of Wales, 
Wales.  which name to be given of late by a strange nation may be otherwise proved: for the Welshmen themselves do not understand what these words Wales and Welsh do signify, nor know any other name of their country or themselves but Cambry, nor of their language but Cambraec, which is as much to say as Camber's language or speech. So likewise they know not what England or English means, but commonly they call the country Lhoyger, the Englishmen Sayson, 
A Locrino. A Saxonib.  and the English tongue Saysonaec. Which is an evident token that this is the same language which the Britons spoke at the beginning: for the works of Merdhyn and of Taliessin, who written above 1000 years past, are almost the same words which they use at this day, or at the lest easy to be understanded of every one which knoweth perfectly the Welsh tongue, especially in North-wales.  
Beside this, where at this day, there do remain three remnants of the Britons, divided every one from other, with the seas which are in Wales, Cornwall (called in British Cerniw) and little Britain, yet almost all the particular words of these three people are all one, although in pronunciation and writing of the sentences they differ somewhat, which is no marvel, seeing that the pronunciation in one realm is often so divers, that the one can scant understand the other. But it is rather a wonder, that the Welshmen being separated from the Cornish, well nigh these 900. years, and the Britons from either of them 290. years before that, and having small traffic or concourse together since that time, have still kept their own British tongue. They are not therefore to be credited which deny the Welsh to be the old British tongue. And here I cannot pass over what one of these fine Chroniclers written of late, of the name of Britain, affirming that it should be so called of Britain in France, as the elder of that name. But surely he had either never seen Ptolemy nor Caesar, nor any other ancient writer, or read them with small judgement and memory. For there he might have learned, that when this land was called Britain, the other was called Armorica, & how in Maximus time, 
Rob. Caenal. li. 2. Per. 2.  Conan Meriadoc was the first that gave it that name, & inhabited it with Britain's out of this isle▪ Other derivations of these words Brytania, and Albion, out of Greek & Latin, I am ashamed to rehearse; for unto such errors do they commonly fall, that either puffed up with vain glory of their own wits, or pinched with despite and envy at other men's works; or blinded with ignorance, do go about to writ & set forth any history or chronicle. But passing over this matter until an other time, 
The meres and bounds of Wales.  I will return to the description of Wales, which (as I said) was of old time compassed almost about with the Irish seas, & the rivers Dee and Severn, although afterwards the Saxons won by force from the Britons all the plain and champion country over the rivers, and specially Offa king of Mercia, who made a ditch of a great breadth and depth, to be a meare betwixt his kingdom and Wales, which ditch began at the river Dee, by Bassing work between Chester and Ruthlan, and ran along the hills sides to the south sea a little from Bristol, reaching above a hundredth miles in length, and is in many places to be seen at this day, bearing the name of Clawdh Offa, that is to say, Offas' ditch, and the country between it and England is commonly called in Welsh Y Mars, although the greatest part of it be now inhabited by Welshmen, namely in North-wales, which yet keepeth the ancient limits to the river Dee, and in some places over it. Other (as Sylvester Giraldus) make the river Wy, called in Welsh Gwy, to be the meare between England and Wales on the South part called Southwales; who measureth the breadth of Wales, from Salowe or Willoweford called Rhydyrhelig upon Wy, to Saint David's in Menevia 100 miles, and the length from Caerlheon upon Vsce in Gwentland, to Holihead called Caergybi in Anglisey, in Welsh called Môn, above 100 miles, and these be the common meres at this day, although the Welsh tongue is commonly used and spoken Englandward, beyond these old meres a great way, as in Herefordshire, Glocestershire, and a great part of Shropshire. And thus for the general description of Wales, which afterward about the year of Christ 870. Rodericus Magnus, king of Wales, divided it into three territories which they called kingdoms, which remained until of late days.  
These three were, Gwynedh, in English North-wales, Deheubarth, in English Southwales, and Powys land; in every of the which he ordained a princely seat or court for the Prince to remain at most commonly: as in Gwynedh (which some old writers call Venedotia for Gwynethia) Aberffraw in the isle of Môn or Anglesey. 
Aberfraw.  In Deheubarth called in Latin Demetia Caermardhyn, from whence it was afterward removed to Dinevowr, 
Dinevowr.  eight miles thence. In Powys Pengwern, called Y Mwythic, and in English Sherewsburie, from whence it was removed to Mathraval in Powys land. 
Mathraval.  And because this history doth as well entreat of wars betwixt these three provinces, as betwixt them and the Saxons, normans and Flemings: I think it good to set forth the particular description of every part by itself. And first of North-wales as the chiefest part, which he gave his elder son, ordaining that either of the other two should pay him yearly 200. pound of tribute, 
North-wales.  as it appeareth in the laws of Howel Dha, which are to be had in Welsh, and also in Latin. Therefore Gwyneth (called North-wales) had upon the Northside the sea, from the river Dee at Basingwerke to Aberdyvi, and upon the West and South west the river Dyvi which divideth it from Southwales, and in some places from Powys land. And on the South and East it is divided from Powys sometimes with mountains, and sometimes with rivers, till it come to the river Dee again. This land was of old time divided to four parts, of which the chiefest was Môn, 
Môn.  in English called Anglesey, where the Princes chief house was at Aberfraw, which is an Island separated from the main land, with an arm of the sea called Maenai, & had in itself three Cantreds or hundreds, which were subdivided to six comots, as Cantref Aberfraw, to comot Lhion, and comot Malhtraeth, Cantref Cemais, to the comots Talebolion and Twr Celyn. Cantref Rossyr to the comots Tindaethwy and Maenai. And at this day there is a trim town in that I'll called Beumarish, and a common passage to Ireland at Caergybi, called in English Holyhead. But here I cannot wink at that notable error of Polydore, which (after his accustomed fashion) denieth this Isle to be called Môna, but Anglesia, or Anglorum insula, because it is called in English Anglesey, and giveth this name Môna to Man, and so hath lost the names of both Isles: which ignorance and forgetfulness might be forgiven him, if he had not drawn a great number to this error with him, which in their charters do daily wrong name these Isles, which may be easily proved. First, because the inhabitants of the isle do know none other name but Môn: and it is called through all Wales, Tîr Môn, that is to say, the land of Môn unto this day. So that neither by memory of man, neither by any monument in writing in the British ●●ong can it appear, that ever it had any other name but Môn, yet there be manifest monuments for these 1000 years. It is also grown to a proverb through Wales, for the fertility of the ground, Môn mam Gymry, that is to say, Môn mother of Wales.  
The ancient history of Cornelius Tacitus (which belike age had beaten out of Polydors' head) says, that the soldiers of Paulinus Suetonius, and afterward of julius Agricola, after they had passed through North-wales, then came over against Môna, where they did swim over an arm of the sea of 200. pases, and so by force wan the Isle. Now whether is it more reasonable thus to swim over 200. pases, or 20. miles? I know there is no man that believeth Polydore in this point: let all men therefore by this judge the rest. As for that which he saith of the great woods, it is nothing: for both the Romans, and after when the Christian faith took place in this realm, the Christians did fall and root them out, for the idolatry and absurd religion which was used there: that the king of Man sent for timber to Môn: read the life of Hugh Earl of Chester; which also is evident by the great beech's and other trees found in the earth at these days. His other reason is, because it is called Anglesey in the English tongue: so is Lhoyger England, and Cambry Wales, are those therefore the old names? Not surely. And what if the inhabitants called it so? (as they did not) had it not a name before the Angles wan it? Yes I warrant you, but he had forgotten that. Now to the name of Man, it was ever, or at the lest these 1000 years named in British Manaw, of which cometh the English name Man. The inhabitants thereof call it so, and no nation about it did ever call it Môn, not nor any writer but Polydore, which was too young a godfather to name so old a child. For Gildas who written above 900. years passed, whose writings Polydor never saw, but untruely fathers upon him his own devise; Giraldus in his description of Ireland to Henry the second, & Henry Huntingdon, do plainly call Man in Latin Eubonia, adding thereto either Manaw or Man, for the better understanding of the name: will you believe them or Polydore? Other arguments there are which I will pass over, till I have more leisure and occasion to writ of this matter.  

Aruon.  The second part of North-wales was called Aruon, which is as much to say, as over against Môn: and had in it four Cantreds, and ten comots.  
Cantref Aber had in it three comots, Y Lhechwedh uchaf, Y Lechwedhisaf, and Nanconwy.  
Cantref Aruon had two comots, Ywch Gwyruai, & Isgwyruai.  
Cantref Dunodic had two comots, Ardudwy and Euionyth.  
Cantref Lhyyn containeth three comots, Cymytmayn, Tinlhayn, and Canologion. This is now called Carnaruonshire, as Môn is called Anglesey shire, and have the same division at this day. In this shire are Snowdon hills, called Eryri, neither in height, fertility of the ground, wood, cattle, fish and foul, giving place to the famous Alpes, and without controversy the strongest country within Britain.  
Here is the town of Caernarnon, called in the old time Caer segonce: and there also is Conwey called Caergyffyn. And the see of Bangor, with divers other ancient castles and places of memory, and was the last part of Wales, that came under the dominion of the kings of England. It hath on the North the sea and Maenai, upon the East and Southeast the river Conwey, which divideth it from Denbighshire, although it now pass the river in one place by the sea shore. And on the South-west and West, it is separated from Merionyth by high mountains and rivers, and other meres.  
The third part of Gwyneth was Merionyth containing three Cantreds, 
Merionyth.  and every Cantred three comots.  
As Cantref Meyreon hath three comots, Talybont, Pennal, and Ystumaner.  
Cantref Arustly had these, Vwchcoed, Iscoed, and Gwarthrenion.  
Cantref Penlhyn had these, Vwchmeloch, Ismeloch, and Micnaint, and this keepeth the said name till this day, but not within the same meres, and is full of hills and rocks, and hath upon the North the sea, notable at this day for the great resort and number of people that repair thither to take herrings. It hath upon the East Aruon, and Denbighland, upon the South Powys, and upon the West Dyvi, and Caerdiganshire.  
In this country standeth the town of Harlech, 
Tegyd.  and a great lake called ●hyn Tegyd, through which the river Dee runneth, and mingleth not with the water of the lake, which is three miles long, and also the salmons, which are commonly taken in the river hard by the lake, are never seen to enter the lake. Likewise a kind of fish called Gwyniaid, which are like to whiting, and are full in the lake, are never taken in the river. Not far from this lake is a place called Caergay, which was the house of Gay, Arthur's foster brother. This shire as well as Aruon, is full of cattle, foul, and fish, with great number of read dear and roes: but there is great scarcity of corn.  
The fourth part of Gwyneth, 
Y Bervedhwlad.  was called Y Beruedhwlad, which may be Englished, the inland or middle country, which contained five Cantreds and 13. comots, as Cantref Ryvonioc had in it these comots, Vwchalet and Isalet.  
Cantref Ystrat, had Hiraethoc and Cynmeirch. Cantref Ros these, Vwchdulas, Isdulas, and Creuthyn, which all are in the lordship of Denbigh, saving the Creuthyn which is in Carnaruonshire, wherein the castle of Dyganwy did stand, which was the Earls of Chester, and is commonly called in the Latin and English chronicle Gannoc.  

Dyffryn Clwyd.  The fourth Cantref was Dyffryn Clwyd, which may be Englished the valley of Clwyd, and now is called the lordship of Ruthyn, and hath these comots, Coleigion, Lhannerch and Dogueilyn.  
The fift Cantref is Tegengl, and is now a part of Flyntshire, having these comots, Counsylht, Prestatyn, and Ruthlan. And in this part is one of the fairest valleys within this isle, containing 18. miles in length, and 4.5.6. or 7. in breadth, as the hills either draw inward together, or backward asunder, which high hills do enclose it on the East, West, and South parts, and Northward the sea. It is plentiful of cattle, fish, and foul, corn, hay, grass, and wood, and divided along in the midst with the river Clwyd, to whom runneth Clywedoc, Ystrat, Whilar, Elwy, and a great number of other rivers from the hills. In this valley two miles from the sea, is the town and castle of Ruthlan, 
An. 12. Ed. 1.  where sometimes a parliament hath been kept. And two miles above it is the see of Saint Asaph, between the rivers Clwyd and Elwy, called in the old time the bishops see of Lhan Elwy. Four miles thence, and two miles from the river, is situate upon a rock the town and castle of Denbigh, where is one of the greatest markets in the marches of Wales, and one of the fairest and strongest castles within this realm, which being the house of David brother to Lhewelyn, the last Prince of the Welsh blood, 
See this hist. pag. 377.  was enlarged and strengthened by Henry Lacie Earl of Lincoln, to whom king Edward gave the same lordship; it is also the shire town of that Shire. Five miles above this, is the town of Ruthyn with a fair castle, which sometimes belonged to the Lords Grey Earls of Kent. This part of North-wales hath upon the North the river Dee, and the sea. Upon the West Aruon, and the river Conwey. South and East, Merionyth, and the country then called Powys. And these be the meres and bounds of Gwyneth or Venedotia, for the name of North-wales containeth beside this all Powys at these days. So there was under the territory of Aberfraw 15. Cantreds, and in them 38. comots.  
The second kingdom was Mathraval, 
Mathraval or Powys.  which in right order was the third, as that which came to the third brother, yet for the better understanding of the history following, I have placed it here. To this kingdom belonged the country of Powys, and the land betwixt Why and Severn. Which part had upon the South and West, Southwales, with the rivers Why and Tywy, and other meres. Upon the North Gwyneth, and upon the East the marches of England, from Chester to Why, a little above Hereford: and therefore it was most troubled with wars, as well of the Saxons, as afterwards of the Normanes Lords marchers, who daily wan some part thereof, and by that means it was the first part that served the kings of England, and therefore less esteemed of all the rest. This part called Powys, was divided again into Powys Vadoc, and Powys Wenwynwyn. Powys Vadoc contained in itself five Cantreds and 15. comots.  
Cantref Y Barwn, which hath three comots, Dynmael, Edeyrneon, and Glyndourdwy, which be now in Merionithshire (saving Dinmael which is in Denbighshire.)  
Cantref Y Rhiw, whose comots were these, Yal now in Denbighshire: Stratalyn and Hop now in Flyntshire.  
Cantref Vwchnant hath these comots, Merfforth in Flyntshire, Maelor Gymraeg, in English Bromfield, now in Denbighshire, and Maelor Saesneg in Flyntshire.  
Cantref Trefred containeth these comots, Croesvain, Tref Y Wayn, in English Chirke, and in Denbighshire. Crows of Wallt, English Oswestree and in Shropshire.  
Cantref Rayder with his comots Mochnant Israider, Cynlhaeth & Nanheudwy all in Chirke land, & in Denbighshire. Also the lordship of Whytington now in Shropshire, was in this part of Powys, which part at this day hath lost the name of Powys, and is situate in diverse shires, as it appeareth by the discourse before passed. In this part is the castle of Holt in Bromefield, and the castle of Chirke in Chirkeland. Likewise the lordship and castle of Whytington, which came by marriage to Fulke Fitzwarren. There is beside these, the lordship of Oswesire, of the which the Fitzalans have been lords these 300. and odd years, and of divers other lordships in those marches, as Shrarden, the eleven towns, Clun, and many others, which be all now in Shropshire.  
The second part called Powys Wenwynwyn, had likewise five Cantreds, and twelve comots.  
Cantref Y Vyrnwy had these comots, Mochnant uwch Rayader, Mechain Iscoed, and Lhannerch Hudol.  
Cantref Ystlyc had these, Deuthwr, Gorthwr Isaf, and Strat Marchelh.  
Cantref Lhyswynaf had these, Caereneon, and Mechain Vwchcoed.  
Cantref Cydewen had comot Conan and comot Hauren.  
Cantref Conan had Cyveilioc and Mouthwy, which is now in Merionyth shire. Of all these, the three first Cantreds do only at this day bear the name of Powys, which are upon the Northside of Severn, and are all five (saving the comot of Mowthwy) in Mongomry shire.  
This is a country full of woods, hills, and rivers, and hath in it these towns, the Pool, Newtowne, and Machynlhaeth. Arustly was in old time in this part, but afterwards it came to the Princes of Gwyneth. These lordships came by just descent from the Princes thereof, to a woman named Hawys, the daughter of Owen ap Gruffyth, as appeareth in the history following, page 215. Arustly and Cyvelioc came to the Baron of Dudley, and afterwards it was sold to the king.  
The third part belonging to Mathraval, was the land between Why and Severn, containing four Cantreds, and 13. comots.  
Cantref Melienyth hath these comots, Ceri, Swythygre, Riwalalht, and Glyn jeithon.  
Cantref Eluel hath these, Vwchmynydh, Ismynydh, and Lhechdhyfnog.  
Cantref Yclawdh these, Dyffryn Teyveydiat, Swydhynogen, and Pennwelht.  
Cantref Buelht hath these, Swydhyvam, Dreulys, and Isyrwon. Of this part there is at this day some in Mountgomerie shire, some in Radnorshire, and some in Brechnockeshire. In this part and in the lordship's marching to it, which although at the time of this division, which was in the time of the last prince, were not in his subjection, yet to this day speak Welsh, and are called Wales, and in these comots are these towns and castles. Mountgomerie called in Welsh Trevaldwyn, a pretty town and a fair castle. The castle of Clunn called Colunwy, which is the Earls of Arundel. The town of Knighton, in Welsh Trefyclawd. The castle of Cymaron. Presteyn in Welsh Lhanandras. The town and castle of Radnor, in Welsh Maesyvet, at this day the shire town. The town of Kyngton and the castle of Huntingdon, called in Welsh Y castelh Main, which were the Bohunes' Earls of Hereford, and after the dukes of Buckingham. Castle pain, hay, Lhanuair in Buelht. These lordships with Brechnock and Abergevennie, were belonging to the bruises lords of Brechnock, and after came divers times, and by sundry means to the Bohunes, Nevils, and Mortimers. And so (as I have rehearsed) in this territory or kingdom were found 14. Cantreds, and 40. comots. Two of these parts, which are Powys and Gwyneth, are at this day called North-wales, and divided into six shires. Môn called Anglesey, Caernaruon, Merionyth, Denbigh, Flynt, and Mountgomerie shire, and are all on the Northside Severn, saving a piece of Mountgomerie shire.  
And here I think it good to let the reader understand what the British chronicle says of North-wales, which affirmeth that three times it came by inheritance to women. First to Stradwen, daughter to Caduan ap Conan ap Endaf, and wife to Coel Godeboc, mother to Cenaw, Dyvyr and Gwawl. The second time to the same Gwawl wife to Edeyrn ap Padarn, and mother to Cunetha Wledic: which Cunetha inhabiting in the North parts of England, about the year 540. after the incarnation of Christ, and hearing how the mingled nations of Irish Scots, and Pictes, had over run the sea shore of Caerdigan, which was part of his inheritance, sent his sons thither to enjoy their inheritance, of the which Tibiaon his elder son died in Man, which land the said Irish Scots had won. For Gildas says, that of the children of Glam Hector, which peopled a great part of Ireland, Yscroeth with his people inhabited Dalrienda, which is a part of Scotland: Builke with his people came to Man. But I think it good to put in Gildas words, which says: Builke cum filijs suis inhabitavit Euboniam insulam vulgò Manaw, quae est in meditullio maris inter Hyberniam & Brytaniam; that is to say, Builke with his children inhabited the Isle Eubonia, commonly Manaw (for so it was and is named in British) which lieth in the middle of the sea, between Ireland and Britain. This was not called Môna, as Polydore feigneth. The children of Bethoun inhabited Demetia, which is Southwales, with Gwyr and Cydweli, till they were chased thence by the children of Cunetha. Thus far Gildas. Therefore the sons of Cunetha, being arrived in North-wales (as well I think being driven by the Saxons, as for their inheritance) divided the country betwixt them. And first Meireaon the son of Tibiaon, the son of Cunetha, had Cantref Meireaon to his part. Arustel ap Cunetha, had Cantref Arustly. Caredic ap Cunetha, had Caerdigion, now Caerdigan shire. 
Maelor the son of Gwran, son to Cunedha had Maeloron, that is, the two Maelors, Maelor Gymbraeg, called Br. and Maelor Saesneg.  Dunod had Cantref Dunodic. Edeyrn had Edeyrnion. Mael had Dynmael. Coel had Coleyon. Doguael had Dogueilyn. Ryvaon had Ryvonioc, now Denbighland. Eneon Yrch had Caereneon in Powys. Vssa had Maesuswalht now Oswestree. For surely that they say commonly of Oswald king of Northumberland, to be slain there, and of the Well that sprung where his arm was carried, is nothing so. For Beda and all other writers testify that Peanda slay Oswald at Maserfelt, in the kingdom of Northumberland, and his body was buried in the abbey of Bardney, in the province of Lhyndesey. But to my former matter. These names given by the sons of Cunetha, remain to this day. After this the Irish Picts or Scots, which the Britain's called YGwydhyl Phictiaid, which is to say, The Irish Pictes, did overrun the isle of Môn, and were driven thence by Caswalhon Lhawhîr, that is Caswalhon with the long hand, the son of Eneon Yrch ap Cunedha, who slay Serigi their king with his own hands, at Lhany Gwydhyl which is the Irish church at Holihead. This Caswalhon was father to Maelgon Gwyneth, whom the Latins call Maglocunus, Prince and king of Britain.  
In his time was the famous clerk and great wiseman Taliessyn Ben Beirdh, that is to say, the chiefest of the Beirdh or wisemen: for this word Bardh in Caesar's time, signified (as Lucan beareth witness) such as had knowledge of things to come, and so it signifieth at this day. This Maelgon had a son called Run, in whose time the Saxons invited Gurmond into Britain from Ireland, 
See after in the hist. pa. 6.  who had come thither from Africa, who with the Saxons was the utter destruction of the Britons, and slay all that professed Christ, and was the first that drove them over Severn. This Run was father to Beli, who was father to jago, (for so the Britons call james) who was father to Caduan, and not Brochwel called Brecyval (as the English chronicle says:) for this Brochwel Ysgithroc, 
See in the hist. pag. 22.  that is; long toothed, was choose leader of such as met with Adelred alias Ethelbertus Rex Cantiae, and other Angles and Saxons, whom Augustine had moved to make war against the christian Britain's, and these put Brochwel twice to flight, not far from Chester, and cruelly slay a 1000 priests and monks of Bangor, with a great number of lay brethren of the same house, which lived by the labour of their hands, and were come barefooted and woolward to crave mercy and peace at the Saxons hands. And here you shall understand that this was not Augustine bishop of Hippona the great clerk, but Augustine the monk, called the apostle of England.  
Then this Brochwel retired over Dee, hard by Bangor, and defended the Saxons the passage, till Caduan king of North-wales, Meredyth king of Southwales, and Bledrus or Bletius Prince of Cornwall, came to secure him, and gave the Saxons a sore battle, and slay of them the number of a 1066. and put the rest to flight. After the which battle, Caduan was choose king of Britain, & was chief ruler within the isle; after whom his son Cadwalhon, who was father to Cadwallader, the last of the British blood, that bore the name of king of Britain, was king.  

See the history following, pag. 24.  The third time that North-wales came to a woman, was to Esylht the daughter of Conan Tindaythwy, the son of Edwal Ywrch, the son of Cadwallader. She was wife to Meruyn Vrych, and mother to Roderike the great, as shallbe hereafter declared. By this you may understand, that North-wales hath been a great while the chiefest seat of the last kings of Britain, because it was and is the strongest country within this isle, full of high mountains, craggy rocks, great woods, and deep valleys, straight and dangerous places, deep and swift rivers, as Dyvi which springeth in the hills of Merionyth, and runneth Northwest through Mowthwy, and by Machynlaeth, and so the sea at Aberdyvi dividing North and Southwales a sunder. Dee called in Welsh Dourdwy, springing also in the other side of the same hills, runneth East through Penlhyn and the lake Tegyd, down to Corwen and Lhangolhen, between Chirkeland and Bromefield, where it boweth Northward toward Bangor, to the Holt, and to Chester, and thence Northwest to Flynt castle, and so to the sea.  
There is also Conwey, rising likewise in Merionyth shire, and dividing Caernaruon from Denbigh shire, runneth under Snowdon Northeast, by the town of Aberconwey to the sea.  
Also Clwyd, which rising in Denbigh land, runneth down to Ruthyn, and plain North, not far from Denbigh to Saint Asaph, and so by Ruthlan and to the sea. There be many other fair rivers, of which some run to the sea, as Mawr at Traethmawr, and avon y Saint at Caernaruon, and other that run to Severn, as Murnwy in Powys, and to Murnwy Tanat; some other to Dee, as Ceirioc betwixt the lordships of Chirke and Whittington: Alyn through Yal and Moldes dale, and Hope dale, and so to Dee, a little above Chester. And this shall suffice for the perfect description of that which in old time was called Gwyneth and Powys, and at these days the six shires of North-wales.  
Now remains the last kingdom of Wales, called Dinevowr, 
Dinevowr.  which although it was the greatest, yet was it not the best, as Giraldus witnesseth, chiefly because it was much molested with Flemings and Normans, and also that in divers parts thereof, the lords would not obey their Prince, as in Gwent and in Morganwc, which was their own confusion, as shall hereafter appear. 
Caredigion.  This was divided into six parts, of the which Caredigion was the first, and contained four Cantreds, and ten comots, as Cantref Penwedic had in it these comots, Geneurglyn, Perueth and Creuthyn.  
Cantref Canawl had these, Mevenyth, Anhunoc, and Pennarth.  
Cantref Castelh had these comots, Mabwynion and Caerwedros'.  
Cantref Syrwen had these, Gwenionyth and Iscoed: and this part is at this day called in English Caerdiganshire, and in Welsh Swydh Aberteivi. This is a champion country without much wood, and hath been divers times overcome with Flemings and Normans, which builded many castles in it, and at the last were beaten out of them all. It hath on the East North-wales, with the river Dyvi and part of Powys, upon the South Caermardhynshire, upon the West Penbroke shire, with the river Teivi, and upon the North the Irish sea. In this part is the town of Caerdigan upon Teivi, not far from the sea. The town of Aberystwyth upon the river Ystwyth, by the sea, and Lhanbadarn Vawr, which was a great sanctuary, and a place of religious and learned men in times past. And in this shire were a great number of castles, as the castle of Stratmeyric, of Walter, of Lhanrysted, of Dynerth, of the sons of Wyneaon, of Aber Reidol, and a great number more, with the towns of Tregaron, Lhandhewibrevi, as you shall understand in the history following.  
The second part was called Dyvet, 
Dyvet.  and at this day Penbroke shire, and had in it eight Cantreds, and 23. comots, which were these. Cantref Emlyn that had these comots, Vwchkuch, Iskuch and Levethyr.  
Cantref Arberth had these, Penrhyn are Elays, Esterolef, and Talacharn.  
Cantref Daugledhev had these, Amgoed, Pennant, and Euelfre.  
Cantref YCoed hath these, Lhanhayaden, and Castelh Gwys.  
Cantref Penuro hath these, Coedyr, haf. Maenor byrr, and Penuro.  
Cantref Ros hath these, Hulfforth, castelh Gwalchmai and Ygarn.  
Cantref Pubidioc hath these, Mynyw, Pencaer, and Pebidioc.  
Cantref Cemais hath these, Vwchnever, Isnever, and Trefdraeth.  
In this part are divers towns and havens at this day, as Pembroke Tenbie, in Welsh Dynbegh y pyscot, Herefordwest, in Welsh Hulfforth, with the fair haven of Mylford, called in Welsh Aberdaugledheu. Saint David's or Menevia, called in Welsh Mynyw, the chiefest see in all Wales. Then Fiscard called Abergwayn, and Newport named Trefdraeth: these be alongst the sea coast, or not very far off. Besides these there be divers castles, as Cilgerran, Arberth, Gwys, Lhanhayaden, Walwyn, and divers other. This part was won first by Mountgomeries Earls of Sherewsburie, and after given Marshals, and so to Valence, and from thence were the Princes of Wales most troubled with the Normans and Flemings, who do remain and inhabit about Tenbie, Pembroke, and in Ros to this day, which can neither Welsh nor good English as yet. Dyvet (for so will I call it hereafter) hath on the West and North the Irish sea, upon the South the Spanish sea, and upon the East Caermardhynshire, & on the North-east Caerdiganshire. The third part was Caermardynshire, 
Caermardhyn  having four Cantreds, and 15, comots, as Cantref Finioc with the comots of Harfryn, Deruedh, and Isgeneny.  
Cantref Eginoc with these, Gwyr, now in Glamorganshire, Cydweli, and Carnwilheon.  
Cantref Bachan with these, Malbaen, Caeo, and Maenor Deilo.  
Cantref Mawr with these, Cethineoc comot mab Elvyw, comot mab Vchdryd and Wydigada. In this shire are the towns and castles of Caermardhyn, Dynevowr, which was the Prince's seat of the country, Newtowne, Lhandeilo, Lhanymdhyfry, Emlyn, Swansey, now in Glamorganshire, called in Welsh Abertawy upon the sea, the castle of the sons of uchtryd, of Lhanstephan, and others. It hath upon the West, Dyvet or Pembroke shire, on the North Caerdiganshire, upon the Southweast the sea, and upon the Southeast Glamorgan, and upon the East Brecknockshire. This is counted the strongest part of all Southwales, as that which is full of high mountains, great woods, and fair rivers, specially Tywy. In this, and in the other two parts of Southwales, were the notablest acts that this history entreateth of, achieved and done.  
The fourth called Morganwc, 
Morganwc.  now Glamorganshire, containing four Cantreds, with 15. comots. As Cantref Croneth, with these comots Rwngneth ac Avan, Tir yr Hwndrwd, and Maenor Glynogwr.  
Cantref Pennythen with these, Meyskyn, Glynrhodny, Maenor Talavan, and Maenor Ruthyn.  
Cantref Brenhinol, with these, Cibowr, Senghennyth, Vwchcaeth, and Iscaeth.  
Cantref Gwentlhwg, which is now in Monmouthshire, with these comots, Yrhardh Ganol, and Eithafdylygion. In this part are these towns and castles, Lhandaf the Bishop's sea, Caerdyffe called Caerdhydh, Cowbridge called in Welsh Y bont vaen, which is as much to say, as Stonebridge, Lantwyd, Caerffyli, and others, and hath divers rivers which run to the south sea, as Lay, Taf, Tawy, Neth, Avan, Ogwr, and Lhychwr: it hath on the south the sea of Severn, which divideth it from Devonshire and Cornwall; upon the West & northester, Caermardhynshire; upon the North-east Brechnockshire, and upon the East Monmouthshire. 
See the history following, pag. 119.  Of this you shall read very little, for one jestyn being chief of the country, and having war with his neighbours, called one Robert Fitzhamon, with a great number of strangers to his succours, which after they had achieved, the enterprise liked so well the country, that they found occasion to fall out with jestyn, and inhabited the country themselves and their heirs to this day.  
The fift part was called Gwent, and now in Monmouthshire, which had three Cantreds, and ten comots, as Cantref Gwent, which had these comots, Y mynyth, Iscoed Lhefnydh, and Tref y grug.  
Cantref Iscoed these, Brynbuga, Vwchcoed, Y Teirtref, and Erging acewyas, now in Herefordshire.  
Cantref Coach was the seventh Cantred of Morganwc, which is now in Glocestershire, and is called the Forest of Deane.  
In this part is the ancient city of Caerlhêon upon Usk, where was the Archbishops of Wales: here are also divers towns and castles, as Chepstowe, Glyn Strigul, Ros, Tyntern upon the river Why: there is also Newport, called Y castelh Newydh, Vysc called Brynbuga, Grosmont, Raglan, White castle, Abergeuenny, and many other. This is a fair and a fertile country, of which likewise the Gentlemen were never obedient to their Prince, which was the cause of their own destruction. It hath on the West Glamorgan and Brechnockshires, upon the North Herefordshire, upon the East Glocestershire, with the river Why, and upon the South and Southeast Severn.  

Brecheinoc.  Last of all cometh Brecheinoc, now Brechnockeshire, which hath three Cantreds, and eight comots. As Cantref Selef which hath these comots, Selef and Trahayern.  
Cantref Canol these, Talgarth Ystradyw and Brwynlhys or Eglwys yail.  
Cantref Mawr these, Tir Raulff, Lhywel and Cerrig Howel. In this part is the town of Brechnock upon the meeting of Vsck and Hodni, and is called Aberhodni, and Hay called Y Gelhy, with Talgarth, Buelht, Lhangors: it hath West Caermardhynshire, with the river Tawy, upon the North Radnorshire with Why, upon the East Herefordshire and Monmouth, upon the South Glamorgan. This for the most part is full of mountains, woods and rivers, especially Buelht. And the lords of this country called Bruises with the Mortimers, most of all others lord Marchers, sometimes by might, but oftener by treason, have molested and grieved the Princes of Wales, as you shall understand by the history following. This land came after the Bruises to the Bohunes' Earls of Hereford, and so to the Staffords dukes of Buckingham.  
These six shires being subject to the territory of Dynevowr with Radnorshire, which was belonging to Mathraval, are now commonly called Southwales, which country is both great and large, with many fair plains and valleys for corn, high mountains and rocks full of pasture for cattle; great and thick woods, with forests and parks for read dear and fallow; clear and deep rivers full of fish, of which Severn is the chiefest, which with Why & Reidol spring out of a high mountain called Pymlhymon, in the edge of Caerdiganshire, and are called commonly the three sisters. Severn runneth full East through Cydewen by the pool and under the castle of Shraden to Shrewesburie, from whence it turneth Southward and runto Bridgenorth, Bewdley, Worcester, Gloucester, and so to the sea by Bristol. The second sister is Gwy in English Why, which took her journey Southeast by Rayader Gwy to Buelht, where Irwon meeteth her, thence to Glasburie and so to Hereford and Monmouth, & to the sea of Severn at Chepstow: for so they call Môr Hafren the sea which severeth Wales from Somersetshire, Devonshire, and Cornwall. The third sister named Reidol, ran Northward to the sea being not far off, at Aberystwyth. There be other fair rivers as Usk, which rising in a high mountain called Y Mynydh duy in the South-west part of Brechnockshire runneth to Brechnocke, and so through Monmouthshire to the town of Usk, Caerlhêon and Newport and so to the said South sea. Tywy also rising not far from Why runneth South to Lhanymdhyfri, and thence South-west by Lhandeilo and Dinevowr to Abergwily and Caermardhyn, and so by Lhanstephan to the sea.  
Teivi likewise which rises in the edge of Caermardhynshire, & runneth Northwest by Emlyn Cilgerran, 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, Greek. Fiber, Lat. Beaver, En. Auanc, Bryt. Giraldus in Itiner.  Caerdigan, and so to the North sea. In Teivi above all the rivers in Wales, were in Giraldus time a great number of Castor's, which may be englished Bevers, and are called in Welsh Auanc, which name only remains in Wales at this day, but what it is very few can tell. It is a beast not much unlike an Otter, but that it is bigger, all hairy saving the tail which is like a fish tail, as broad as a man's head. This beast useth as well the water as the land, and hath very sharp teeth, and biteth cruelly, till he perceive the bones crack, his stones be of great efficacy in physic. He that will learn what strong nests they make, which Giraldus calleth castles, which they build upon the face of the water with great bows, which they cut with their teeth and how some lie upon their backs holding the wood with the forefeet, which the other draweth with a cross stick, the which he holdeth in his mouth to the water side, and other particularities of their natures, let him read Giraldus in his topography of Wales. There be besides these a great number of rivers, of which some run to the South, and some to the West and Northsea, as Tywy in Glamorganshire, Tafalso in Caermardhynshire which runneth to Cledheu, two rivers either called Cledheu which do give Mylford the name of Aberdaugledhev in Penbrookshire, Arth, Aeron, and Ystwyth in Caerdigan. There be also divers lordships which be added to other shires, and were taken heretofore for parts of Wales, and in most part of them at this day the Welsh language is spoken, as Oswestre, Knocking, Whittington, Elsmer, Masbrocke, Chirburie, Caurs, Clynn, which are now in Shropshire, Ewyas Lacie, Ewyas Haroald, Clifford, Winsorton, Yardley, Huntyngdon, Whytney, Loghardneys in Herefordshire. Also this country of Southwales as all the rest of Britain, was first inhabited by the Britain's, which remain there to this day, saving that in divers places, specially alongst the sea shore, they have been mingled with Saxons, Normans (which the Welsh history calleth Frenchmen) and Flemings: so that the Princes of Wales, sith the conquest of the Normans, could never keep quiet possession thereof, but what for strangers and what for disloyalty of their own people, vexation and war, were for the most part compelled to keep themselves in Caermardhynshire.  
This shall suffice for the description of the country, and therefore let us now proceed to the British copy.   


Cadwallader.  The beginning of the Principality and government of Wales.  
Little Britain is a country in France, called in Caesar's time, Armorica, and after inhabited by Britons, 
Little Britain, or Britain Armorike.  who about the year of Christ 384. under the conduct of Conan Lord of Meriadoc, now Denbighland, went out of this isle with Maximus the tyrant, to his aid against the Emperor Gratianus, 
Galfr. Mon.  and winning the said country of Armorica, 
I Cast.  (which Maximus gave Conan & his people) slew and drove out all the old inhabitants thereof, 
Math. West.  planting themselves in the same, 
Fabian.  where they to this day speak the British tongue, being the third remnant of the ancient Britons. 
Caxton.   

The names of the kings of little Britain.  

R. Caen. lib. 2. Per. 2.  1 Conan. Meriadoc.  
2 Gradlonus.  
3 Solomon. 1.  
4 Auldranus.  
5 Budicus. 1.  
6 Howelus Magnus. This Howel was with King Arthure in his wars.  
7 Howelus. 2.  
8 Alanus. 1.  
9 Howelus. 3.  
10 Gilquellus.  
11 Solomon. 2.  
12 Alanus. 2. Of whom, mention is made in this place, who descended of a daughter of Rune, the son of Mailgon Gwyneth, king of great Britain, which was married to the forenamed Howel the second, King of little Britain.  
13 Conobertus.  
14 Budicus. 2.  
15 Theodoricus.  
16 Rualhonus.  
17 Daniel Dremrost, id est, Ruhicunda fancy.  
18 Aregstanus.  
19 Maconus.  
20 Neomenius.  
21 Haruspogius.  
22 Solomon. 3. Who was slain by his own men, and then was that Kingdom turned to an Earledom, whereof Alan was the first Earl, who valiantly resisted the Normans, and vanquished them oftentimes.   
Cadwallader being in Britain, was certified that a great number of strangers, as Saxons, Angles, and juthes, 
Galfride. I Castor.  had arrived in Britain, and finding it desolate, and without inhabitants (saving a few Saxons which had called them in, & certain poor Britons that lived by roots in rocks and woods) had overrun a great part thereof, and dividing it into divers territories and kingdoms, inhabited that part which was then, and now at this day is called Lhoyger in the British or Welsh tongue, and in English England, with all the cities, towns, castles, and villages, which the Britons had builded, ruled, and inhabited by the space of 1827. years, under divers Kings and Princes of great renown: whereupon he purposed to return, and by strength of British Knights to recover his own land again.  
After he had prepared and made ready his navy for the transporting of his own men, 
A fable confirmed with blind prophecies.  with such succours as he had found at Alans' hand, an Angel appeared unto him in a vision, and declared that it was the will of God that he should not take his voyage towards Britain, but to Rome to Pope Sergius, where he should make an end of his life, and be afterwards numbered among the blessed: for GOD had appointed that the Britons should have no more the rule and governance of the whole isle, until the prophesy of Merlin Ambrose should be fulfilled.  
Which vision, after that Cadwallader had declared to his friend Alan, he sent for all his books of prophecies, as the works of both Merdhines, or Merlines, to wit, Ambrose, and Sylvester, surnamed Merdhin Wylht: and the words which the Eagle spoke at the building of Caer Septon, now called Shaftsburie; and after long study, found the time to be now come whereof they had prophesied.  
Of this admonition given to Cadwallader there be divers opinions. Some hold that this was signified to him in a dream: of the which mind is Polydore Virgil, and divers other.  
Some other do think, that (if any such vision were) it was some illusion of a wicked spirit, or a fantastical conceit of Cadwallader himself, being a man of a mild and quiet nature, and wearied with troubles and miseries. Other reject it altogether as a fable, 
Hol. pa. 183.  not worthy to be recorded in books: but howsoever it was, certain it is, that after his going over to Alan, he never returned again to Britain. Of these two Merlines thus writeth Girald. Camb. in suo Itinerario.  
Erant Merlini duo, unus qui & Ambrose dictus est, quia binomius fuerat, & sub rege Vortigerno prophetavit, ab incubo genitus, & in urbe ab ipso denominata Caervyrdhin. 1. urbs Merlini, inventus. Altar de Albania oriundus, qui Calidonius dictus est, à Calidonia sylua, in qua prophetavit: & Sylvester, quia cùm inter acies bellicas constitutus, horribile monstrum nimis in aera suspiciendo prospiceret, dementire caepit: & ad syluam transfugiendo, syluestrem usque ad obitum vitam perduxit. Hic autem Merlinus tempore Arthuri fuit, & long pleniùs & apertiùs quàm alter prophetasse perhibetur. Haec Cambrensis.  
In English thus.  
There were two Merlines, the one named also Ambrose (for he had two names) begotten of a spirit, and found in the town of Caermarthen, which took the name of him, and is therefore so called, who prophesied under King Vortigerne. The other born in Albaine or Scotland, surnamed Calidonius of the forest Calydon, wherein he prophesied, and was called also Syluestris, or of the wood, for that he beholding some monstrous shape in the air being in the battle fallen mad, and flying to the wood, lived there the rest of his life. This Merline was in the time of king Arthure, and prophesied fuller and plainer than the other.  
Concerning the words of the Eagle at the building of Caer 
Galf ride  Septon in Mount Paladour in the time of Rudhudibras, 
Cast.  in the year after the creation of the world, 3048. some think that an Eagle did then speak & prophesy. Other are of opinion, that it was a Britain named Aquila that prophesied of these things, & of the recovery of the whole isle again by the Britons, bringing with them the bones of Cadwallader from Rome, as in the said prophecies is to be seen.  
By these toys and fables, men may learn what folly and vanity the wit of man, being not stayed and directed by the word of God, is prove and subject unto. And certain it is, that the simple and ignorant have been in all ages deluded and brought to great errors and blindness by the practice of sathan, with these feigned revelations, false prophecies, and superstitious dreams of hypocrites and lewd people: whereof (as it is manifest in histories) much bloodshed & mischief hath ensued, and many relying upon the same, have been utterly overthrown and perished. Wise men therefore will never regard or esteem such things.  
Alan therefore counseled Cadwallader to fulfil the will of God, who did so, and taking his journey to Rome, lived there eight years in the service of God, and died in the year of Christ, 688. So that the Britons ruled this isle, with the out Isles of Wight: Môn, in English called Anglesey: Manaw, in English Man: Orkney, and Ewyst, 1137. years before Christ, until the year of his incarnation, 688. And thus ended the rule of the Britons over the whole isle.  
The Britons being sore troubled with the Scots and Picts and denied of aid at the hands of the Romans, sent for the Saxons to come to defend them against their enemies: 
450  who coming at the first as friends to the Britons, liked the country so well, that they become their mortal enemies, and drove them out of the same.  
About the year of Christ, 590. Gurmundus an archpirate and captain of the Norwegians, 
Galfrid.  after that he had conquered Ireland, 
Cast.  being called by the Saxons to their aid against Careticus King of the Britons, overcame the same Careticus in battle, and compelled him and his Britons to flee beyond the rivers of Severn and Dee to Cambria, now called Wales, and to cornwall, and some to Britain Armorike, where they remain to this day, and gave Lhoegria, now England, to the Saxons. And albeit that Caduan, Cadwalhon, & Cadwallader were sithence entitled Kings of all Britain, yet they could never recover again the quiet possession of the whole Island afterwards. After the departure of Cadwallader out of the land, the Britons were governed within the country of Wales or Cambria by those men, whereof this history following doth entreat, which were commonly called Kings of such provinces and countries as they possessed, until the time of Owen Gwyneth, 
H. Lhoyd.  who being in the days of King Stephen, and Henry the second, was the first that named himself Prince of Wales, and so the rest after him kept that title and stile: and yet nevertheless, they are sometimes called Princes before him, and Kings after him, as I have observed by divers charters and old records which I have seen in the Tower of London, and elsewhere. Howbeit, this author calleth the chiefest of them Kings, till the time of the said Owen, and sithence, Princes.   


IVOR.  IVOR, the son of Alan.  
Whereupon, Kentwinus King of Westsex gathered a great number of Saxons and Angles together, and came against the Britons, which were ready to abide the battle: and as the armies were both in sight, they were not very desirous to fight, but fallen to a composition and agreement, that Ivor should take Ethelburga to wife, which was cousin to Kentwyn, and quietly enjoy all that he had, during the reign of Ivor.  

H. Lhoyd.  This Ivor is he whom the English Chronicles do call Ive or jew King of West Saxons, that reigned after Cedwall, and they say that he was a Saxon, for Kentwyn reigned but five years after juors coming to England, and after him, his nephew Cedwall, who after he had reigned over the West Saxons two years, went to Rome, and left his kingdom to Ive his cousin. This Ive or Ivor, (whom the Britons call the son of Alan, and the Saxons the son of Kenred) being King of the Saxons and Britons which inhabited the west parts of England, after many victories achieved against the Kings of Kent, Southsex, and Mertia, left his kingdom to Adelred, or as some call him Adelerdus his cousin, and took his journey to Rome, where he made a godly end, about the year of our Lord, 720.  
Of Cadwallader, Cedwall, and Ivor, there be divers opinions. Some hold, that Cadwallader and Cedwall are the selfsame man; and that the Saxon writers call him Cedwall whom the Britons do name Cadwallader: who (as the British Chronicles do affirm) after his foresaid vision, did resign all his right, title, and interest in great Britain, to the said Alan king of Britain Armorike, and so despairing that either he or his should ever have any thing to do there, leaving his son Edwal Ywrch and his people to the ordering of his cousin Alan, went to Rome. But this opinion seemeth to vary from the assertion of Bernardus Guidonius. But certainly in mine opinion it is more probable that this Cedwall was Edwal the son of Cadwallader, for the name Edoal, which in the ancient British copy is written Etoal, may well agree with that which Guidonius writeth: and an easy matter it were especially in proper names for the HUNDRED capital to creep in, which is almost all one with that character which the Lawyers do call a paraph, 
¶  and is used commonly in all old text hands at the beginning of periods or sections. Of this matter, thus writeth Guidonius, In suo pontificali Catalogo, sub Sergio primo.  
Per idem tempus Ethoal rex Brytonum, 
Rob. Caenal.  cùm per decem annos multis regulis obuiasset, & plura mala illis irrogasset, tandem ipsis in pacem devenientibus, super occidentales saxons regnavit annis duobus. Videns autem Brytanniam multis miserijs contritam, regnum sprevit terrenum propter aeternum, & Romam veniens, paucis diebus transactis migravit ad Christum. Et paulo post. Hic ex toto illud regnum antiquissimum Brytonum corruit, quod omnibus ferè regnis diuturnius fuit. A tempore Heli Sacerdotis usque ad hoc tempus, per annos 1825. Rob. Caenalis lib. 2. per. 2.  
That is.  
At the same time Ethoal King of the Britons, when he had by the space of ten years warred with divers Kings, and often put them to the worse, at length growing to an agreement with them, he reigned over the West Saxons two years, and then perceiving Britain to be overworn with miseries, preferring the heavenly kingdom before the earthly, came to Rome, and within few days died: and in him ended wholly that ancient kingdom of the Britons, which continued in a manner longer than any other, from Helie the priest to this time, by the space of 1825. years.  
Further, it is not like that Ivor coming to the aid of Edwal his cousin, would ever seek the kingdom to himself and defeat the right heir: but very well it may be (if this Ivor be that man whom the Saxon writers call Inas or Ive) after these Britons had arrived in the south part of this realm, and fought divers times with the Saxon kings, and continued in Cornwall, Devonshire, and Somersetshire by the space of two years, that they should afterwards meet Centwyn in the field, and so fall to an agreement, that Ivor taking Ethelburga the cousin of Centwyn to wife, should enjoy the kingdom of the West Saxons after Centwyn, and that thereupon Edwal resigning his title and interest to Ivor, departed to Rome, and so died: as Guidonius says.  

Beda.  All this notwithstanding, it seemeth by the report of other writers of very good account, 
H. Hunt.  that Inas or Ive king of the West Saxons (whose laws are extant in print, set out by master) William Lamberd Esquire, 
Cast.  a worthy searcher and preserver of the antiquities of this land) was not a Britain, 
W. Lamb.  but a Saxon, who had war against the Britons divers times, and vanquished them.  
Matth. West. reporteth that Inas or Ive fought with Gerent King of the Britons.  
I have an ancient book written (as john Leland thinketh) by john Castoreus or Beaver, sometimes Monk of Westminster, who lived in the time of Edward the third, which reporteth the history of Inas in this sort.  
About the year of grace 689. Ivor and Henyr sons of the daughter of Cadwallader sometime King of Britain, 
I Cast.  came over from Ireland, and taking to their aid the two Kings of Wales, destroyed the province of Chester, and sent messengers to the Saxon Kings, commanding them to restore again to the Britons the country of Lhoyger, 
The request of the Britons.  out of the which they had wrongfully expelled their parents and ancestors: adding, that if they would not so do within fifteen days, they should not enjoy it any longer. The which message, Inas the noble King of Westsex, signified unto all the other Saxon Kings, who soon met together in Mount Campeden, to whom Sibertus King of Essex spoke thus:  
Dear friends and companions, 
The oration of Sibertus to the other Saxon Kings.  let us weigh and consider not only what we are ourselves, but also what our enemies are which come against us: they are the very Britons, whose fathers and ancestors, our fathers have béereft of their inheritance, and expelled out of their own land: and now they justly come against us, to claim that which our ancestors by violence have taken from there's. Let us therefore like other nations, choose unto us a head, to lead, direct, and govern us, whom, as chief lord in time of peace and war, we as members may obey and stick to, sith without a head, there is no victory to be looked for. Have not the Britons after two years of their dispersion set upon the ancient Saxons (a more valiant people than we are) fifteen times within seven years? Did they not spoil their kingdoms, killed their people, and left such as remained alive sore wounded and maimed at their departure?  
The rest of the Saxon kings agreed unto his mind, and with one assent chose that worthy Knight Inas King of Westsex to be their sovereign, who having taken their homage, advanced his standard, and marched forward against Ivor and Henyr, and set upon them, so that they were feign to forsake their tents and fly into Wales.  
Thus Inas having obtained the victory, with the other Saxon Kings (saving Sibertus, who by reason of his age and impotency had departed home before) returned to South hampton, where his cousin Adelard informed him that Ivor and Henyr had gathered and levied a puissant army afresh to set upon the Saxons: where upon, Inas foreslowed not the matter, but went against them, and laid siege to the Castle of Snowdon, compelling the Britons to fly to their ships▪ and while he was at Bangor with the other Saxon Kings, and the nobles of Wales, he kept the feast of S. David, and then dismissed the other King's home to their country, until they should be called for again: and departed himself with Adelard his cousin, to Queen Ethelburga being then at Manchester, and continued there almost three months.  
In the mean while, Adelard minding to travel about all Wales, met three spies, of whom (being by him taken and examined) he learned that Ivor and Henyr were returning again with a huge army, of such strength and force, as all the Saxon Kings were not able to resist. Then went he and showed Inas what he had herded: wherefore Inas forthwith certified the other Saxon Kings of the same, commanding them without delay to be ready at Chester with horse and armour to go against their enemies, and to defend their country from violence. Who accordingly met at Chester, and following the King's standard, gave the Britons battle, and put them to flight. Howbeit, the Britons eftsoons invaded England, and made seven roads in two years, destroying towns and villages wheresoever they came, and never returning without great and rich booties. Inas after this victory returned home, and reigned over the West Saxons 36. years, and then bequeathed his kingdom to his cousin Adelard. Thus much out of Castoreus.  
This Ivor made the fratrie of Glastenburie, called in the British tongue Ynys Aualon.  
joseph of Aremathia being sent by Philip the Apostle, as Gildas reporteth, 
Gildas.  came into this Island in the days of arviragus King of Britain, 
Polydore.  about the year of Christ 53. and instructed the Britons in the doctrine of salvation, in the isle of Aualon, where he builded a Church for the Christians: which Church, this Ivor (if it be he that governed the West Saxons) converted to an Abbey, and endowed the same with large possessions, 
Bale.  which was the more famous, because the bodies of the said joseph of Aremathia and king Arthur were there buried.  
He gave also great lands to the Church of Winchester. In the second year of juors' reign, Brythe a subject to Egfride King of Northumberland, did overrun and destroy a great part of the country of Ireland. In the fourth year of his reign there was a great earthquake in the isle of Man: and the year following, it reigned blood in Britain and in Ireland. The milk likewise and the butter turned to the colour of blood. 
Math. West.  The second year after that the Moon appeared all bloody.  
After the departure of Ivor to Rome, Adelard or Adelred took the rule of the Saxons. And Rodericus, or Roderi Molwynoc the son of Edwal Ywrch, did take the rule of the Britons in the west part of England.   


Roderike Molwynoc.  Roderike or Rodri, the son of Edwal Ywrch.  
The year 733. 
733  died Beda priest, brought up in the Abbey of Wyrnetham, 
Or jatewe  a great clerk that written many works, among which, there is one entitled, The Ecclesiastical history of the English nation, dedicated unto Cleolwolfe King of Northumberland. This year, Adelard King of Westsex, and Ethelbald King of Mertia, joined their powers against the Britons, and gave them battle, and after a long fight and great slaughter upon either part, obtained a bloody victory. The year 735. 
735  Adelard King of Westsex died, and Cudred reigned in his place. And the year following died Edwin King of the Pictes. And in the year 746. 
Hol. pa. 193.  there was a great battle fought at Hereford betwixt Cudred and Ethelbaldus, where after a long fight, Cudred had the victory. Also the next year ensuing he gave the Britons and overthrow and died shortly after.  

H. Hunt. Hol. pag. 189. & 193.  The Britons seeing they could little prevail against the Saxons, joined in league with Cuthred King of the West Saxons, who then was out with Ethelbald King of Mertia, whereupon, the said Ethelbald entered into Wales with a strong army, and the Britons met him, and were there discomfited. After that, Cuthred and Ethelbald met in the field, where Ethelbald was put to flight: but anon after they two were made friends, and joined together their powers against the Britons and overcame them.  

Math. West.  After Cuthred, in the year 749. was Sigebert created King, 
749  who for his evil behaviour, was expelled by his nobles out of his Kingdom, 
Sigebert King of Westsex. Kenulph.  and was miserably slain by a swineherd, after whom, Kenulph was made King of West Saxons, the year 750. 
750  About the same time died Theodor the son of Belin, a man of great estimation among the Britons. Not long after, there was a great battle fought betwixt the Britons and the Pictes at a place called Magedawc, where Dalargan King of the Pictes was slain. Within a little after, Roderi or Roderike Molwynoc was driven by the Saxons to forsake the west country, & to come to seek his own inheritance in North-wales, where ruled at that time the children of Bletius or Bledericus prince of Cornewal & Devonshire (who was one of them that gave Adelred and Ethelbert the overthrow at Bangor upon the river Dee) who enjoyed the governance of North-wales, ever since Caduan was choose King of Britain, until this time.  
By this history it should seem that the Britons continued their government in the west part of Lhoegria until this time. But surely, the consent (in a manner) of all writers is, that the British kingdom ended in Cadwallader, after whom, the Britons had nothing to do beyond Severne, being constrained to keep themselves within the countries of Cambria and Cornubia. It is also written by divers, that Ivor and Ynyr at their first arriving in Britain, were repelled by the Saxons, and driven to Wales, where Ivor ruled as Prince many years, whom this Roderi or Roderike the son of Edwal the son of Cadwallader succeeded.  
When Roderike king of the Britain's had reigned about 30. years, he died, the year 750. leaving two sons after him, Conan Tindaythwy, & Howel.   


Conan Tindaethwy.  Conan Tindaethwy the son of Roderike.  

Leland. I Bale, Cen. 1. pag. 81.  I read that this Hylda (which was the niece of Edwine King of Northumberland, brought up by Pauline and Aedan) in a public synod did withstand Wilfride and other superstitious monks in these toys and trifles, all edging for her out of Polycrates the fact of Irenaeus, who withstood Victor Bishop of Rome in that behalf, and the custom of the church of Asia observed by S. john the Evangelist, Philip the Apostle, Polycarpus and Melito, and taught in this Island of Britain by joseph of Arimathea, who first preached the Gospel in the same.  

763  In the year 763. was Offa made King of Mercia, and Brichtrich King of West Saxons. In the which year died Fermael the son of Edwal: and the year following, Cemoyd the King of the Pictes. The year 776. the men of Southwales destroyed a great part of Mercia with fire and sword. And the summer following, all the Welshmen gathered themselves together, and entered the Kingdom of Mercia, and did much hurt there.  

Io. Caest.  The Saxons, which bordered upon the country of Cambria or Wales, did daily encroach so upon the lands of the Welshmen beyond Severn, that they had got much of the same into their hands, especially toward the south part of the country. Wherefore the Welshmen put themselves in armour, and set upon the Saxons, and chased them over Severn again, and then returned home with a great prey, and thus they did oftentimes, kill and destroying all before them, and always bringing home with them much cattle, which thing caused Offa to conclude a peace with the other Saxon Kings, and to bend his whole force against the Welshmen.  
Whereupon Offa King of Mercia caused a great ditch to be made, 
Io. Caestor: Matth. West.  large and deep from sea to sea, betwixt his kingdom and Wales, whereby he might the better defend his country from the incursions of the Welshmen. And this ditch is to be seen in many places as yet, and is called Clawdh Offa, 
Clawdh Offa.  which is, Offas' ditch at this day.  
King Offa, calling to his aid the other Saxon Kings, gathered a huge army, and came over Severn into Wales: upon whose coming, the Welshmen (being not able to encounter with such a multitude of armed soldiers) left the plain and even country by Severn side, and the land between it and the river Wye, and withdrew themselves to the mountains and rocks, where they might be most in safety, until the enemies were avoided out of the country; yet nevertheless, continually they made divers invasions by stealth into the land of Mercia, & always returned with advantage, so that the Saxons by keeping themselves encamped could do no good, for they dared not pursue the Welshmen to the mountains and woods, for fear of entrapping, by such as kept the straits and passages.  
When Offa perceived that by open war he could do no good, he expelled all the Welshmen out of the plain and even country between Severn and Wye, and planted Saxons in the same: and annexing it to his own kingdom of Mercia, caused this great & famous ditch (whereof mention is in this place) to be made, to save his people from the invasions of the Welshmen. Whereupon the seat of the Kings of Powys was translated from Pengwern, now called Salop, to Mathrual, where it continued long after.  

795  In the year 795. the Danes came first into England, 
Matt. West. pag. 289.  and six years after they came again, & destroyed a great part of Lindsey and Northumberland, and overran the most part of Ireland, and destroyed Rechreyn.  
Also about the same time there was a battle fought at Ruthlan, between the Saxons and the Welshmen, where Caradoc King of North-wales was slain. This Caradoc was the son of Gwyn, the son of Colhoyn, the son of Ednowen, the son of Blethyn, the son of Blecius or Bledricus prince of Cornwall and Devonshire. Also this year died Offa King of Mercia, and Egfert his son reigned in his stead.  
In the year of our Lord 800. Egbertus was made King of Westsex: and Kenulphus the year following treated King of Mercia. Arthen also the son of Sitsylht, the son of Clydawc King of Caerdigan, died the same year. Likewise Run King of Dyvet, and Cadelh King of Powys died in the year 808. 
808   
This was a troublesome time, and as yet no stayed government established in Wales, and therefore such as were chief lords in any country, are here called kings.  

Io. Bale.  The next year after died Elbodius Archbishop of North-wales, before whose death, the sun was sore eclipsed. In the year 810. 
810  was the moon eclipsed upon Christmas day. The same year, S. David's was burned by the West Saxons. There was also a general morreine and death of cattle throughout all Wales. The next year ensuing, Owen the son of Meredyth, the son of Terudos died: and the Castle of Degaunwy was destroyed with thunder. Conan prince of Wales, and his brother Howel could not agreed, insomuch that they tried the matter by battle, wherein Howel had the victory.  
This Howel the brother of Conan, King or Prince of North-wales, did claim the isle of Môn or Anglesey for part of his father's inheritance, which Conan refused to give him, and thereupon they fallen at variance, and consequently to make war the one against the other, which is unnatural amongst brethren.  
Here I think it fit to say somewhat of the custom and tenure of Wales, whereof this mischief grew, that is, the division of the father's inheritance amongst all the sons, commonly called Gavel kind. Gavel is a British term, signifying a hold, because every one of the sons did hold some portion of his father's lands, as his lawful son and successor. This was the cause not only of the overthrow of all the ancient nobility of Wales (for by that means, the inheritance being continually divided and subdivided amongst the children, and the children's children, etc. was at length brought to nothing) but also of much bloodshed and unnatural strife and contention amongst brethren, as we have here an example, and many other in this history. This kind of partition is very good to plant and settle any nation in a large country not inhabited, but in a populous country already furnished with inhabitants, it is the very decay of great families, and (as I said before) the cause of strife and debate.  
And the next year there was much hurt done by thunder, and in divers places many houses burned to the earth. The same year died Gruffyth the son of Run, and Griffri the son of Kyngen was slain by the treason of Elice his brother.  
Howel gave his brother Conan another battle, and slay a great number of his people, whereupon, Conan levied an army, in the year 817. & chased his brother Howel out of the isle of Môn or Anglesey, compelling him to fly into Man. And a little after died Conan, chief King of the Britons or Welshmen, leaving behind him a daughter called Esylht, which was married to a noble man, called Mervyn Vrych, the son of Gwyriad, or Vriet, the son of Elidur, & so forth in the right line to Belinus the brother of Brennus' King of the Britons, and his mother was Nest, the daughter of Cadelh King of Powys, the son of Brochwel Yscithroc, (that fought with the Saxons at Bangor,) who was prince of Powys.  

Galfride. I Cast. Matth. West.  This Brochwel is called of the Latin writers Brecivallus and Brochmaelus, of whom I found thus written in Historia divae Monacellae.  
Fuit olim in Powysia quidam princeps illustrissimus nomine Brochwel Yscithroc, Consul Legecestriae, qui in urbe tunc temporis, Pengwern Powys, nunc verò Salopia dicta est, habitabat: cuius domicilium seu habitaculum ibi steterat, ubi collegium divi Ceddae nunc situm est.  
That is.  
There was sometimes in Powys a noble Prince, named Brochwel Yscithroc, Consul or Earl of Chester, who dwelled in a town then called Pengwerne Powys, and now Salope, whose dwelling house was in the very same place where the College of Saint Chad now standeth. This man with Caduan king of Britain, 
Galfrid. Cast.  Morgan king of Demetia, and Bledericus king of Cornewal, gave an overthrow to Ethelfred king of Northumberland, upon the river of Dee, Anno gratiae 617. of whom, the ancestors of divers in Wales living at this day, are known (by ancient books and records) to have descended.   


Mervyn Vrych, and Esylht.  Mervyn Vrych, & Esylht the daughter of Conan.  

Matth West. Sim. Dunel. H. Hunt.  THE first year of the reign of Mervyn Vrych, and Esylht his wife, Egbert King of Westsex entered into Wales with a great army, and destroyed the whole country unto Snowden hills, and seized to his hands the country of Rhyvonioc in Denbighland. About this time, there was a sore battle fought in Anglesey, called the battle of Lhanuaes.  
In the year of Christ 819. 
819  Kenulph King of Mertia destroyed West Wales, and the summer following, he overran Powys land, and did much hurt, and soon after died, and Kenelm reigned in his place. About the same time also Howel King of Man died. The year 825. Ceolwulph was made King of Mertia, and reigned two years. After whom, Bernulph was created king, who was overthrown at Elledowne by Egbert king of the West Saxons, who also brought to his subjection the countries of Kent and West Angles. Not long after, about the year 828. 
828  Bernulph was slain by the East Angles. After that, there was a great battle fought at a place called Gavelford, betwixt the Britons, and the West Saxons of Devonshire, and many thousands cruelly slain upon either side, and the victory uncertain. The year 829. 
829  Egbert overthrew Wyhtlafe King of Mertia, and made him subject to his Kingdom. He also passed Humber, 
The Kingdom of England began.  and won the land, and so was the first Monarch of the Saxons, and brought the seven kingdoms into one, and changed the name of Britain into England, and called the people Englishmen, and the language English: for the people that came into this isle from Germany, were Saxons, Angles, and juthes. And of the Saxons came the people of Eastsex, Southsex, Middlesex, and West Saxons. Of the Angles came the East Angles, middle Angles or Mertians, and all on the North side of Humber. And of the juthes came the inhabitants of Kent, and the isle of Wight. And the seven Kingdoms were these: 


The seven Saxon kingdoms.  1 The first Kent.  
2 The second Southsex, containing Sussex and Southerie.  
3 The third East Angles, containing Norfolk, Southfolke, and Cambridgeshire.  
4 The fourth Westsex, containing Berkshire, Devonshire, Somersetshire, and Cornwall.  
5 The fift Mertia, containing Glocestershire, Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, cheshire, Warwikeshire, Leycestershire, Darbishire, Notinghamshire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, and half Hertfordshire.  
6 The sixt was East Saxon, containing Essex, Middlesex, and the other half of Hertfordshire.  
7 The seventh Kingdom was all the lands upon the North side of Humber, which was also divided into two kingdoms, Deyra and Bernicia. Deyra was the land betwixt Humber and Tine, Bernicia from Tine, to the Scottish sea.    
All these were brought under subjection by Egbert king of West Saxons, and this realm called England the year after the coming of Brutus to this Isle 1968. after the coming of Hengist 383. and after the departure of Cadwallader 149. years. Which name, although it hath continued to this day for the space of 755. years, yet was it not very lucky or fortunate to the Saxons inhabitors of this realm. For even upon this change of their name, and unition of the kingdom, followed the terrible and cruel invasion of the Danes: and after that, the conquest of the normans, of whom, the Kings of this time have descended. But to return to my matter again. The year 833. 
833  the Danes in great companies landed in divers places of this realm, and fought divers battles with Egbert, wherein sometimes they, and sometimes he had the victory. Afterwards in the year 836. they landed in West Wales, and so passed through Wales to England with many of the Britons, which joined with them against Egbert, but they were all overthrown by Egbert at Hengestdowne, who died the year following.  

Raunlph. Cest.  This Egbert king of England won the city of Caer lhêon, are Dhowrdwy, or Chester (which was the chief city of Venedotia,) out of the hands of the Britons, in whose possession it remained until that time. He caused also (as some writers do affirm) the brazen image of Cadwalhon king of Britain, 
Matth. West. Chron. Wig.  to be thrown down & defaced, commanding that no man upon pain of death, should set up any such again, forbidding this land to be called britain any more, but England, and the people Englishmen. He also made proclamation (by the setting on of Redburga his wife, who bearing malice towards the Britons could not abide any of that nation) that no Britain should remain within the confines of England, 
Io. Castor.  commanding that all & singular which were of the British blood, should within six months avoid with their wives and children out of his kingdom, upon pain of losing their heads.  
After the death of Egbert, his son Ethelwulph reigned in his place, who gave his daughter in marriage to Berthred his tributary, king of Mertia. He had great wars and much ado with the Danes, which destroyed with fire and sword the sea coast of England. The year 841. 
841  died Idwalhon a noble man of Wales. And two years after was the battle of Kettell betwixt Burchred king of Mertia, and the Britons: wherein, as some do writ, Mervyn Vrych king of the Britons was slain, leaving behind him a son called Rodri Mawr, that is to say, Roderike the Great.   


Roderike the Great.  Roderike the Great, son to Mervyn and Esylht.  
The year 846. 
846  the Danes did overrun a great part of England, 
Matt. West. I Castor.  and fought with Athelstan king of Kent, brother to Ethelwulph, and remained that winter, and wintered in England. This year also was Ithel king of Gwent or Wentland slain in fight by the men of Brechnock. This year 854. 
854  Kongen king of Powys died at Rome, being slain of choked (as some say) by his own men. And two years after died Cemoyth king of the Picts, & jonathan Lord of Abergeley. About the year 856. 
856  Ethelwulph took his journey to Rome, and made his kingdom tributary to the Pope, and paid the Peter pennies to the church of Rome.  
The Old Saxons do bring the genealogy of this Ethelwulph to Adam, 
Matt. West.  after this manner. Ethelwulph the son of Egbert, the son of Alcmund, the son of Eaffa, the son of Eoppa, the son of Ingils, the brother of Inas, the son of Kenred, the son of Coelwalde, the son of Cudwine, the son of Ceawlin, the son of Kenrick, the son of Cerdicke, which was the first king of the West Saxons, the son of Esly, the son of Gewise, of whom the people were called Gwysses, the daughter of Gewyn, the son of Wingy, the son of Freawyn, the son of Fridagare, the son of Brendy, the son of Beldegy, the son of Wooden, of whose issue came the kings of many nations, the son of Frethewold, the son of Freolaffe,, the son of Frethewolfe, the son of Finny, the son of Godulph, the son of 
* De quo Sedulius in. Paschali carmin●.  Geta, the son of Teathwy, the son of Beane, the son of Sceldy, the son of Safe, which reigned in a country called Anglia, lying betwixt the Goths and the Saxons, from whence the Angles came first to Britain, he was the son of Heremod, the son of Itermod, the son of Hadey, the son of Wale, the son of Bedwy, the son of Sem, the son of No, and so forth to Adam.  

Matth. West. pag. 275.  There is another pedigree laid down by the same author, of Offa king of Mercia, ascending even to Adam, not in all points agreeing with this; so that the author writing the latter, seemeth oftentimes to forget what he had written in the former. The like also I found in john Castoreus, 
I Castor.  at the end of the history of Edward the confessor. And an other in Matth. Paris, 
Matt. Paris. pag. 126.  in the history of King Henry .2. Anno. 1155. And these four genelogies seem to ascend by the same men, although the names do sometimes vary.  
This genealogy have I set here, that the reader may understand thereby, that not only the Britons, or Welshmen, but all other nations have been ever desirous to set forth their antiquity and progeny, which was not very hard to such nations as were not mingled with other, and that had ever among them such as did only from time to time profess that art, and customably did writ the progeny, wives, and children, of all such as were of any estimation in the country. In the which two things, Wales had ever passed all other countries, as they which have not mingled with any other nations, until of late years with Englishmen, and also have ever had such as did profess the art of genealogy, 
Beirdh.  who although they have sometimes erred, or rather have willingly flattered in learuing false genelogies, yet surely are able by their books to bring any Gentleman's genealogy of that country, to such as have lived nine hundred years passed, and but few further, except such as descended of the kings of Britain.  
The Italians, before they mingled with the Vandals, Goths and Lumbards', brought their genelogies to Aeneas. The Spaniards to Hesperus, before the Goths and Moors overran the land. The Saxons to wooden, before they mingled with the Danes and Normans. Yea the Frenchmen & Turks rejoice at this day, to bring themselves to the Thracians; and the Germans to the children of Gwyston: and it is possible they may so do, because they have not mingled with any other, and have not been overrun with any other nation. 
H. Lhoyd.  Therefore let such disdainful heads, as scant know their own Grandfathers, leave their scoffing and tawnting of Welshmen, for that thing that all other nations in the world do glory in; and let them read the ancient writer Berosus, to whom the wise Grecians, for the knowledge they learned at his hands, made an image of copper, and set it up in Athens in memory of him, and there they shall found the beginning of the most part of all the nations in the world; and if they believe him, let them not deny ours; and if they credit him not, let them believe no more but what they see with their eyes, or that pleaseth their fond fantasies. But to the matter.  
This year the Danes chased Burchred out of his kingdom, 
Io. Castor.  who also went to Rome, and there died. The year 857. died Ethelwulph, 
857  and left behind him his sons, Athelbald King of Westsex, and Athelbright king of Kent, and of the East Saxons.  

john. Cast. Sim. Dunel. Matt. Park. A King's son and heir Bishop. 10. Cast.  Of this Ethelwulph it is written, that he was so well learned and so devout, that the clerks of the church of Winchester did choose him in his youth, to be their Bishop, which function he took upon him, & was Bishop of Winchester, for seven years before he was king. It is reported also that he conquered the kingdom of Demetia or Southwales, and gave the same with the kingdom of Southsex, to Alfred his son; and that the said Alfred should bring a thousand soldiers out of Wales, to the aid of his brother Ethelbert to Winchester, and there put the Danes to flight, and destroy a great number of them. Athelbald the son of Ethelwulph, after the death of his father, kept his mother in law for his concubine, and afterward married her in the city of Chester.  
After Athelbald had reigned eight years, he died, and Athelbright his brother took the rule of his kingdom. And that year the Danes spoilt Winchester, 
Fabian.  and after a great fight were driven out of the land: but returning to Tenet, they remained there for that winter, and spoilt by incursions all the sea shore. This year also was the battle of Gweythen, betwixt the Britons and the Englishmen, and a great number slain on either side. The year 865. died Conan Nant Niver, 
865  a worthy captain, 
H. Hunt.  and a noble warrior. And the year following, came Hungare and Hubba, with a great army of Danes into England. In the year 867. died Athelbright, 
867  and Ethelred his brother reigned in his stead. The Danes the next year ensuing, spoilt York, 
H. Hunt. Fabian. Ran. Cest.  and slay the two Kings of Northumberland, Osbright and Elba, and afterward they overran all the country unto Nottingham, spoiling and destroying all before them, and then returned to York, and from thence to East Angle, where they slew Edmund the King. The sixt year of Ethelred came another host of Danes through Westsex, and to Reding, with Basrecke and Alding, and fought five battles with Ethelred and Alfred his brother, in two of the which the Danes were overcome at Henglefild & Estondowne, and in the three other the Englishmen were overthrown at Reding, Basing, & Mereton. The year 871. King Ethelred died, 
871  & Alfred his brother reigned in his stead.  
Alfred assoon as he had taken the kingdom upon him, considering with himself, what a heavy burden he did sustain, enquired after the wisest and the best learned men that he could hear of, that he might be directed by them, whom he worthily entertained, using their advise as well in the public government of the common wealth, as in his private studies and conference of learning. He sent for two famous learned men out of Wales; 
Bale. Cent. 2. Cap. 24.  the one named john De Erigena surnamed also Scotus, born at Menevia or S. David's, brought up in that college, who having for learning sake traveled to Athens, and bestowed there many years in the study of the Greek, Hebrew, and Chaldie tongues, and the secret mysteries of Philosophy, came from thence to France, where he was well accepted with Carolus Calnus and Ludovicus Balbus, 
1. Castor.  and there translated the works of Dionysius Areopagita, De coelesti hierarchia, out of the Greek into the Latin tongue; and at the last being returned home to Wales, was sent for by this King Alfred, who then founded and erected the university of Oxford, & was the first that professed learning, 
Polydor, lit●.  and read publicly in the said University. The other was Asserius or Asser, 
Hol. pa 218.  of whom I shall have occasion to speak hereafter. He would not suffer any to bear office in his court, but such as were learned, exhorting all men generally to embrace and honour learning and learned men.  
Alfred in the first year of his reign, fought two battles with the Danes upon the south side of Thames, and slew of them one King, and nine Earls. About this year, died Gwgan King of Caerdigan.  
This was that noble Gwgan ap Meuric ap Dunwal ap Arthen ap Sitsylht, King or prince of Caerdigan, who as some British books have, was at this time drowned by misfortune.  
At this time the Danes destroyed the town of Alclyde, and wan London and Reding, and all the inland and kingdom of Mercia. And one King or leader of them took the country of Northumberland, and he and his people did much trouble the Pictes. Likewise the year following, three Kings of the Danes went from Cambridge to Warham in Dorcetshire, and Alfred would have given them battle, but the Danes desired peace, and foresware England, which they never did before, and the same night their horsemen took their journey toward Excester, and their footmen which went to the sea were all drowned at Sandwich. When the Danes had thus abjured England, they bend their force against Wales, and entered the isle of môn with a great army, in the year of Christ 873. 
873  where Roderike gave them two battles, one at a place called Bangole, 
Matt. West.  and another at a place called Menegid in Anglesey.  

S● Dunelm. Matt. West.  I found also that about this time Halden and Hungare, two Captains of the Danes, arrived in Southwales, and overran the whole country, destroying all before them with fire and sword, neither sparing churches nor religious houses, but within a while after, they received their deserved reward at the hands of the West Saxons, who meeting with them on the coast of Devonshire, slay both Halden and Hungare, with 1200. of their people.  
At this time, Eneon Bishop of Menevia or S. David's died, and Hubert was installed in his place. And within two years after, Dungarth king of Cornwall was drowned by a mischance. In the year 876. 
876  the Englishmen entered into Anglesey, and fought with the Welshmen a sore battle, who, in the year following, slew Roderike king or prince of Wales, and Gwyriad his brother, or as some say, his son. This Roderike had by his wife Enghârad the daughter of Meyric the son of Dyfnwal or Dunwal the son of Arthen ap Sitsylht, divers sons, as Anarawd his elder son, to whom he gave Aberfraw with North-wales; Cadelh the second son, who had Dineuwr with Southwales, and also took Mathraval and Powys land by force from his brethren, after the death of Mervyn the third son, to whom his father had given the same.  
Roderike the Great is counted of all writers to be the undoubted owner and possessor of all Wales. Venedotia or North-wales descended unto him from his mother Esylht, the daughter and sole heir of Conan Tindaethwy, as is evident by this history. Demetia or Southwales (as some do affirm) came to him by his wife, the daughter & heir of Meyricap Dyfnwal ap Arthen ap Sitsylht king of Caerdigan: her brethren (who are thought to be illegitimate) holding of her husband. Powys he had by Nest, the sister and heir of Congen ap Cadelh King of Powys, which was his father's mother. These three dominions he appointed under their meres and bounds, with a princely house in every of them, which he named Y tair Talaeth, and left the same unto three of his sons, Anarawd, Cadelh, and Mervyn, which were called Y tri twysoc Talaethioc, that is, The three crowned princes, because every of them did wear upon his bonnet or helmet a coronet of gold, being a broad lace or headband indented upward, set and wrought with precious stones, which in the British or Welsh speech is called Talaeth: and so to this day nurse's do name that broad headband, wherewith a child's head is bond uppermost upon some other linen clothes, Talaeth. Aberffraw was the chief house of the prince of Gwyneth, whose dominion was therefore called Talaeth Aberffraw: Dinevowr the princely house of Deheubarth, whereof that part is named Talaeth Dinevowr: and in like manner Talaeth Mathraval is so called, of the princely seat of Powys, called Mathraval.  

Girald. Cam.  Giraldus Cambrensis in his book entitled Descriptio Cambriae, is of opinion, that Mervyn was the elder son of Roderike, to whom Venedotia was given, and was the father of Anandhrec, which was the father of Meyric, which was the father of Edwal, which was the father of jago, etc: and that Anarawd had Powys, and died without issue. But the common opinion of all other writers is to the contrary, agreeable to that which this Author affirmeth.  
Roderike had also Roderike, Meyric, Edwal or Tudwal, Gwyriad and Gathelic, of whom you shall hear in the history following.   


ANARAWD.  Anarawd the son of Roderike.  

Matth. West. li. 1. pa. 342.  Other kingdoms and countries of Europe were disquieted with this persecution of the Danes as well as England. For of this Hasting it is written, that laying siege to the city of Limogis in France, and despairing of the speedy winning of the same, he devised this train to get it. He feigned himself to be dangerously sick, and sent to the Bishop, and the Consul of the same city, desiring them most instantly, that he might be admitted to the christian faith, and be baptized before his departure out of this world. The Bishop and the Consul (suspecting no guile) were very glad, not only to be delivered from the present trouble, but also to win such a worthy man to the congregation of Christ. Whereupon, firm peace being made between both nations, Hasting is baptized, the Bishop and the Consul being his Godfathers, which thing being done, he was carried by the soldiers to his ships in very weak case, as he outwardly pretended. About midnight he caused himself being armed in his complete harness, to be laid upon a beer, commanding his soldiers to be armed, and to carry their weapons with them under their upper garments, and so to be ready when he should give them a sign. The day following, all things being in a readiness, he was brought solemnly by his people with great clamour and counterfeit morning to be interred in the chief church of the city, where the Bishop and the Consul accompanied with all the worship of the same city came to honour the burial: but as soon as the Bishop had made himself ready to bury the corpse (most of all the towns men being in the church) Hasting stepped up all armed with his sword drawn, and first killed the Bishop and the Consul, and then fallen with his armed soldiers upon the naked people, and destroyed them in a manner every one, putting all to the sword, neither sparing age, sex, or infirmity. And when he had sacked the town, he sent messengers to Charles the French King for peace, which he obtained, and withal, the city of Charters towards his charges to be quiet.  
About this time Euneth the son of Bledryd a Baron of Wales died. And the year 893. 
893.  Anarawd King or prince of North-wales, came with a great number of Englishmen, and made war against his brother Cadelh, and spoilt the countries of Caerdigan and Ystradgwy. In those days the Danes besieged Excester, 
Matth. West.  against whom, when Alfred went, they which were at Auldre passed over to Essex, and builded a Castle at Scobrith, and from thence took their journey to Budington upon Severn. And when Alfred came to Excester, the Danes fled to the sea, and spoilt the seacoasts of Wales. And they which were in Budington, hearing of the kings coming, fled back to their Castle in Essex. Another company of them came to Leycester, where Alfred did besiege them, till they were driven to eat their own horses. Afterwards the year 895. 
895.  the Danes that were in Leycester, with all the rest of them which were in Northumberland, passed by the North seas to Meresige an isle in Essex, 
H. Hunt.  and the year following, they entered the river line with the Thames, and there builded a Castle twenty miles from London: and as they came to spoil the country, they were overthrown, and lost four of their princes, and fled to the Castle. Then Alfred divided the river into three parts, so that the water was so diminished, that their ships could not return to the sea, which thing when the Danes see, they left their wives and children in Essex, 
Matt. West.  and passed spoiling the land to Quadbryge upon Severn, and so passed the river, and spoilt the countries of Brecknock, Gwentland, & Gwentlhwg. Also this year went a great number of them to France by the river Seyn, and another company of them spoilt the coasts of Devonshire, where they lost six ships after a long conflict. The summer following, the country of Ireland was destroyed with strange worms having two teeth, which consumed all that was green in the land. These seem to be Locusts, a rare plague in these countries, but often seen in Africa, Italy, and other hot regions.  

900  About the year 900. Igmond with a great number of soldiers came to Anglesey, and the Welshmen gave him battle at Molerain.  
There be some British copies of this history, which affirm, that this battle between Igmond captain of the black nations and the Britons, wherein Mervyn was slain, was fought at a place called Meilon, of the which it was called Maes Rhos Meilon.  
The same year died Alfred, which some call Alured, making (v) a vowel, which should be a consonant. This prince translated the ancient laws of Dyfnwal Moelmut king of Britain, and the laws of Marsia Queen of Britain, and wife to Cyhelin, out of British into English, and called it Marsian law, which law was afterward called Westsaxon lex, and kept in a part of Mercia, and in all the countries on the south of Thames, for the other part of the land had another law called Dane lex, and these remained till Edward the Confessors time, who of these two laws made one. Also this Alfred did divide the day in three parts by a taper which burned continually in his chapel, 
Io. Cast.  and endured just 24. hours. The first part of that time he bestowed at his book and in prayer: the second in the affairs of the common wealth: and the third part to take his rest and refresh himself: after whose death, 
Asser Men●ven.  a certain clerk made his Epitaph, as here followeth.  
Nobilitas innata tibi probitatis honorem  
Armipotens alfred dedit, probitásque laborem,  
Perpetuúmque labour nomen, cui mixta dolori  
Gaudia semper erant, spes semper mixta timori.  
Si modò victor eras, ad crastina bella pavebas,  
Si modò victus eras, & crastina bella parabas,  
Cui vestes sudore iugi, cui sica cruore  
Tincta iugi, quantum sit onus regnare probarunt.  
Non fuit immensi quisquam per climata mundi,  
Cui tot in adversis vel respirare liceret:  
Nec tamen aut ferro contritus ponere ferrum,  
Aut gladio potuit vitae finisse labores.  
I am post transactos regni vitaeque labores,  
Christus ei fit vera quies, sceptrúmque perenne.  
After Alfred reigned Edward his son, against whom, Adelwulph his brother made cruel war, who flying to Northumberland, stirred the Danes against him. He was choose King as well of the Danes as of the Angles, which at that time had grown to be one people: and after he subdued the East Saxons, and with a great army spoilt Mercia, and passing over Thames at Crickland, destroyed Brythend, and returned home with great spoil. At this time, Euneth was slain in Arwystli. King Edward also pursued his brother, 
H. Hunt.  and overran all the land betwixt Ouse, and the dike of S. Edmund, and returned back with all his army, saving the Kentishmen which tarried to spoil, 
Matt. West. Io. Cast.  against whom the Danes came and fought a sore battle, and slew a great number of them, and put the rest to flight. The Danes about the year 905. 
905  entered into Ireland and fought with the Irishmen, and slew Carmot King and Bishop of all Ireland, and the son of Cukeman, a man both godly and religious, and Kyrnalt son of Murgan King of Lagines. About a year after died Asser Archbishop of Wales.  

Bale, Cent. 2. pag. 125. Giral. Camb.  There were two of this name at the same time both countrymen and kinsmen; the one being the uncle, was Archbishop of S. David's, of whom mention is made in this place. The other Asser the nephew was a man of excellent learning and wisdom, and for that cause being Chancellor to his uncle, was sent for by King Alfred to teach his children, who written the acts of the same Alfred, and was afterward Bishop of Shireburne, of whom mention is made in the English Chronicles.  
About this time, Edward sent a great army to Northumberland, which spoilt the country, and then returned home: nevertheless, the Danes followed them, and destroyed a great part of Mercia. But within a while after, Edward gathered an army, and giving them battle, overthrew them, and slew their kings Alden and Edelwulph, and a great number of their nobles. This year, died Edelred Duke of Mercia, 
Matt. West. pag. 354.  which had long been sick, after whom, Elfleda his wife enjoyed the country of Mercia, saving the cities of London and Oxford, which king Edward seized into his own hands. The year 907. 
907  died Cadelh King or Prince of Southwales, second son of Roderike the great, leaving behind him three sons, Howel Dha (that is to say, Howel the good) who succeeded his father in the kingdom of Southwales, Meyric and Clydawc. About two years after, King Edward did build the Castle of Hartford betwixt the rivers Benefic, 
Matth. West.  Minier, and Lige; and also the borough of Wytham in Essex, and lay at Wealdyne, where he subdued those countries. The year following, the Danes of Leycester and Hampton slay a great number of Englishmen at Hochnorton, and in their return homeward, spoilt all Oxfordshire. The next year after that, there came a great navy from Tydwike, with Uther and Rahald, and past by the western sea to Wales, and destroyed S. David's, and there fought the battle of Dinerth, where Mayloc (the son of Peredur Gam) was slain. And afterward they entered Herefordshire, where they were fought withal, and Rahald slain, and the rest compelled to forswear the King's land. Then the King caused the southside of Severn to be kept with a great army; yet did the Danes twice enter his land, once by the East at Werd, and another time at Portogan, but they were at either time overthrown by the Englishmen. And from thence they departed to the isle of Stepen, from whence they were driven by hunger to Southwales, where they were beaten, and constrained to departed into Ireland. The year ensuing, there was a great battle fought betwixt the Kentishmen and the Danes at Holme, but who had the victory, is not certainly reported. In the year 913. 
913  Anarawd chief King of Wales died, and left behind him two sons, Edwal Voel, which reigned after him, and Elise.   


Edwal Voel.  Edwal Voel son of Anarawd.  

Matt. West. pag. 354.  I think that the name of Leycester is here mistaken for Legecestria, that is, Chester, called of the Romans Legionum Cestria, which being destroyed by the Danes, was about this time by the procurement of a Adelred Duke of Mercia, and Elflede his wife, repaired and re-edified, as Matth. Westm. writeth, and as the ancient records of the city of Chester do testify. Besides that, I found no mention of the reedifying of Leycester at this time, neither in the British Chronicle, nor yet in any ancient English writer.  
The next summer after, the men of Develyne did destroy the isle of Môn or Anglesey. And the year 917. 
917  Clydawc the son of Cadelh was slain by the hands of his brother Meyric, and about the same time, 
Io. Castor.  the Englishmen did overthrow the Danes after a great fight at Tottenhale.  

Io. Cast.  Io. Castoreus reporteth this story in this manner. Huganus' Lord of Westwales, perceiving King Edward to be occupied in the Danish war, far enough from him, gathered an army of Britons, and entered the King's land. Whereupon Elfled, Lady of Mercia, the sister of King Edward, came to Wales with a strong army, and fought with the Welshmen at Brechnocke, and putting Huganus to flight, took his wife and 34. men captives, and lead them with her to Mercia. Huganus thus discomfited, fled to Derbie, & there being peaceably received of the countrymen with fifteen men of war, and two hundred soldiers well appointed, joined himself with the King's adversaries the Danes, of which thing when Elfled was certified by the men of Derby, she followed him with a great army, and entered the gates of that town, where Huganus resisted her, and slew four of her chief officers. But Gwyane Lord of the isle of Elie her Steward, set the gates on fire, and furiously running upon the Britons, entered the town. Then Huganus being overmatched, and choosing rather to die by the sword, than to yield himself unto a woman, was there slain. Thus out of Castoreus.  
The year ensuing, Elfled wan Leycester, and subdued to her all the Danes that lay there. The Yorkeshiremen also did her homage and service: she died at Tamworth, after that she had worthily ruled Mercia eight years, and lieth buried at Gloucester by S. Peter's porch, upon whose tomb, this Epitaph was written. 
H. Hunt.  
O Elfleda potens, o terror virgo virorum,  
O Elfleda potens, nomine digna viri.  
Te quoque splendidior fecit natura puellam,  
Te probitas fecit nomen habere viri.  
Te mutare decet sed solùm nomina sexus,  
Tu regina potens réxque trophea parans.  
I am nec Caesareos tantùm mirere triumphos,  
Caesare splendidior virgo, virago vale.  After the death of Elfled, 
Matth. West.  Edward disinherited her daughter Alfwyen, and seized the land of Mercia to his own hands.  
The cause why Edward disinherited this young Lady his niece, 
Io. Cast.  whose mother Elfled, being his own sister, had done so much for him, was (as Castoreus writeth) for that Alfwyen not making the king her uncle (whom her mother had appointed guardian and overseer of her) privy to her doings, had promised and contracted marriage with Raynald king of the Danes: whereupon, king Edward, to prevent his enemy, entered the land of Mercia, and seized the same to his own hands, and carried also the said Lady with him into Westsex. The same Author also reporteth, that about this time, Leofred a Dane, and Gruffyth ap Madoc, brother in law to the prince of Westwales, came from Ireland with a great army to Snowdon, and minding to bring all Wales and the marches thereof to their subjection, overran and subdued all the country to Chester, before King Edward was certified of their arrival. Whereat he was very sore offended, and being loathe to trouble his subjects in that behalf, made a vow that he and his sons, with their own people, would be revenged upon Leofred and Gruffyth, and thereupon came to Chester, and won the city from them. Then he divided his army into two battles, whereof he and his son Athelstan lead the first, and Edmund and Edred the second, and so followed them with as much celerity as he could, and overtook them at the forest of Walewode, now Sherwode, where Leofred and Gruffyth set upon him fierselie, so that the king in the beginning was in some distress, until Athelstane stepped in between his father and Leofred, and wounded the Dane in the arm, in such sort, that he being not able to hold his spear, was soon taken, and committed to the custody of Athelstane. In the mean time, Edmund and Edred encountering with Gruffyth, slay him, and brought his head to their father. Then Athelstane caused Leofred to be headed, and so both their heads were set up together on the top of the tower of Chester, and Edward and his sons returned home with great triumph.  
Then Edward, after he had builded Glademutham, died at Ferandyne, whose son named Alfred died also the same time at Oxford, and were buried both at Winchester, Anno 924. 
924  After whose death, Adelstane his base son reigned King of England, which was the worthiest prince of Saxon blood that ever reigned. He did overcome Cudfryd the father of Reynald King of the Danes, at York. He gathered also the second year of his reign, a great army against Hawlaf King of Ireland, 
Io. Castor.  who came with the whole power of the Scots and Danes against him, and gave him battle at Brimestburie, where Adelstan gate the victory, and slew the said king Hawlaf and the king of Scots, and five kings of the Danes and normans, and twelve Earls, so that he brought all the land of England and Scotland in subjection to him, which none of his predecessors had ever attempted. The year 933. 
933  Owen the son of Gruffyth was slain by the men of Caerdigan. Then Adelstan did enter Wales with a great army, 
Wil Malms. Hol. pa. 225. Io. Cast.  and brought the kings of the country to subjection, and received yearly of tribute 20. pound in gold, and 300. pound in silver, and 200. head of cattle: 
Matth. West. Ran. Cest.  yet the laws of Howel Dha appointed to the king of Aberfraw to pay yearly to the king of London no more but 66. pound for a tribute: and that the prince of Dineuwre and the prince of Powys should pay a like sum 66. pound yearly to the king of Aberfraw. To this Adelstan, the kings of Norway and France did sand great and rich gifts to win his friendship and good will. 
936  In the year 936. died Euneth the son of Clydawc, and Meyric the son of Cadelh. At this time also Adelstan did remove the Britons that dwelled in Excester and thereabouts to cornwall, 
Matt. West. Hol. pag. 226.  and appointed the river Cambia to be the utter mere towards England, as he had before appointed the river Why to be the mere of England and Wales. In the year of Christ 939. 
939  the noble prince Adelstan died, and was buried at Malmesburie, and his brother Edmund born in wedlock reigned in his place, who in the first year of his reign, won five cities from the Danes, 
Io. Castor.  Leycester, Derby, Stafford, Lincoln, and Nottingham. Then Aulafe King of the Danes sent to Edmund to desire peace and baptism, which Edmund granted unto him, and so the Danes, which then were called Normanes, took first the christian faith, Edmund being their godfather, who making peace with them, returned to Westsex with much honour. This year died Abloic chief King of Ireland. The year following, Cadelh the son of Arthvael a noble Britain was imprisoned, and Edwal Voel the son of Anarawd and Elise his brother were slain in a battle, which they fought against the Danes and Englishmen. This Edwal had six sons, Meyric, jevaf or jevan, jago which is james, Conan, Edwal Vachan, and Roderike. After whose death, Howel Dha his cousin german ruled all Wales for his life time. Elise also had issue, Conan, and a daughter named Trawst, which was mother to Conan ap Sitsylht, Gruffyth ap Sitsylht, and Blethyn ap Convyn, which two last were afterward princes of Wales.   


Howel Dha.  Howel Dha, cousin german to Edwal Voel.  
Howel Dha king or prince of all Wales, perceiving the laws and customs of his country to have grown unto great abuse, sent for the Archbishop of Menevia, and all the other Bishops and chief of the clergy, to the number of 140. prelate's, and all the Barons and nobles of Wales, and caused six men of the wisest and best esteemed in every Comote to be called before him, whom he commanded to meet all together at his house called Y Tuy gwyn are Taf, that is, The white house upon the river Taf. Thither he came himself, and there remained with those his nobles, prelate's, and subjects all the Lent, in prayer and fasting, craving the assistance and direction of God's holy spirit, that he might reform the laws and customs of the country of Wales, to the honour of God, and the quiet government of the people. About the end of Lent he chose out of that company twelve men of the wisest, gravest, and of the greatest experience: to whom he added one clerk or doctor of the laws, named Blegored, a singular learned and perfect wise man. These had in charge to examine the old laws and customs of Wales, and to gather out of those such as were meet for the government of the country: which they did, retaining those that were wholesome and profitable, expounding those that were doubtful and ambiguous, and abrogating those that were superfluous and hurtful, and so ordained three sorts of laws. The first, of the ordering of the kings or prince's household, and his court. The second, of the affairs of the country and common wealth. The third, of the special customs belonging to particular places and people. Of all the which, being read, allowed, and proclaimed, he caused three several books to be written, one for his daily use to follow his court, another to lie in his palace at Aberffraw, and the third at Dinevowr, that all the three provinces of Wales might have the use of the same when need required. And for the better observation of these laws, he caused the Archbishop of S. David's to denounce sentence of excommunication against all such of his subjects, as refused to obey the same. Within a while after, Howel (because he would omit nothing that could procure countenance and authority to his said laws) went to Rome, taking with him the Archbishop of S. David's, the Bishops of Bangor and S. Asaph, and thirteen other of the learnedest and wisest men in Wales, where the said laws being recited before the Pope, were by his authority confirmed: then having finished his devout pilgrimage, and emptied his purse, he returned home again with his company.  
1 By these laws they might not mortgage their lands but to one of the same family or kindred, which were De eadem parentela.  
2 Every tenant holding of any other than of the prince or lord of the fee, paid a fine Pro defension regia, which was called Arian ardhel, in Latin Aduocarij.  
3 No legacy of goods by will was good, otherwise than those which were given to the church, to the lord of the fee, or for payment of debts.  
4 Every man might distrain as well for debts, as for rent of lands, any goods, or cattle, saving horses, which were counted to serve for a man's necessary defence, and were not distrainable without the prince his licence.  
5 Causes of inheritance were not herded or determined but from the ninth of November, till the ninth of February; or from the ninth of May, until the ninth of August. The rest of the year was counted a time of vacation, for sowing in the spring, and reaping in the harvest.  
6 This also is to be observed, that all matters of inheritance of land were determined and adjudged by the King or Prince in person, or his special deputy (if he were sick or impotent) and that upon view of the same land, calling unto him the fréeholders of that place, two elders of his counsel, the Chief justice attending always in the court, the ordinary judge of the country where the land lay, and the priest. The manner of their proceeding was thus. The king or prince sat in his judicial seat higher than the rest, with an elder on his right hand, and another on his left, and the fréeholders on both sides next unto them, which for this cause (as I think) were called Vchelwyr. Before him directly a certain distance off, and a little lower, sat his Chief justice, having the priest on his right hand, and the ordinary judge of that country on the left. The court being set, the plaintiff came in with his advocate, champion, and Ringylh or sergeant, and stood on the left side: then came in the defendant in like manner with his advocate, champion and Ringylh, and stood on the right side: and last of all, the witnesses of both parties came, which stood directly before the Chief justice at the lower end of the hall, until they were called up to testify the truth of their knowledge in the matter in variance.  
The figure of the which I thought good here to lay down, as you see, in the page next following.  
After the hearing of the books read, the depositions of the witnesses, and full pleading of the cause in open court, upon warning given by the Rhinghylh, the Chief justice, the priest, and the ordinary judge, withdrew themselves for a while to consult of the matter, and then Secundum allegata & probata, brought their verdict, the court sitting. whereupon the king or prince after consultation had with the elders or seniors which sat by him, gave definitive sentence; except the matter was so obscure and intricate, that right and truth appeared not: in the which case it was tried by the two champions, and so the cause ended. This shall be sufficient for this time. Now therefore let us go forward in the history.  
At this time the foresaid kings Aulafe and Regnald entered the land of Edmund, who gathering his strength together, followed them into Northumberland, and overcame them in plain battle, and chased them out of the land, and so remained a whole year in those parts, setting things in order, and quieting of that country. And because he could not by any means bring the inhabitants of Cumberland to live in any honest order, he spoilt that country, and committed it to the rule of Malcolme king of Scotland, upon condition, that he should sand him succours in all his wars both by sea and land.  

Matt. West. Hol. pag. 228.  Some other writ, that king Edmund being accompanied with Lhewelyn ap Sitsylht, which was after prince of Wales, entered Cumberland, and taking the two sons of Dummaile king of that province, 
Buchan. li. 6. fol. 53.  put out their eyes, and then gave that country to Malcolme to be held of him, with condition to keep the North part of the realm from incursion of enemies, the which condition was afterward but slenderly performed. This Malcolme was the son of Donald King of Scotland, and was the next king after Constantine the third, being in number the 76.  

942  In the year 942. died Hubert Bishop of S. David's: the year also following, Marclois Bishop of Bangor, and Vssa the son of Lhavyr died. The year 944. 
944  the Englishmen did enter Wales with a strong army, and spoilt Strad Clwyd, and returned home. 
Matt. West. Hol. pag. 222.  At which time, Conan the son of Elise was put in danger of death by poison, and Everus Bishop of S. David's died. The year after, Edmund King of England was slain by treason, 
Matt. West.  as some writers say, upon S. Augustine's day, as he was at dinner. Other say, that he espied an outlaw sitting in the hall, and as he drawn him from the table, the outlaw slay the King with a knife.  

Io. Cast.  And some be of opinion, that as the King would have rescued a man of his from an officer who had arrested him, the same officer slew him, not knowing that he was the King: he lieth buried at Glastenburie.  
After whose death, Edred or Edfred his brother was crowned in his place, who made an expedition to Scotland and Northumberland, and subdued them both, and received fealty and homage of the Northumber's and Scots by oath, which was not long kept. In the year 948. died Howel Dha the noble and worthy King or Prince of Wales, 
948  whose death was sore bewailed of all men, for he was a prince that loved peace and good order, & that feared God. He left behind him four sons, Owen, Run, Roderike, and Edwin, betwixt whom, and the sons of Edwal, there was great wars, for the chief rule of Wales, as shall appear in the history following.   


Jevaf and jago.  Jevaf and jago the sons of Edwal Voel.  
AFter the death of Howel Dha, his sons did divide Southwales and Powys betwixt them: and Jevaf and jago the second and third sons of Edwal Voel ruled North-wales, (because their elder brother Meyric was not a man worthy to rule) who coming of the elder house, would have had the chief rule of all Wales, which the sons of Howel Dha denied them. And thereupon jago or james and jevaf entered Southwales with a great power, against whom came Owen the son of Howel and his brethren, and fought together at the hills of Carno, where jago and jevaf had the victory: and the year following, the same brethren did twice enter into Southwales, and spoilt Dyvet, and slew Dwnwalhon the Lord thereof. And within a while after, died Roderike one of the sons of Howel Dha. In the year 952. the sons of Howel gathered their strength together against jevaf and jago, 
952  and entered their land to the river of Conwy, where they fought a cruel battle at a place called Gwrgustu, or Lhanrwst, as some think, where a great number were slain upon either side, as Anarawd the son of Gwyriad, or Vriet the son of Roderike the Great, and Edwin the son of Howel Dha: in the which battle were overthrown the sons of Howel, whom Jevaf and jago pursued to Caerdigan, and destroyed their country with fire and sword. About this time Yarthyr the son of Mervyn was drowned: and the year following, Congelach King of Ireland was slain. But to return to Edred King of England. As soon as he was returned to his own land, Aulaf with a great army landed in Northumberland, and was received of the people with much gladness; but anon after, like fickle and unconstant men, they banished him the land again, and took to their king one Hircius the son of Haroald, whom likewise after three years they expelled, and willingly submitted themselves to Edred, who after he had ruled the whole land eight years, died, and was buried at Winchester. After him reigned Edwin son of Edmund, in whose time chanced nothing worthy to be put in writing, but that he married another man's wife, her husband being alive. This man, after he had governed the realm four years, died, leaving his kingdom to his brother Edgar, who was crowned king of England in his stead. In the year 958. 
958  was a wonderful hot summer, when Gwgan the son of Gwyriad the son of Roderike died. After the which heat, there followed a great plague in March following. In those days jago and jevaf by force and strength ruled all Wales as they thought good: and yet for all their power, Abloic king of Ireland landed in Môn, and having burned Holyhed, spoilt the country of Lhyyn. In the year 961. 
961  the sons of Edwin the son of Colhoyn were slain, after they had destroyed all the country to Towyn. About this time, Meyric the son of Cadvan, Rytherch Bishop of S. David's, and Cadwalhon ap Owen departed out of this transitory world. Not long after, the country of North-wales was sore spoilt by the army of Edgar king of England.  

Io. Cast.  The cause of this war was the non payment of the tribute that the King of Aberffraw, by the laws of Howel Dha was to pay to the king of London. 
Hol. pag. 232.  In the end, there was a peace concluded: for king Edgar understanding what hurt the countries of England and Wales received daily, by reason of the great multitude of Wolves that then abounded (especially in Wales) which destroyed much sheep and otherwise did great harm, released the tribute in money appointed by the said laws of Howel Dha, and bond the prince of North-wales to pay him yearly certain Wolves for his tribute, and so to be released of that other tribute in money, 
Wolves destroyed by the prince of Wales.  which the said prince performed, until he had left never a Wolf in Wales or England.  
In the year 966. Roderike the son of Edwal Voel was slain by the Irishmen, 
966  by whom Aberfraw was destroyed. The next year, there fallen a great debate betwixt the two sons of Edwal, jago, and Jevaf, which had ruled jointly together from the death of Howel Dha, to that time: and shortly after jago, having taken his brother Jevaf by force, very cruelly kept him in prison a long time: about the which time, Eneon the son of Owen prince of Southwales wan and seized to himself the land of Gwyr. And in the year 969. 
969  Mactus the son of Haroald with an army of Danes did enter the isle of Anglesey, and spoilt Penmon. These Danes were suffered by Edgar to inhabit quietly through all England, till they were as strong as the Englishmen, and then they fallen to such riotousness and drinking, that much mischief ensued thereof: whereupon Edgar made a law, 
A law against immoderate drinking.  that every man should drink by measure, and caused a certain mark to be set in every pot how deep they should drink, and so by these means he somewhat stayed that immoderate ingurgitation. Not long after that, Godfryd the son of Haroald did subdue to himself the whole isle of Anglesey, which he enjoyed not long. King Edgar likewise in the year 972. 
972  did sand a great navy to Caerlheon upon Vsc, which shortly turned back, 
Ran. Cest. Fabia●.  without doing any notable act. The next year following, Howel the son of Jevaf raised a great power against his uncle jago, for the deliverance of his father out of prison, and overcame his uncle in fight, whom he chased out of the land, and took his elder uncle Meyric the son of Edwal, and put out both his eyes, and kept him in prison, where he died shortly after, leaving behind him two sons, Edwal and jonaval, of the which Edwal came afterward the most worthy princes of Wales. Howel notwithstanding he had set his father at liberty, yet took upon himself the whole rule of the land for his life time. He had three brethren, all men of great estimation, Meyric, jevaf, and Cadwalhon, whose lives shall ensue hereafter.   


Howel ap jevaf.  Howel the son of jevaf.  

Sim. Dunel. Hol. pa. 238. Io. Vowel in Catal. epist. Exon.  They overran also and spoilt the whole country of Devon and cornwall, burned the town of Bodman, and the cathedral church of S. Petrokes, with the Bishop's house. Whereupon the Bishop's sea was removed from thence to S. Germans, where the same continued, until the removing and uniting thereof unto Crediton.  
About this time died S. Dunstane, who prophesied of much mischief and great destruction of the land by the Danes. The year 981. 
981  Godfryd the son of Haroald did gather a great army, and landed in Westwales, where spoiling all the land of Dyvet, with the church of S. David's, he fought the battle of Lhanwanoc. Likewise in the year next ensuing, Duke Alfred with a great power of Englishmen spoilt and destroyed Brechnock, and a great part of the lands of Owen prince of Southwales, against whom, Eneon the son of the said Owen, and Howel king of North-wales did raise all their power, and overthrew them in battle, where the greatest part of Alfreds army was slain, and the rest put to flight. The year following, the Gentlemen of Gwentsland rebelled against their prince, and cruelly slew Eneon the son of Owen, which came thither to appease them. This Eneon was a worthy and noble Gentleman, who did many notable acts in his father's time, and left behind him two sons, Edwin and Theodor or Tewdor Mawr, of whom came afterward the kings or princes of Southwales. In the year 984. 
984  Howel the son of Jevaf king of Wales entered England with an army, where he was fought withal, and slain valiantly fight. This Howel had no son, but his brethren reigned in his place.   


Cadwalhon ap jevaf.  Cadwalhon the son of jevaf.  
AFTER the death of Howel, his brother Cadwalhon, the second son of Jevaf took in hand the governance of North-wales, and first made war with jonaval his cousin the son of Meyric, and right heir to the land, and slew him, but Edwal the youngest brother escaped away privily. The year following, Meredyth the son of Owen king or prince of Southwales, with all his power entered into North-wales, and in fight slew Cadwalhon the son of Jevaf, and Meyric his brother, and conquered the land to himself. Wherein a man may see how God punished the wrong, which jago and jevaf the sons of Edwal Voel did to their elder brother Meyric, who was first disherited, and afterward his eyes put out, and one of his sons slain. For first Jevaf was imprisoned by jago, then jago with his son Constantine, by Howel the son of Jevaf: and afterward the said Howel, with his brethren Cadwalhon and Meyric, were slain and spoilt of all their lands.   


Meredyth ap Owen.  Meredyth the son of Owen ap Howel Dha.  

987  The year 987. died Jevaf the son of Edwal, which had lived many years a private life. The same year also died Owen the son of Howel Dha, Prince of Southwales. This Owen had three sons, Eneon which died in his father's time, Lhywarch which lost both his eyes, and Meredyth which (as before is declared) had won North-wales, and after his father's death took also to his possession all Southwales, having no respect to his brother Eneon his sons Edwin and Theodor or Tewdor. About the same time the Danes sailed from Hampton alongst the coast, spoiling Devonshire & cornwall, and so at the last landed in Southwales, and destroyed S. David's, Lhanbadarn, Lhanrystyd, and Lhandydoch, (which were all places of religion) and did so much hurt in the country besides, that to be rid of them, Meredyth was feign to agreed with them, & to give them a penny for every man within his land, which was called The tribute of the black army.  
At this time Elwmaen the son of Abloic king of Ireland was slain, & a great number of people died for hunger. The year 989. 
989  Owen the son of Dyfnwal was slain. Within a year after Meredyth king of Wales destroyed the town of Radnor, at what time his nephew Edwin the son of Eneon, having to his aid duke Adelf, and a great army of Englishmen and Danes, spoilt all the land of Meredyth in Southwales, as Caerdigan, Dyvet, Gwyr, Kydweli, and S. David's: where Edwin took pledges of the chief men of those countries. In the mean time, this Meredyth with his people did spoil Glamorgan, so that no place was free from sword and fire: but at the last Meredyth and Edwin fallen at an agreement, & were made friends. Soon after Cadwalhon the only son of Meredyth died. Meredyth being thus occupied, had so much to do in Southwales, that North-wales lay open for the enemy: which thing when the Danes perceived, they arrived in Anglesey, and destroyed the whole isle. Whereupon the inhabitants of that country received Edwal the son of Meyric the right heir of North-wales, 
Matth. West. pag. 383. Io. Castor.  for their prince, in the year 992. 
992  After these great troubles, there followed within a year after such famine & scarcity in Southwales, that many perished for want of food.   


Edwal ap Meyric  Edwal ap Meyric the son of Meredyth.  
THis Edwal being in possession of the principality of North-wales, studied to keep and defend his people from injuries and wrongs. But Meredyth gathered together all his power, intending to recover again North-wales, with whom Edwal met at Lhangwm, and overthrew him in plain battle, where Theodor of Tewdor Mawr, Meredyth his nephew was slain, who left behind him two sons Rees & Rytherch, & a daughter called Elen. 
Matth. West.  A little after this Swain the son of Haroald destroyed the isle of Man: and entering to North-wales slay Edwal the prince thereof, who left behind him a son called jago.  
In the year of Christ 998. 
998  the Danes came again to S. David's, destroying all before them, and there they slay Morgeney or rather Vrgeney Bishop of that sea. The same year also died Meredyth the son of Owen king or prince of Wales, leaving behind him one only daughter called Angharad, which was married to Lhewelyn ap Sitsylht, and after his death to Conuyn Hirdref, or as other do think, to Conuyn ap Gwerystan, who had children by either of them, which was the cause of much war & mischief in Wales, as shall appear hereafter.   


Aedan ap Blegored.  Aedan the son of Blegored.  
I do not know, neither could I ever found, what colour or pretence of title, this Aedan ap Blegored had to the principality of North-wales, nor yet of whom he descended, or who came of him: whereas all the other princes are notoriously known, of what families they descended, and who came of them. Neither yet do I read of any Blegored, whose son he might be, except it be that doctor of Law, of whom mention is made in the laws of Howel Dha, whose estate was too mean to challenge the principality. He is reported to have governed about xij. years. Of this acts by him achieved, there is very little written, saving of those two battles, the one wherein he overcame Conan ap Howel, and the other wherein he was overcome himself, and slain with his four sons, by Lhewelyn ap Sitsylht.  
In the year 1004. 
1004  Gulfath and Vbiad Irish Lords, were taken by the Scots, and their eyes put out, which Scots did also destroy the country and town of Develyn. Likewise the Danes, which had destroyed again Westwales, went to England, and there spoilt and burned the land all before them, especially Somersetshire, Dorsetshire, and so through Hampshire and Sussex, 
Matt. West.  they came towards the river of Thames, without any let or stay, and so sailed alongst the river, to the place where the river Mydwey entereth to the Thames, alongst which water, they came to Rochester, where they overthrew the Kentishmen that bade them battle. Edelred king of England was at this time in Cumberland the chief den of the Danes, which land he brought to his subjection: but in the mean while, another army of Danes fought again with the men of Somersetshire, and got the victory, and ruled the country at their pleasure. Then Edelred hearing of the great worthiness of Richard Duke of Normandy, sent to him for his daughter Emma in marriage, thinking thereby to have succour: but God intending to punish the great sins and enormities of the Saxons, did move the king thereto, that like as they being instruments of God's wrath, under the colour of friends and hired soldiers, had traitorously and cruelly slain the Britons, and driven them out of their land, so should the normans by colour of this affinity, first enter the land as friends, and bring succour against the Danes, and afterward come as foes, and be the utter destruction of the Saxons and Angles: which was then foreseen and told the king by an Anachoret, who inspired with the spirit of God, saw the plagues which he had certainly appointed to fall upon the Saxons. But the king puffed up with pride, and hope of his affinity, did privily writ to all the english rulers through the realm, 
The Danes murdered. Matt. West. pag. 391.  to kill the Danes in one night, which then lived peaceably, which murder was cruelly executed upon S. Brices' day at night. But yet the Danes would not give over so with loss. Therefore the year following, there came an army of them to Devonshire, and overran the land with fire and sword, sparing nothing that had life, that they might revenge the murder of their coosens. 
Matt. West. pag. 393. H. Hunt. Sim. Dunel.  They razed the city of Excester, and slew Hugh the Normane, whom the Queen had appointed governor there. Then Almarus Earl of Devon gathered a great army of Hampshire, Wiltshire, and all the country about, and met the Danes: but he and his were put to flight, and the Danes pursued them to Wilton and destroyed it and Salisbury, and returned to their ships with rich spoils and great triumphs.  

Io. Cast. Si. Dunelm. Hol. pag. 243. Io. Vowel.  Some are of another opinion, which affirm, that the said Hugh the Norman enticed and procured the Danes to come and besiege the city of Excester, which they did burn, and used the people with great cruelty, until in the end the said Almarus' Earl of Devon, and the Gentlemen of the country submitted themselves, and so obtained peace.  
And the year following, being 1004. 
1004  swain a mighty prince of Denmark, to whom God predestinated the crown of England, came with a great number of sails, and laid siege to Norwich, and spoilt it, 
Hol. pag. 243.  with whom Wolfkettel duke of the land made peace: yet the Danes, after they had rested a while, went to Thetford, which they also spoilt, and returned to their ships with their pray, and overthrew duke Wolfkettel (who had gathered and prepared an army to fight with them) and so failed to their country, and two years after returned again with their companions, fire, sword and spoil, 
Hol. pag. 244.  and landed at Sandwich and burned it, and made England quake as a reed in the wound, and thence sailed to Wight, where they wintered till Christmas, and then entered Hampshire, and passed in diverse bands alongst the land to Reding, Wallingford and Colsey, devouring such victuales as they found in the houses, paying therefore with sword and fire at their departing. 
Io. Cast.  And at their return they met near Essington, the army of the Westsaxons, which did nothing but trouble them with kill, & laded them with spoil, and so passed the gates of Winchester, with much triumph to Wight; and all this while was king Edelred at his manor in Shropshire full of cares and troubles. And then the nobility of England bought peace of the Danes for 30000. pound. In the which time of peace Edelred took an order, that of every 300. hides of land through the realm, 
H. Hunt.  there should be a ship made and furnished, and of every 8. hides, a corselet and a helmet. An hide containeth as much ground as a plough may ear by the year. Besides these the king had a navy from Normandy, which being all together at Sandwich, was one of the greatest that ever was seen in Britain. But it happened so, 
Io. Cast. Matt. West.  that where the king had banished one Wilnot a noble man of Sussex, he fallen a roving upon the sea, and troubled all passages and victuallers. 
1008  Then Brightrych brother to the traitor Edric earl of Mercia, promised the king to bring before him Wilnot either alive or dead, but it happened otherwise: for there fallen such a tempest, that he was driven of force to the shore, where many of his ships were lost, and the rest Wilnot and his company did set on fire, and burned them. Then Brightrych, being abashed of this infortunate beginning, returned again alongst the Thames to London.  
Shortly after there landed a navy of Danes at Sandwich, 
Io. Castor.  and so passed by the land to Canturburie, minding to destroy the city: but the citizens bought peace for 30000. pound. And the Danes passed first through Kent, Sussex, Hampshire, and Berkshire, where king Edelred with all the power of England met them: notwithstanding being persuaded by the traitor Edric, he would not fight with them, so that they returning back by London, (which city defended itself manfully) went to their ships. But in the year following they landed again at Ipswich upon the Ascension day, & there overcame and put to flight Duke Wolfkettel who fought with them. Then passsing from thence to Cambridge, they met the king's sister's son with his army, whom they slay, and with him Duke Oswyn, with Edwin & Wolfrike Earls, and after took their way by Essex towards Thames, 
1010  leaving no part of cruelty unpractised by the way. And alongst the riverside they went to Oxford, 
Hol. pag. 245. Io. Cast.  which they had burned the year before, and so to the three castles upon Ouze, Buckingham, Bedford and Huntingdon, and destroyed Godmanchester, which was then a fair town, and burned Northampton, and at Christmas returned to their ships. The next year following, when they had spoilt all the land from Trent southward, they laid siege to the city of Canterbury, 
1011  and won it by treason of one Almarike (whom Alfege the Archbishop had delivered from death) and left nothing behind them, 
Io. Cast. Hol. pag. 246.  but blood and ashes, carrying the Archbishop with other to their ships, 
Matt. Park. page. 68  whom they cruelly slay afterward. Within a while after, Swain king of Denmark came alongst Humber to Gainesbourgh: to whom Vitred Duke of Northumberland with all his people and all Lynsey with the country's North of Watlingstreete become subjects, and gave him hostages. Whereupon swain finding his enterprises fortunate and lucky, committed his navy to Cnute his son, and went himself to Oxford and Winchester, which cities with all the countries about aknowledged him for their king. Then he came to London, where king Edelred was, but the citizens defended the city so manfully and valiantly, that swain returned to Walingford, and so to Bathe, and received homage of all Westsaxon, and afterward coming to London, received the city to mercy, and was called king throughout the land. 
Hol. pag. 249. Io. Castor.  Then Edelred perceiving all things to fall against him, fled to Normandy, to his wife and his two sons, Edward and Alfred, whom he had sent thither before. And swain, as soon as he had brought the whole land to his obeisance, 
Sim. Dunel.  died suddenly, after whose death, the Danes chose Cnute his son for their king; but the Englishmen sent for Edelred home again, who coming with a great army, destroyed Lynsey, because that province was become subject to Cnute. 
Hol. pag. 248.  Which thing when Cnute understood being at Ipswich, he cut off the hands and noses of all the pledges that he had, and returned to Denmark. About this time, Brian king of Ireland, and Murcath his son, and other kings of that land to him subject, did gather a great power against Sutric the son of Abloic king of Dyvelyn, and Mailmorda king of Lagenes, which Sutric hired a number of strangers, all armed men, and rovers upon the seas, to his succour, and gave Brian battle, where the said Brian and his son were slain, and on the other side Mailmorda and Broderike captain of the strangers. In the year 1013. 
1013  Cnute came again from Denmark, and landed in Westsex, and spoilt all the country. 
Io. Cast.  Then Edric with Edmund king Edelreds' bastard son, gathered an army, but yet they dared not give him battle. Then went Edmund to Vitred duke of Northumberland, & together they spoilt Staffordshire, Leycestershire, and Shropshire. Cnute likewise, upon the other side, came down through Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, Hutingdonshire, and so by Stafford passed toward York, to whom Vitred come and yielded himself, yet he lost his life, whose possessions Cnute gave to one Egricke, and made him duke in his stead, whereupon Edmund went to his father which lay sick at London. Then Cnute returned to his ships, and sailed to Thames mouth, and up the river towards London: but before he came thither, Edelred was departed, after he had reigned with much trouble & misery 37. years. After whose death, the Englishmen chose his base son Edmund, surnamed Ironside for strength and tolerance in war, to be their king. This Edmund went to Westsex, and brought all that country to his subjection. Then the Danes laid siege to London, & made a great trench about it, that no man could escape out, and gave Edmund battle (who came to raise the siege) at Proman by Gillingham, where Edmund had the upper hand. The second battle they fought at Caerstane, 
Io. Castor. Matth. West. pag. 498.  in the which Edric, Almar and Algar used themselves traitorously against Edmund, where after long fight, the night departed both the armies. The third battle was at London, where Edmund pursued the Danes to their ships, and entered the city triumphantly: & two days after they fought the fourth battle at Brenford, from whence Edmund bore the honour away, and went to gather a new army, while Cnute did besiege London by water and land, but it was manfully defended. Then Edmund with his army passed the Thames at Brenford, and entered into Kent, and fought the fift battle, where the Danes fled as sheep before him, but he stayed the pursuit by the wicked read of the traitor Edric, whom he had received to mercy and made steward of the land, the which battle was fought at Essedowne in Essex with all the whole power of the Danes and Englishmen, where Edmund showed his prows, 
Matth. West. pag. 399.  and forsaking his place, which was betwixt the Dragon & the Standard, he entered the army of his enemies, and broke the thickest ranks of them, and compelled the proudest of them to turn their backs. Which when Edric see, fearing the overthrow of the Danes, cried aloud Fled Engle, Fled Engle, Dead is Edmund: & thereupon fled with his people, whom all the army followed to the great murder of Englishmen, 
Hol. pag. 255. Matth. West. page. 399.  and there were slain Edmund, Alfric, Godwyn, and Vlfkettel, all Dukes, & all the chivalry of England. After which victory, Cnute entered London, & was crowned king of the land. And Edmund gathered his army together, and they met in Glocestershire, but either army fearing other, were loath to fight, but moved the kings to make an end of this cruel bloodshed by combat, 
Hol. pag. 256. Matt. West. page. 400. Io. Castor.  whereunto either prince agreed, and the place being appointed, fought together manfully, and either of them were found so valiant and worthy men, as few the like. But Cnute fearing the incomparable strength of Edmund moved him to accord, whereunto he agreed. Thereupon peace was concluded with much joy, that Edmund should reign in Westsex, and Cnute in Mercia: and so they departed, Cnute to London, and Edmund to Oxford, 
S●m. Dunel. Fabian. Matth. West. pag. 401.  where he was traitorously murdered by a son of Edric with a sharp knife, as he was at the privy. Edric being quickly certified of the deed, came to Cnute (with much joy) and greeted him as only king of England, declaring how Edmund was slain at Oxford. To whom Cnute replied, that for his good service he would reward him as his deserts required, 
Matt. West. page. 402.  and set him above all the nobles of England. Thereupon forthwith he caused his head to be cut off, and to be set upon a pole, on the highest tower in London, and then he caused execution to be done upon all the other, that were consenting to the murder. In the year 1015. Lhewelyn the son of Sitsylht did raise a great power against Aedan, 
1015  who by force had taken upon him the rule of North-wales, and slew him with his four sons in battle, and (having no respect to jago or james the son of Edwal the right heir) took upon him the name and authority of king of Wales. This Lhewelyn was descended from the kings of Wales by his mother side, whose name was Trawst, daughter to Elise second son to Anarawd, which was the elder son of Roderike the great: who also had to wife Angharat, the only daughter of Meredyth prince of Southwales, and so by these means he claimed and enjoyed the right of either country, as hereafter shallbe declared.   


Lhewelyn ap Sitsylht.  Lhewelyn the son of Sitsylht: and Angharad the daughter of Meredyth.  
AFTER that Lhewelyn son of Sitsylht had taken into his hands the governance of Wales, all things did prospero in the land: for the earth brought forth double to the time before passed, the people prospered in all their affairs, and multiplied wonderfully, the cattle increased in great number, so that there was neither beggar nor poor man from the South to the North sea, but every man had plenty, every house a dweller, and every town inhabitants. Now in this time Cnute married Emme sometimes wife to Edelred, and mother to Alfred and Edward, and sent Edmund and Edward the sons of Edmund Ironside to Hungary to be slain, 
R●n. Cest. lib. 6. cap. 18.  howheit, the king of Hungary cherished them as his own children. King Cnute also seized upon the land a great subsidy of 72000. pounds, besides 11000. li. which the citizens of London paid. 
1019  In the year 1019. Meyric the son of Arthpoel did raise a great army against Lhewelyn king or prince of Wales, which met with him in the field, and manfully slew him, and discomfited his people. 
Ran. Cest. ibi.  Also this year Cnute with a great navy sailed to Denmark, and made war against the Vandals, which had a great army in the field, whom Cnute overthrew by the prows of Earl Godwyn, and the Englishmen, wherefore he loved them the better ever after.  
In the year 1020. a certain Scot of low birth came to Southwales, 
1020  and named himself Run the son of Meredyth their late king, whom the nobility, which loved not Lhewelyn, exalted to the regal throne, and took him for their king, which thing when Lhewelyn herded, he gathered his power in North-wales, and came towards Run, who had got all the strength of Southwales together at Abergwili, where with great pride he abode the coming of Lhewelyn. But when both armies were ready to join, Run full of brags and cracks encouraged his people to fight, promising them the victory: yet he himself (following the proverb, which biddeth a man to set on his dog, and not to run after him) set on his people to fight it to the uttermost, and withdrew himself privily out of the way: whereas upon the contrary part Lhewelyn, like a bold and courageous prince, came before his people, calling for the vile Scot Run, that dared so beelie a prince's blood, and so both the armies joined together with much malice and hatred, for the one party were not so courageous to defend the quarrel of so worthy a prince of their own blood, as the other were obstinate in the cause of a stranger: in the end, after great slaughter upon either part, the North-wales men remembering their old victories, and encouraged by the prows of their prince, put their enemies to flight, and pursued Run so narrowly, that all his Scottish shifts could not save his life, and so returned home with great spoil and prey. Then Lhewelyn ruled all the land quietly, but the year following he was slain by Howel and Meredyth the sons of Edwin, leaving behind him a son named Gruffyth ap Lhewelyn.   


jago ap Edwal.  jago the son of Edwal ap Meyric ap Edwal Voel.  

1031  About the year 1031. the Irish-scots entered Southwales, by the means of Howel and Meredyth, the sons of Edwin ap Eneon ap Owen ap Howel Dha, who hired them against Rytherch ap jestyn, whom they discomfited and slay, & by that means attained unto the government of Southwales, which they two ruled jointly, but yet with small quietness, for the sons of Rytherch gathered a number of such as were their father's friends to revenge his death, with whom Howel and Meredyth met at Hyarthwy, & after long fight put them to flight. But in the year following, Meredyth was slain by the sons of Conan the son of Sitsylht, brother to the worthy prince Lhewelyn to revenge their father's death, whom Meredyth and his brother had slain. The year next ensuing, certain Englishmen entered the land of Gwent, with whom, Rytherch ap jestyn fought, and was by them slain. Not long after died Cnute the most famous and mightiest prince in the West parts of the world, as he that had under his dominion the great country of Swethen, from Germany to the Northpole, 
H. Hunt. Io. Castor. Matth. West. Ran. Cest. li. 6 Al●. Crantz.  with Norway and Denmark, and all the noble I'll of Britain. After whom Haroald Harfote his son begotten upon Alwyn the daughter of Duke Alfelyn, was created king. For Hardy Cnute his other son by Emma was then in Denmark. This Haroald in the first year of his reign banished Emma his stepmother out of the realm.  
In the year 1037. 
1037  Gruffyth the son of Lhewelyn ap Sitsylth sometimes king of Wales, raised a great number of people against jago then enjoying the principality or kingdom of North-wales, whom jago likewise provided for, as well as he could: but the more part and the better soldiers were of Gruffyths side, for the love they bore to his father, which afterward well appeared: for after the armies once met, jago was soon overthrown and slain. This jago left behind him a son called Conan, by his wife Auandred daughter to Gweir the son of Pylh.   


Gruffyth ap Lhewelyn.  Gruffyth the son of Lhewelyn ap Sitsylht and Angharat.  

Hol. pag. 272.  This Howel procured Edwin the brother of Leofrike Earl of Chester or Mercia, to come with an army of Englishmen and Danes to his aid against prince Gruffyth, who met his enemies in the field, and overcame them, and slew the said Edwin, 
Matt. West.  but Howel escaped by flight. After the which victory, Gruffyth made sundry invasions upon the marches towards Hereford, and always returned with great spoils.  
When Gruffyth had brought all Wales under his dominion, he returned to North-wales again. The year ensuing, 1038. 
1038  Hernun Archbishop of Menevia or S. David's died, a man both learned and godly. The year next following, Howel king of Southwales gathered a great power of his friends and strangers, and entered the land, intending to recover it again. Wherefore Gruffyth like a worthy prince came with all speed to secure his people, and meeting with Howel at Pencadair, after he had encouraged his soldiers, gave him battle, and overthrew him, and pursued him so narrowly, that he took Howels wife, whom he had brought to the field to see the overthrow of Gruffyth (which chanced otherwise) whom Gruffyth liked so well, that he kept her for his concubine.  
About this time, Haroald king of England died, and his brother Hardycnute reigned in his stead, a noble and a liberal prince, who (as it is reported) caused his tables to be covered and furnished four times every day, 
H. Hunt  for strangers and all comers, and after he had reigned two years, 
Matt. West. Sim. Dunel.  he died at Lambeth in the flower of his age. After whose death, the Englishmen sent for Alfred the elder son of Edelred from Normandy, but that message pleased not Earl Godwyn, which was the mightiest man in the land, because he known the young prince to be courageous and stout, and therefore one that would not suffer him to rule the land as he intended to do. Therefore he persuaded the people that Alfred, who had come well accompanied with normans, had promised them the whole rule of the land, and thereupon they took all the normans, and bond them, and afterward tithed them, putting every tenth man to death. And yet they thought there were too many, wherefore they tithed them the second time: and lead Alfred from Gilford (where this cruelty was committed) to Gillingham, and there put out his eyes, and removed him thence to Ely, where he was pitifully murdered. Afterwards they sent for Edward the younger son, whom they received as king the year following, after that he had married Godwynes daughter, who in the first year of his reign banished Earl swain, son to the said Earl Godwyn, who was received of the Earl of Flanders. In the year 1041. Howel came again to Southwales, 
1041  and remained there awhile: and shortly after a number of strangers landed in Westwales & spoilt the country, against whom Howel gathered a number of people, and fought with them, and drove them to their ships with much loss.  
At this time Conan the son of jago (who had fled to Ireland to save his life) with the power of Alfred king of Develyn, whose daughter Ranulph he had married, entered North-wales, and by treason had taken Gruffyth the king, and carried him towards the ships: but when it was known, the country upon the sudden followed the Irishmen, and overtaking them rescued their prince, requiting their foes with much slaughter to their ships, who returned straight with Conan to Ireland. The year following, Howel the son of Owen Lord of Glamorgan died, being a man full of years. Then Howel ap Edwin called to his succour Danes and Englishmen, with all the power he could make in Southwales. Whereof Gruffyth being certified, gathered his power together in North-wales, & came courageously to meet his enemies, (whom he had twice before discomfited) and overcame them, and chased them, as far as the spring of the river Towy, where after a long and dangerous battle Howel was slain, and his army discomfited, and so narrowly pursued that few escaped alive. After whose death Rytherch and Rees the sons of Rytherch ap jestyn aspiring again to the rule and government of Southwales, 
Hol. pag. 270. Matt. West.  which their father had once obtained, gathered a great army, aswell of strangers as out of Gwentland, and Glamorgan, and met with Gruffyth king of Wales, who after his accustomed manner detracting no time, but courageously animating his men with the remembrance of their former fortune and diverse victories under his standard, joined battle with his enemies, whom he found disposed to abide, & to win againt the honour which before they had lost: wherefore when they met, the fight was cruel & bloody, & continued till night, which easily departed both armies being weary with fight, and either fearing other, returned to their countries, to gather more strength. This year joseph bishop of Teilo or Landaf died at Rome. The land being thus quieted, Gruffyth ruled all Wales without any trouble: till about two years after, the Gentlemen of Ystrad Towy did by treason kill 140. of the Prince his best soldiers, to revenge whose death the king Gruffyth destroyed all Dyvet and Ystrad Towy. here is also to be noted, that such snow fallen this year, that it lay upon the earth from the kalends of januarie, to the 14. of March. About this time, Lothen and Hyrling landed at Sandwich with a great number of Danes, and after they had spoilt the town, they returned to their ships, and sailed to Flanders, and sold their booties, and so sailed to their country. At this time also Earl swain returned to England, and came to his father's house at Pevenese, and humbly besought his father, and his brethren Haroald & Tostie, to procure him the king's favour. So Earl Beorned promised to entreat the king for him, and went with Swain to his ships, where he was traitorously murdered, and his body left upon the shore, until his friends, being certified of the same, fetched him away, and buried him at Winchester, where his uncle king Cnute had been buried before. swain having committed this wicked fact, sailed again to Flanders, and continued there, till his father made peace with the king, and brought him in favour again about a year after.  

1050  In the year 1050. Conan the son of jago did gather an army of his friends in Ireland, minding to recover his inheritance again, and as he sailed towards Wales, there arose such a tempest, that it scattered his navy abroad, and drowned the most part of his ships, so that he was disappointed of his purpose, & lost his labour. Shortly after, Robert Archbishop of Canturburie accused Earl Godwyn and his sons Swain and Haroald of treason, and the Queen of adultery, who because they refused to appear, being called before the king, were banished the land, and the Queen put away from the king, whereupon, Godwyn with swain fled to Flanders, and Haroald to Ireland.  

Wil Malms. Hol. pag. 270. and 271.  Eustace Earl of Bologne, the father of Godfrey, having married Goda king Edward's sister, the widow of Walter de Maunt, came to England to his brother in law, and as he was returning home again, one of his servants killed a man at Canturburie (or at Dover as Matt. Westm. hath) whereof grew a great inconvenience and slaughter on both sides: 
Matt. West. page. 419.  whereupon Eustace returning again; made a grievous complaint to king Edward upon the Kentishmen, whose part Earl Godwyn took, because they were of his county. But Eustace by the suggestion of Robert Archbishop of Canturburie (who hated Godwyn and his sons) so incensed king Edward against him and the Kentishmen, 
Matt. Park.  that Godwyn and his sons were sent for, to answer the matter before the king at Gloucester. Whereupon Godwyn fearing the king's displeasure (who could never brook him since the death of his brother Alfred) gathered an army out of Kent and other countries where his sons ruled, and so came towards Gloucester, reporting abroad, that all this preparation was made to resist Gruffyth prince of Wales, who (as they affirmed) was ready with an army to invade the marches. But king Edward being certified by the Welshmen, that there was no such things in hand, commanded Godwyn to sand back his army, and to come himself to answer, according to the order of law. Which when he refused to do, the king by the advise of Earl Leofrike appointed a Parliament and meeting at London, to take order in these matters, where the king came with a great army out of Mercia and other western countries. Then Godwyn remaining with his army in Southwerke, and perceiving how that divers of his friends disappointed him, and other daily forsook him, and went to the king's part, despairing to be able to withstand the kings proceedings against him, conveyed himself away privily with his sons, and fled out of the land. Whereupon king Edward proclaimed him and his sons outlaws, confiscated their goods, and gave their lands to other of his nobility.  
Then the king gave to Adonan the earldom of Devonshire and Dorsetshire, and to Algar son of Earl Leofrick the earldom of Haroald. Nevertheless Godwyn and swain got men and ships in Flanders, and sailed to the isle of Wight, which they spoilt, and so they did Portland. At the same time Haroald coming from Ireland, and wafting alongst the shore, spoiling the country as he went, at length met with his father & brother, who being together, burned P●euenese●y, Romney, Heath, Folkston, Dover, and Sandwich, & entering the Thames destroyed Sheppey, and burned the king's houses at Mydltowne, and afterward sailed up towards London, where by the way they met with the king and so sailed with him, & when they were ready to fight, an accord was made by means of Bishop Stigand, in such sort that the king restored them their lands and goods, took home the Queen, and banished the Archbishop with all the Frenchmen, which had put that suspicion in the king's head.  
Mat. Westm. writeth, that about this time, to wit, An. 1053. Rees the brother of Gruffyth king of Wales was slain in a place called Bulendune, 
Matt. West. page. 420.  whose head was presented to king Edward, the day before the epiphany, the king being then at Gloucester.  
A little after that, Oswald Earl of Northumberland, when he herded that his son was slain in Scotland, whither his father had sent him to conquer it, asked whether his death's wound was in his breast or in his back; and they said in his breast: and he answered, I am right glad thereof, for I would not wish me nor my son to die otherwise. Then king Edward entered Scotland, and overcame the king in battle, & subdued the whole land to himself. The year following, Earl Godwyn died at the king's table, choked with a piece of bread, whose Earldom Haroald his son had, and Algar Earl of Chester had the Earldom of Haroald.  

Hector Boet. lib. 12. cap. 5.  About this time Makbeth king of Scotland caused a noble man of his named Bancho, to be cruelly murdered, whereupon Fleance the son of the said Bancho escaping the hands of Makbeth, 
Buchan. li. 7. page. 62.  fled to Gruffyth ap Lhewelyn prince of Wales, where being joyfully received and entertained courteously, he grew into such favour with the said Prince, that he thought nothing too good for him. But in process of time Fleance forgetting the courtesy to him showed, 
Hol. pag. 247.  fallen in love with the prince's daughter, and got her with child. Which thing the prince took in so ill part, that he in a rage caused Fleance to be killed, holding his daughter in most vile estate of servitude, for so suffering herself to be deflowered by a stranger. At length she was delivered of a son, which was named Walter, who in few years proved a man of great courage and valiancy, in whom from his childhood appeared a certain nobleness of mind, ready to attempt any great enterprise. This Walter on a time fallen out with one of his companions, who in that heat of contention objected unto him, that he was but a bastard begotten in unlawful bed. Which reproach so grieved Walter, that he fallen upon the other, and slay him; whereupon fearing the punishment of the law, he fled into Scotland, where he fallen into the company of those Englishmen which were come thither with Queen Margaret the sister of Edgar Edeling, amongst whom he showed himself so discreet and sober in all his demcanor, that he was highly esteemed of all men: and so attaining to higher reputation and credit, was afterward employed in the affairs of the common wealth, and at length made Lord Steward of Scotland, receiving the king's revenues of the whole realm. Of the which office he and his posterity retained that surname of Steward ever after, from whom descended the most noble kings of Scotland of the family of Stewards, besides many other Dukes, Marquesses, Earls, and Barones of great fame and renown.  
Also at this time, Siward that worthy Earl of Northumberland, being brought to the point of death with the bloody flux, bewailed his mischance, that he had escaped in many a dangerous battle, and now should die such a filthy and cowardly death, and calling his friends and his men about him, commanded them to set him in his chair, and to arm him at all points, and put his shield in the left hand, and so made an end of his worthy life. Whose Earldom, because his son was within years, was given to Tosty Godwyns son.  

1054  In the year 1054. Gruffyth the son of Rytherch ap jestyn, did gather a great number, aswell strangers as others, against Gruffyth ap Lhewelyn king or prince of Wales, but commonly called king of North-wales; who detracting no time, meeting him, fought with him, & slay him. Shortly after, Algar Earl of Chester, 
Matt. West. page. 421.  being convicted of treason against the king, fled to Gruffyth king or prince of Wales, who gathered his power to revenge the often wrongs, which he had received at the Englishmens hands, who ever succoured his enemies against him. 
Hol. pag. 272 276. & 277.  Therefore he together with Algar entered Herefordshire, and spoilt all the way with fire and sword, to the city, whither all the people had fled, 
Matt. West. page. 422. Io. Castor.  and they boldly issued forth (Earl Randulph being their leader) and gave him battle, which Gruffyth wished for above any other thing, 
This Randulphe was K. Edward's nephew, by his sister Goda, the wife of walter De Maunt.  as he that had won five set fields; and courageously receiving his enemies, fought with them. Which fight was long & doubtful, till such time as Gruffyth encouraged his people with the remembrance of the prowess & worthy acts of the ancient Britain's their forefathers, saying that they were the same enemies, whose backs they had so oftentimes seen before: which doubled their strength and force, and so they pressed forwards, that their foes were compelled to forsake the field and trust to their feet, where their hands prevailed not, and thought to have taken the town for their defence. But Gruffyth and his men pursued them so hard, that they entered with them, and after a great slaughter returned home with many worthy prisoners, great triumph, & rich spoils, leaving nothing in the town, but blood & ashes, and the walls razed to the ground.  

Hol. pag. 276. Io. Castor.  There be some which affirm, that king Edward by evil counsel (as it is thought) banished Algar the son of Earl Leofrike, whereupon he got him into Ireland, and there providing xviij. ships of rovers, returned and joined himself with Gruffyth king or prince of Wales, who both together invaded the country of Mercia, 
Matt. West. page. 423. Si. Dunelm.  about Hereford, where Ranulph Earl of that country (who was son to king Edward's sister named Goda, by her first husband Walter de Maunt) came against them with a great army, and met them about two miles from Hereford, where after a sore fight by the space of three hours, Ranulph and his army were discomfited, and about 500 of them slain, and the rest put to flight, whom Gruffyth & Algar pursued to Hereford, and entering the town, set the cathedral church on fire, and slew the Bishop named Leogar, with seven of the canons, spoilt and burned the town miserably. Whereupon, king Edward being advertised hereof, gathered an army, and sent Haroald the son of Earl Godwyn against them, who pursuing the enemies to North-wales, passed through Stradclwyd to Snowdon: but Gruffyth and Algar being afraid to meet Haroald, got them again to Southwales, whereof Haroald being advertised, left one part of his army in North-wales, to resist the enemies there, and returning with the residue to Hereford, caused a great trench to be cast round about the town, with a high rampire strongly fortifying the gates of the same. After this, by means of a parley had with Gruffyth & Algar, at a place called Biligelhag, a peace was concluded, whereupon Algar being pardoned by the king, and restored again to his Earldom, returned home to Chester. About two years after, Algar was accused again of treason, so that he was the second time exiled the land, and repaired to his old friend Gruffyth prince of North-wales, 
Io. Cast. Hol. pa. 277.  by whom he was received joyfully, and restored again to his Earldom by the aid of certain strangers, which came by chance from Norway. Whereupon king Edward being sore offended with Gruffyth, sent Haroald again with power to North-wales, to be revenged upon him, who coming to Ruthlan, burned the palace of Gruffyth, and his ships, and then returned back to the king at Gloucester. About this time, Edward the son of Edmund Ironside, came to England with his wife and children, Edgar Edeling (which signifieth in the British tongue, a young Lord or a Prince) and Margaret which was afterwards Queen of Scots, and mother to Maud, wife to Henry the first king of England. About two years after came Roderike, son to Haroald king of Denmark, 
Matt. West.  with a great army to Wales, and there being friendly received of king Gruffyth, joining his power to Gruffyths, entered England, and cruelly spoilt and burned a great part of the land. But shortly after, Roderike was compelled to return to his ships, and to sail to Denmark, and Gruffyth returned with spoils.  
This year, 
Matt. Park. Matt. West.  as Haroald Godwyns son would have sailed to Flanders, he was driven by force of a tempest to land in poitiers, where he was taken, and conveyed to William Bastard, duke of Normandy: to whom Haroald declared his journey thither, to be only to offer him his service in the affairs of England, and took a solemn oath, first to marry the Duke's daughter, and after the death of Edward to reserve the crown to the duke's use. Then shortly after receiving rich gifts, with much honour he returned to England. This year died Owen the son of Gruffyth ap Rytherch. Also Haroald and his brother Tosty, 
Matt. West. page. 427.  by the procurement of Caradoc ap Gruffyth ap Rytherch, and others, gathered a great power, and entered Southwales, and subdued a great part thereof, and wrought so with those that were about Gruffyth the king, that assoon as he had gathered his people in North-wales, & took his journey to meet with Haroald, he was cruelly and traitorously slain by his own men, and his head brought to Haroald: who appointed and placed Meredyth the son of Owen ap Edwin, prince and ruler in Southwales, and he with his brother Tosty returned home.  

Hol. pag. 277. Matt. West. page. 427.  Some do report, that Haroald, about the rogation week by the king's commandment, went against the Welshmen, and taking the sea, sailed by Bristol, round about the coast, compassing in manner all Wales. His brother Tosty, that was Earl of Northumberland, met him by appointment with an host of horsemen, and so joining together, they destroyed the country of Southwales, in such sort, that the Welshmen were compelled to submit themselves to deliver hostages, and conditioned to pay the ancient tribute, which before time they had paid. The people of that country, because Gruffyth their prince fled at the coming of Haroald, and left them to be a prey for the enemy, hated him fore, whom, as soon as he returned to them again, they slew, and sent his head to Haroald, which he sent to the king. After whose death, king Edward granted the principality of North-wales to Blethyn and Rywalhon the sons of Convyn, brethren to Gruffyth by the mother's side, who did homage unto him for the same.  
This Gruffyth ap Lhewelyn governed Wales 34. years valiantly and worthily, he never fought but he bore away the victory, he was gentle to his subjects, and cruel to his foes, loved of the one, and feared of the other: liberal to strangers, costly in apparel, and princely in all his doings, and unworthy of that cruel death, that the ambitious desire of rule did provoke his unkind subjects, and unnatural coosens, to prepare for so noble a prince, and so gentle a master as he was.   


Blethyn and Rywalhon.  Blethyn and Rywalhon the sons foe Convyn.  
AFter the decease of king or prince Gruffyth, Meredyth the son of Owen ap Edwin (which Edwin as some writers say was the son of Howel Dha) did take upon him the government of Southwales, and Blethyn and Rywalhon the sons of Convyn, and half brethren to king Gruffyth ap Lhewelyn (as they which were born of Angharat daughter to Meredyth king of Wales) did govern North-wales, Conan the son of jago being all this time with his father in law in Ireland. About this time it fortuned, that as Haroald served the king with drink at Windsor, his brother Tofty moved with envy that his younger brother should be preferred before him, 
Matth. West.  pulled him by the hair of the head, and overthrew him. Then departing thence, full of rancour and malice, to Hereford, where Haroald had prepared great cheer for the king, he slew all Haroalds servants, and cut off their heads, arms, legs, noses, feet, and hands, and filled all the vessels of wine, meath, beer, and ale therewith: and sent the King word, that he should want no powdered and soused meats, when he came thither; as for other things, let him make provision himself. For which heinous offence the king banished him the land for ever.  
Caradoc ap Gruffyth ap Rytherch was the first that procured Haroald for to come to Wales against Gruffyth ap Lhewelyn, hoping by him to attain unto the government of Southwales. But it fallen out otherwise, for when Haroald understood that he should not get that at the hands of Caradoc which he looked for, which was a certain lordship within Wales nigh unto Hereford, and knowing also Caradoc to be subtle and deceitful man, compounding with Meredyth ap Owen for that lordship, he made him king or prince of Southwales, and banished Caradoc out of the country. 
Matt. West. page. 429. Mar. Scotus.  Afterwards Haroald having obtained that lordship, builded there a princely and sumptuous house at a place called Portaslyth, and divers times earnestly invited the king to come to see the same, & at the length the king being then at Gloucester not far off, granted him his request: whereupon, Haroald made such preparation as is before mentioned for him▪ which was thus most horribly abused by Tosty. Soon after this wicked act, the said Caradoc ap Gruffyth came to the same house, and to be revenged upon Haroald, killed all the workmen and labourers that were there at work, and all the servants and people of Haroald that he could found, and defacing the work, carried away those things that with great labour and expenses had been brought thither, to set out and beautify the building.  
Haroald and his brother were chief justicers of the land, 
Matt. West. page. 430.  and they used, when they see any manor house or farm that pleased them, to 'cause the owner to be murdered by night, with all his children and household, and then to seize the land into their own hands. Now when the people of Northumberland herded the exile of Tosty, which was their Earl, they reioised much; for they hated him to the death. Wherefore coming to York, they slew all his family, aswell Englishmen as Danes. Then joining to them the men of Lincolnshire, Nottingham, and Derbyshire, they made Marcher son of Earl Algar their captain, and to them came his brother Edwin with his people, and a great number of Welshmen, and they went burning & spoiling to Hampton; where Haroald met with them, sent from the king to know their wills; and they said, they would have Marcher Earl over them, which the king granted & confirmed. Whereupon they returned, 
Matt. West.  the one to the North, the other to Wales, spoiling and burning all the country, and lead with them many thousand prisoners.  
The year following being 1066. 
1066  king Edward died, and was buried at Westminster. This was the last King of Saxon or English blood, that reigned in this land, which from Cerdicke king of Westsaxons had continued 544. and from Egbert the first Monarch 171. years. After the death of Edward, some would have preferred Edgar Edeling as right heir to the crown: but Haroald being of great power, more rich, and better freended, obtained it: nothing weighing his oath and promise to William Duke of Normandy, which Duke calling all his nobles together, declared them the wrongs he had received at Haroalds hands. First the death of his cousin Alfred, than the banishment of the Archbishop Robert, and Earl Odan, with all the normans; and thirdly, his oath and promise broken: declaring also the titles he had to England, aswell by the former promise of Edward made to him in Normandy; that if ever he enjoyed the crown of England, 
Very weak titles of themselves.  William should be his heir; as also by cozenage, and by the oath and promise of Haroald. Which matter considered by the nobility of Normandy, with all the dangers and difficulties of this expedition, brought them to such perplexity, that the more part feared the end. Then William Fitzosbert the Duke's sewer, seeing how they were bend, dissuaded them from that voyage: wherefore they agreed all, that he should declare their minds to the duke. Then he came to him and said, I with all my men and power am ready to live and die with thee in this journey: which when the other herded upon their promise, they were ready to follow, & so made ready a great navy. In the mean while Tosty entered Humber with 40. sail, but Earl Edwin met with him, and put him to flight, who, as he failed toward Scotland, met with Haroald king of Norway with 300. sail coming towards England, and joining with him they both entered Humber, and having landed their army, they came to York, where both Earls Edwin & Marcher gave them battle, upon the south part of the town: but Haroald and Tosty bore away the victory, and spoilt the city, & then marched forwards, toward Stamfordbridge, where Haroald king of England and all his power did meet with them. And after a long fight & many valiant acts achieved on both sides, even from morning till noon, 
Wil Malms. H. Hunt. Matt. West. page. 434.  at what time the Norway's began to retire back over the water, one of them, worthy not to be forgotten, kept the passage upon the bridge, with his axe, against all the army of England, till three of the clock, and slay 40. men; but at the last one got under the bridge, and with his spear gave him his death's wound through the bridge. Then the army passed over the bridge, and put the Norway's to flight, and slay Haroald their king, and Tosty, where not one man escaped of all the number, that was not either killed or burned. Then Haroald entered York with great joy and triumph, & as he sat at dinner, there came a post, who told him how Duke William was landed at Suwerhide, and had fortified himself with a trench at Hastings. With which tidings Haroald being nothing dismayed, made expedition thitherward. Where William dividing his army into five battles, 
The exhortation of W. Conqueror to his Soldiers.  made a long oration unto his soldiers: wherein he declared the worthiness of their forefathers the Danes and Norway's, aswell against the Englishmen (which were never able to abide their force) as against the Frenchmen and other nations, and how they were accustomed to overcome at all times, & being well horsed, well armed, and good archers, had now to do with a nation only taught to trust to their feet, evil horsed, unarmed, and such as known not how to occupy their bows. Then he brought his people to the field, but Haroald couched all his army in one battle, as nigh together as they could well stand, and so set upon his enemies. And after long fight William caused his men to retire, as if they fled; then the Englishmen followed apace, and broke their array: which when William perceived, he brought in a battle of fresh normans, who entered Haroalds battle, and fought so sore, that Haroald was hurt with an arrow, and afterward slain: and so the Englishmen left the Normanes both the field and the victory.  

Matt. Paris. page. 7.  The year following, William passed the sea to Normandy, than Edgar Edeling came out of Scotland to York, for the people of the country had slain Robert, to whom William had given that Earldom, and 900. men with him, and had received Edgar for their king. But William returning from Normandy destroyed all the North country, and chased Edgar to Scotland again.  

Matt. West. lib. 2. pag. 1. Hol. pag. 297.  Also Edrike Syluaticus, the son of Alfrike Earl of Mercia, refusing to submit himself as other had done, when he see that the king was departed to Normandy, rose against such as were left in his absence to keep the land in obedience; whereupon, those that lay in the castle of Hereford, Richard fitz Scrope, and others, oftentimes invaded his lands, and wasted the goods of his tenants; but as often as they came against him, they always lost some of their own men: at length, he calling to his aid the kings of Wales, Blethyn and Rywalhon, wasted the country of Hereford, even to Wye bridge, and then returned with a marvelous great spoil.  
This year also, 
1068  being 1068. Meredyth and Ithel, the sons of Gruffyth ap Lhewelyn, raised a great power against Blethyn and Rywalhon kings of North-wales, and met with them at a place called Mechain, where after long fight, there were slain upon the one part Ithel, and upon the other part Rywalhon, and Meredyth put to flight, whom Blethyn pursued so straightly, that he starved for cold and hunger upon the mountains, and so Blethyn the son of Convyn remained the only king of Powys and North-wales.  
About this time, Swain king of Denmark, and Osburne his brother, 
Matt. Paris. page. 8. Matt. West. lib. 2. pag. 3.  came to Humber with 300. sails, and to them came Edgar Edeling, and Earl Waltelfe, who all together came to York, and won the castle, and lay that winter betwixt Ouse and Trent, till the king came thither, and chased the Danes to their ships, and destroyed the inhabitants of the country, but Earl Waltheof he received to mercy.  
At this time Caradoc son to Gruffyth ap Rytherch ap jestyn caused a great number of Frenchmen (for so the British book calleth the Normanes) to enter Southwales, to whom he joined his power of Gwentland, and gave Meredyth the king of that country an overthrow, and slew him upon the river of Rympyn. At the same time also, Dermot Maken Anel, the worthiest and noblest prince that ever ruled in Ireland, was murdered. The two Earls Edwin and Marcher with Hereward gathered an army against the king, 
Matt. Paris.  but Edwin was slain of his own people, and the other took the isle of Elie; which the king so sore besieged, that he shortly took Marcher and his complices, but Hereward escaped his hands manfully, 
Matth. West. lib. 2. pag. 4.  whom the king followed to Scotland, & made Malcolme king of the land his subject and vassal. Then after the king passed to Normandy, and received Edgar Edeling to his mercy. And about this time the normans did lead a great power to Westwales by sea, and destroyed Dyvet, and the country of Caerdigan, and carried away much spoil, and did so likewise the year following. Bleythyd Bishop of Menevia or S. David's died at this time, and Sulien was Bishop in his place. 
Matt. West. li. 2. pag. 6. Matt. Park. page. 11.  Not long after this time, Radulph Earl of Eastangles conspired against the king, with Roger Earl of Hereford, & Earl Waltheof, & at the marriage of the said Radulph with Roger's sister in Essex, the matter was opened, but it pleased not the rest. Therefore Radulph took shipping in Norwich, & fled to Denmark, and the king suddenly coming, overtook Waltheof and Roger, of whom Waltheof was beheaded, & Roger committed to prison, & the people all slain, among whom there were a great number of Welshmen.  

Matt. Paris. page. 11. Matt. West. lib. 2. pag. 6.  This Radulphs' mother came out of Wales, which was the cause of the Welshman's being there: for Radulph sent for many of his mother's friends and kinsmen to come to this marriage, meaning, through their aid and procurement, to get the princes and people of Wales to join with him in this enterprise. He also and his complices sent to Cnute king of Denmark, promising him the kingdom of England, to aid him against William the bastard. But William being advertised of all these things, overthrew all their devices: for by his sudden coming upon them out of Normandy, he took Roger his cousin, and Waltheof, whom he committed to prison, and caused to be executed afterward, but Radulph escaped and departed the realm. Of the Welshmen, which were at this marriage, William hanged some, put out the eyes of others, and banished the rest.  
After that, in the year 1073. 
1073  Blethyn ap Convyn king of Wales was traitorously and cowardly murdered by Rees ap Owen ap Edwin, and the gentlemen of Ystrad Tywy, after he had worthily governed Wales 13. years. This man was very liberal and merciful, and loved justice and equity in all his reign. This Blethyn had by diverse women many children; first Meredyth by Haer daughter to Gylhyn, Lhywarch and Cadogan by another woman, Madoc and Riryd by the third, and jorwerth by the fourth.   


Trahaern ap Caradoc.  Trahaern the son of Caradoc.  
AFter the death of Blethyn, Trahaern ap Caradoc his cousin german took upon him the rule of North-wales, & Rees ap Owen with Rytherch ap Caradoc did jointly rule Southwales. Then Gruffyth son to Conan son to jago or james right inheritor of North-wales came from Ireland, with succour which his brethren Encumalhon king of Vltonia and Ranalht and Mathawn had delivered him, and he landed in the isle of Môn or Anglesey, and brought it to his subjection. At this time Kynwric ap Rywalhon a noble man of Maelor, or Bromefield, was slain in North-wales.  
This year also, Gronow and Lhewelyn the sons of Cadogan ap Blethyn did join their powers with Caradoc ap Gruffyth ap Rytherch, against Rees ap Owen, and Rytherch ap Caradoc, to revenge their grandfathers death; and then fought at a place called Camdhwr, where the sons of Cadogan obtained the victory. Shortly after, Gruffyth ap Conan passed over the water from Môn to the main land, and Trahaern ap Caradoc met with him at Bronyrerw, where Gruffyth was put to flight, and retired back to the isle. In the year 1074. 
1074  Rytherch ap Caradoc was slain by treason of his cousin german Meyrchaon ap Rees ap Rytherch, and Rees ap Owen ruled Southwales alone. Nevertheless, the sons of Cadogan gathered their powers and came against him, and fought with him the second time at Gwaynyttyd, where he was put to flight: but yet he gathered a new power, & kept the land still. Then Trahaern ap Caradoc king of North-wales moved his power against Rees, who boldly met him with all the power of Southwales, at a place called Pwlhgwttic, where after long fight, Rees was put to flight, and after great slaughter of his men, he fled from place to place, fearing all things, like a stag that had been lately chased, which mistrusteth every noise: but at the last, he with his brother Howel fallen into the hands of Caradoc ap Gruffyth, who slew them both in revenge of the death of the wise and noble prince Blethyn ap Convyn. At this time, Sulien Archbishop of S. David's did forsake his Bishopric, and Abraham was choose Bishop in his place. In the year 1077. 
1077  Rees the soon of Theodor, the son of Eneon, the son of Owen, the son of Howel Dha, as right inheritor to the kingdom of Southwales claimed the same, and the people received him with much joy, & made him their prince. The next year after, Menevia was all spoilt and destroyed by strangers, and Abraham the Bishop died, after whose death Sulien was compelled to take the Bishopric again. In the year following, Gruffyth the son of Conan did bring a great army of Irishmen and Scots into Wales, and joined with Rees ap Theodor, as two right heirs of the whole country: Gruffyth of North-wales, and Rees of Southwales; descending both linearly fró Roderike the great, against whom came Trahaern ap Caradoc, and Caradoc Gruffyth and Mailyr, the sons of Rywalhon ap Gwyn his cousin germans (for Gwyn ap Blethyn was their grandfather) who in those days were the chief rulers of all Wales. And after they had met at the mountains of Carno, they fought a cruel battle, and were the more eager, because upon that days work lay the lives & honour of either party. But at the length the victory fallen to Gruffyth and Rees, and Trahaern with his coosens were all slain, and the most part of their people: then the kingdoms of Wales came under the rule of the right heirs again. At this time also a noble man of Wales called Vrgeney ap Sitsylht was slain by the sons of Rees Sais, which is to say Rees the Englishman; for so they used to name all such as had served in England, & could speak the English tongue.   


Gruffyth ap Conan.  Gruffyth the son of Conan.  

Io. Castor.  This Thrustan coming from Rome, brought with him a new kind of note for the ordinary service of the church, which he would have had his monks to use in their daily service: but they not willing to change their old Mumpsimus for his new Sumpsimus (as the priest said to the Bishop of his mass) did stoutly withstand their Abbot, and thereof came this moonkish brawl, wherein these three monks were slain, and eighteen more hurt.  

Matt. Paris. page. 17.  About this time, or not long after, the sepulchre of Walwey, king Arthur's sister's son, was found upon the sea shore in the country of Ros: the body by estimation, upon viewing of the bones, was thought to be xiv. foot in length. 
Io. Castor.  Walwey in his life time was a right noble and valiant warrior, of very good reputation, who ruled that country, which to this day of him is called Walwethay.  
And this year Sulien forsook his Bishopric the second time, and Wylfred was stalled in his place. At this time also the town of Caerdyff was built. In the year 1087. 
1087  William Bastard king of all Britain and Duke of Normandy died, when he had left never a noble man of English blood within England, but had rob, spoilt and slain or banished them all, 
Io. Castor.  and given their lands to his own men: for God had brought in the Normanes to revenge his anger upon the Angles and Saxons, which Normanes were counted the cruelest people in the world: for ever when they had brought their enemies to subjection, that they were not able to rebel against them, they commonly destroyed one another, and so ever exercised their cruelty upon themselves; as it appeared in England, Normandy, Apulia, Calabria, Sicilia, & Antiochia, which countries they brought to their subjection.  

john Rous. Io. Cast.  It is noted also by john Rous and Castoreus, that no Englishman bore office of any credit or countenance in the conquerors days: and that it was counted a great reproach and shame for a noble man or gentleman to be called an Englishman, or to join in affinity by marriage with the English nation, they hated them so sore; whereby it appeareth, that all the ancient noble men, and gentlemen within this land, are descended either from the Normans and French, or from the Britons.  
When William had obtained full possession of the realm, 
john Rous.  he appointed & ordained such officers as spoilt the whole land by colour of justice: 
Matt. Paris. H. Hunt.  yet he brought the land in such awe of him, that a child might have carried gold openly through all England without danger of thieves, 
Matt. West. lib. 2. pag. 9  for all such oftenders lost their hands: and if any man forced any woman, he should loose his stones. This William left England to William Rufus his son, and Normandy to his elder son Robert, and his treasure he gave to Henry his third son.  
The same year all the sons of Blethyn ap Convyn sometimes king of Wales, gathered their strength together against Rees ap Tewdor, who not being able to meet with them, fled to Ireland, and there he purchased himself great friends, and got an army of Irishmen and Scots, to whom he promised great towards, when he should obtain his kingdom, and so landed in Southwales with these strangers. Which when his friends hard of, they drawn to him, & the other came in all haste, thinking to fight with him before his power should increase, and at Lhechryd they gave him battle, where they were discomfited, and two of the brethren slain, to wit Madoc and Riryd, and the other fled, and forsook the country. As soon as Rees was in quiet possession of his kingdom, he sent home his strangers with great rewards. About this time, the shrine of S. David was stolen out of the church, and when all the jewels and treasures were taken away, the shrine was left where it might be found again. The normans rebelled against the king in divers places at one time: for Odo Bishop of Bayon, 
Matt. Paris. pag. 18.  chief governor of England, began the rebellion in Kent, and burned the king's towns: so did Roger lord Mortimer at Pevenest. Bishop Galfride destroyed Bath and Berklay, Roger did his endeavour in Norfolk and Southfolke, Hugh in Leycester and Northamptonshires', and the Bishop of Durham was not behind in his quarter. Likewise the Earls of Hereford and Shrewesburie, 
Matt. Paris. page. 19  with the Welshmen, burned all Worcestershire and Glocestershire, to the gates of Worcester. Then the king gathered his strength together, and promising the people their ancient liberties, proceeded towards his enemies, and first wan the castle of Tynbridge, and after besieged Odo, and Roger Mortimer in the castle of Pevenest uj. weeks, at which time his brother Robert came with an army from Normandy, and would have landed, but he was driven back by such as kept the sea coasts. Then Odo yielded Pevenest to the king, & promised to departed the land, & so did. Afterwards the king won the castle of Rochester, and lead his army to Durham, & took it, and banished all his enemies the land. In the year 1088 there was a terrible earthquake through all the land: & the year following died Sulien, the godliest & wisest man, and the greatest clerk in all Wales, being 80. years old. About this time certain strangers, which were rovers upon the seas, landed at S. David's, and rob it, and burned the town. At which time also Cadivor the son of Calhoyn lord of Dyvet died: whose sons Lhewelyn and Eneon moved Gruffyth the son of Meredyth to make war against their lord & prince Rees ap Theodor, and so joining all their strength together, came against him to Lhandydoch, where Rees was, who gave them battle, and putting them to flight, pursued them so sore, that he took Gruffyth ap Meredyth and put him to death. But Eneon son to Cadivor ap Colhoyn, fled to jestyn lord of Morgannwc, (who likewise rebelled against Rees ap Theodor) and promised upon condition to have jestyns' daughter in marriage, and certain other covenants then agreed upon between them, to bring to their succours an army of normans, for he had served in England before, and was well known & acquainted with all the English nobility; which things being thus concluded, they were fully minded to be revenged upon Rees. 
1090  And so Eneon went to England, 
Robert Fitzhamon.  & wrought such means, that he procured Robert Fitzhamon, with twelve other knights, to gather a great army of Frenchmen or normans to come to their aid, who shortly after landed in Glamorganshire, where jestyn ap Gurgant lord of the land received them with much honour, and joining his power to there's, burned & spoilt prince Rees his land, & destroyed his people. Which thing being declared to Rees, grieved him sore, whereupon he suddenly gathered his power and met them, 
Ran. Cest. lib. 7. cap. 7. Marianu● Scotus.  not far from Brechnock, where after a terrible fight he was slain, with whom fallen and decayed the kingdom of Southwales. This Rees had by his wife the daughter of Rywalhon ap Convyn, a son called Gruffyth, who at his father's death was but a very child, and one Grono that was in the king's prison. These normans, after they had received their promised salary and great rewards of jestyn, returned to their ships. When Eneon burdened jestyn with the promise of his daughter in marriage, jestyn laughed him to scorn, and told him that he would bestow his daughter otherwise: whereupon Eneon full of anger and despite followed the normans. And when he came to the shore, they were all a shipboard; then he shouted to them, and made a sign with his cloak to call them back, and they turned again to know his meaning. Then he went to the chiefest of them, and showed of his abuse at jestyns' hands: declaring withal, how easy it was for them to win that fair and pleasant country from jestyn, whom for his treason to Rees none other prince of Wales would secure: whereunto they were easily persuaded, and so ungratefullie turned all their power against him, for whose defence they had come thither, and at whose hands they had been well entertained, and recompensed with rich gifts and great rewards. And first they spoilt him of his country, who mistrusted them not, and took all the fertile and valley ground to themselves, and left the barren and rough mountains to Eneon for his part. The names of those twelve knights that came and accompanied Robert Fitzhamon, were these: Londres or London, as the British book nameth him; Straddling, S. john, turbervile, Grenuile, Humffrevile, S. Quintine, sore, Sully, Berkeroll, Syward, and Fleming. These men and their heirs have enjoyed that country to this day, who were the first strangers that ever inhabited Wales, since the time of Camber.  
The history of the winning of Glamorgan, in manner agreeing with this author, is particularly set in writing by some skilful and studious Gentleman of that country, wherein he continueth not only the use and possession of the same Lordship in the heirs of those noble men, which won it; but also showeth their progeny and issues even to our time. The copy whereof being delivered unto me by the right worshipful Mistress Blanch Parry, (one of the Gentlewomen of the queens majesties privy chamber, a singular well willer and furtherer of the weal public of that country,) I thought good here to insert, as followeth.   

The winning of the Lordship of Glamorgan or Morgannwc out of the Welshman's hands, and first of the description of the same Lordship.  
IN primis, the said Lordship in length from Rymny bridge on the east side, to Pwlh Conan on the west side, is 27. miles. The breadth thereof from the haven of Aburthaw alias Aberdaon, on the southside, to the confines of Brechnock shire, above Morleys' castle, is 22. miles.  
Item the same Lordship, being a Lordship Marcher, or a Lordship royal, and held of no other Lordship, the Lords ever since the winning of the same, owing their obedience only to the crown, have used therein jura regalia: that is, the trial of all actions, as well real as personal, with plées of the crown, and authority to pardon all offences, treason only excepted.  
Item there were xj. Lordships, to wit, Senghennyth, Myskyn, Ruthin, Lhanblethian, Tir jarlh, Glyn Rothney, Auan, Neth, Coyty, Talavan and Lhantuit, alias, Boviarton, that were members of the said Lordship of Glamorgan. In every of the members were the like jura regalia used in all things, saving that if any wrong judgement were given in any of the courts of the said members, it should be reversed by a writ of false judgement in the county court of Glamorgan, as superior court to the same members. Also all matters of conscience happening in debate in any of the said members, should be herded and determined in the chancery of Glamorgan, before the Chancellor thereof.  
Item, the body of the said Lordship of Glamorgan, was (before the alteration of the laws in Wales) a county of itself: wherein the Lord had two castles, and three market towns, to wit, the castle and town of Kynfigs alias Kefnffigen, in the west part thereof, and Cowbridge town, alias Pont vaen, in the midst. And the town and castle of Cardyff, or Caerdhydh in the east part, in which castle of Cardyff, the Lord did most inhabit; and therein he had his Chancery and Exchequer, and a fair court house, wherein the County court was monthly kept on the monday for all the suitors of the Sherffée, that is, of the body of the said Lordship itself, without the said members.  
Item, within the said Sherffée, or body of the said Lordship, were 18. castles, and 36. knights fees and an half, that held of the said Lordship of Glamorgan by knight's service, besides a great number of fréeholders.  
Item, in eight of the said members were ten castles, and four borough towns.  
Item, the annual revenues of the said Lordship, with the members, 
The value of the signory, before the purchase thereof.  was one thousand marks, whereof was allowed in fees 400. marks; of the which members aforesaid, master john Gamage Esquire occupieth one at this day, descended unto him from the Turberuiles' his ancestors, that is to wit, the Lordship of Coytie: and the heir of john Basset enjoyeth an other, to wit, the Lordship of Talavan, by purchase from king Edward the sixt. The other nine members, with four of the foresaid knights fees, & all the castles, market towns, and borough towns, with the demeans of the same; and all the lands that were in the Lords hands, parcel of the said Lordship, and members, 
The value of the signory now.  the Earl of Penbroke hath purchased. So that there remains now to the signory of the said Lordship of Glamorgan (being in the queens majesties hands) but the moiety only of the manor of Dynaspowies, of the value of xxuj. pounds by the year.  

The manner of the winning of the said Lordship.  

1091  IN the year of our Lord 1091. and in the fourth year of the reign of King William Rufus, one jestyn the son of Gungant, being Lord of the said Lordship of Glamorgan, Rees ap Theodoc Prince of Southwales, that is, of Caermarthyne shire, and Caerdigan shire, made war upon him, Whereupon the said jestyn, understanding himself unable to withstand the said Rees without some aid otherwise, sent one Eneon, a Gentleman of his, to England, to one Robertus Fitzhamon, a worthy man, and knight of the privy chamber with the said King, to retain him for his succour. The which Robert, being desirous to exercise himself in the feats of war, agreed soon with him thereto for a salary to him granted for the same. Whereupon the said Robert Fitzhamon retained to his service for the said journey, twelve knights, and a competent number of soldiers, and went into Wales, and joining there with the power of the said jestyn, fought with the said Rees ap Tewdor, and killed him, and one Conan his son. After which victory, the said Robert Fitzhamon, minding to return home again with his company, demanded his salary to him due of the said jestyn, according to the covenants and promises agreed upon between him and the aforesaid Eneon, on the behalf of the said jestyn his master. The which to perform in all points, the said jestyn denied: and thereupon they fallen out, so that it came to be tried by battle. And forsomuch as the said Eneon saw his master go from divers articles and promises, that he had willed him to conclude with the said Robert Fitzhamon, on his behalf, he forsook his master, and took part, he & his friends, with the said Robert Fitzhamon. In the which conflict, the said jestyn with a great number of his men were slain: whereby the said Robert Fitzhamon won the peaceable possession of the whole Lordship of Glamorgan, with the members, of the which he gave certain castles and manors, in reward of service, to the said twelve knights, and to other his Gentlemen.  

¶ The Names and Surnames of the said twelve Knights were these.  
1 WIlliam de Londres, alias London.  
2 Richardus de Grana villa, alias Greenfeeld.  
3 Paganus de turbervile.  
4 Robertus de S. Quintino, alias S. Quintine.  
5 Richardus de Syward.  
6 Gilbertus de Humfrevile.  
7 Rogerus de Berkrolles.  
8 Reginaldus de Sully.  
9 Peter le sore.  
10 johannes le Fleming.  
11 Oliverus de S. john, a younger brother of the Lord S. john of Basing.  
12 William le Esterling, whose ancestors came out of Dansk to England with the Danes, and is now by shortness of spèech called straddling.    

¶ The parcels given by the said Robert Fitzhamon, to the said twelve Knights and others, in reward of service.  
IN primis, to the said William de Londres, the said Robert Fitzhamon gave the castle and manor of Ogmor, 
Ogmor.  being four knights fees; now parcel of the possessions of the duchy of Lancaster.  
Item to the forenamed sir Richard Greenfeeld, he gave the castle and lordship of Neth, 
Neth.  being one of the members aforesaid; and now parcel of the possessions of the Kite honourable the Earl of Penbroke.  
Item to sir Paine turbervile, he gave the castle and lordship of Coyty, 
Coyty.  being another of the said members: and now parcel of the possessions of M. john Gamage esquire.  
Item to sir Robert S. Quintine, he gave the castle and lordship of Lhan Blethyan, 
Lhan Blethyan.  being another of the said members: and now parcel of the possessions of S. William Herbert of Swansey knight.  
Item to sir Richard Syward, he gave the castle and lordship of Talavan, 
Talavan.  being another of the said members: and now parcel of the possessions of Anthony Maunsell esquire.  
Item to sir Gilbert Humfrevile, he gave the castle and manor of Penmarke, 
Penmarke.  being three knights fees: now parcel of the possessions of the Right honourable Lord saint john of Bledso.  
Item to sir Reginald de Sully, he gave the castle and manor of Sully, 
Sully.  so since called after his name, being two knights fees: now divided betwixt the Earl of Penbroke, and the lord S. john of Bledso.  
Item to sir Roger Berkrolles, he gave the manor of East Orchard, 
East Orchard.  being one knights fee: now parcel of the possessions of S. William Herbert of Swansey.  
Item to sir Peter le sore, he gave the castle and manor of Peterton, 
Peterton.  so now called after his name, being one knights fee: now parcel of the possessions of the Earl of Penbroke.  
Item to sir john Fleming he gave the castle and manor of S. George, 
S. George.  being one knights fee: and held of his posterity the Flemings to this day.  
Item to sir john S. john he gave the castle and manor of Fonmon or Fenuon, 
Fonmon.  being one knights fee: and now parcel of the possessions of the Lord S. john of Bledso.  
Item to sir William le Esterling alias straddling, he gave the castle and manor of S. Donats, 
S. Donats.  or S. Denwit, being one knights fee: now parcel of the possessions of sir Edward straddling knight that now is.   

Sum. Four Lordship's Members, and xiv. Knight's fees.  
ITem he gave to the aforesaid, Eneon that took his part, the Lordship of Senghennyth, being an other of the said members.  
Item he gave the castle and Lordship of Auan, an other of the said members, to Caradoc Fitz jestyn, the elder son of the said jestyn.  
Item he gave the Lordship of Ruthyn, an other of the said members, to another son of the said jestyn.  
Item the rest of the foresaid Knights fees being 22. and an half, he distributed part to Gentlemen that served him, and part to the Welshmen right owners of the same.   

¶ The Portion that the Lord kept for himself and his Heirs.  
THe castle of Cardyff and Kenfigg, with the foresaid three market towns of Cardyff, Kenfigg and Cowbrige, and the Sherfée, being the body of the said Lordship of Glamorgan, and all the demeans of the same, with the rest of the said members; to wit, Miskyn, Glynrothney, Tire jarl, and Boviarton, alias Lentwit: and the chief signiory of the whole, the said Robert Fitzhamon kept to himself. And in the said Lordship of Boviarton he had a large grange or house of husbandry, with lands to the same belonging, that served him for the provision of corn to his house. He dwelled himself most in the said castle or town of Cardyff, being a fair haven town. And because he would have the aforesaid twelve Knights and their heirs give attendance upon him every County day, (which was always kept by the Sheriff in the utter ward of the said castle on the Monday monethlie as is before said) he gave every one of them a lodging within the said utter ward, the which their heirs, or those that purchased the same of their heirs, do enjoy at this day.  
Also the morrow after the County day, being the tuesday, the Lord his Chancellor sat always in the Chancery there, for the determining of matters of conscience in strife, happening as well in the said Sherfée as in the members: the which day also, the said Knights used to give attendance upon the Lord: and the wednesday every man drawn homeward, and then began the courts of the members to be kept in order, one after another.   

¶ The pedigree of Robert Fitzhamon, and of his heirs, Lords of Glamorgan.  

Some do affirm that he was lord of Astrevile in Normandy.  THe said Robert Fitzhamon, was son to Hamon a great Lord and kinsman of William the Conqueror, who came into the realm with him. This Robert (as is before said) was knight of the privy chamber with king William Rufus: who (as it appeareth in the Chronicles) dreamt the night before the king was killed, 
Matt. West. lib. 2. pag. 21. I Castor Matt. Paris. page. 72.  that he see the king torn in pieces by Wolves: and therefore, by his persuasion he willed the king, to forbear to go abroad that forenoon. But the king, when he had dined, there was no man able to stay him, but that he would ride forth a hunting into the new Forest, where he was slain by Walter Tyrrell, by the glancing of his arrow shooting at a read dear.  
Maud the only daughter and heir of the said Robert, was married to Robert Earl of Gloucester, base son to king Henry the first.  
William Earl of Gloucester son to the said Robert and Maud, died without issue male, leaving behind him three daughters: of the which Isabel the elder was married to king john, than Earl of Oxenford and Lancaster, (as some Chronicles do declare) who so soon as he was made king was divorced from her. And then she was married to Geffrey Mandevile Earl of Essex, and died without issue, as far as I can found.  
The second daughter named Amicia, was married to Sir Gilbart de Clare, than Earl of Clare, by whom he had the Earldom of Gloucester. And Mabil the third daughter was married to the Earl of Eureux.  
Sir Gilbart de Clare, son to the said Gilbart, was the fourth Earl of Gloucester.  
Sir Richard de Clare his son was the fift Earl.  
Sir Gilbart his son was the sixt Earl.  
Sir Gilbart his son, who married jane de Acres, daughter to king Edward the first, was the seventh Earl.  
Sir Gilbart de Clare their son was the eight Earl, and he was slain by the Scots, in king Edward the seconds time: and then the Earldom fallen between his three sisters. Of the which Elinor the elder was married to Hugh Spencer the son, in her right Earl of Gloucester. Margaret the second was married to Peers Gaveston, and after to the Lord Awdeley. Elizabeth the third was married first to William Lord Burgh Earl of Ulster, and after to Ralph Roch Baron of Armoy in Ireland: she was married the third time to Theobald L. Verdoun, and lastly to Sir Roger Damory, and had issue by every one of them.  
Sir Hugh Spencer had to his wives purpartée the said Lordship of Glamorgan.  
Sir Hugh Lord Spencer their son enjoyed the same, and died without issue.  
Edward Lord Spencer son to Edward, brother to the said Hugh, succeeded the said Hugh therein.  
Thomas Lord Spencer his son succeeded him.  
Richard Lord Spencer his son, succeeded him and died inward.  
Isabella sister to Richard succeeded him, and married with Richard Beauchamp Earl of Worcester, and Lord Burgavenny, who had issue by her a daughter only, and died. The which daughter was married to Edward the son of Dawraby, Ralph Nevel Earl of Westmereland. And after the death of the said Earl of Worcester, she said Isabella married with Richard Beauchamp, Earl of Warwick.  
Henry Beauchamp Earl of Warwick, & after Duke of Warwick, their son died without issue.  
Anne his sister of whole blood succeeded him, and married with Richard Nevel after Earl of Salisbury, and in her right Earl of Warwick: and had issue two daughters, Marry married to the Duke of Clarence, and Anne married first to Prince Edward slain at Teuxburie, and after his death with Richard Duke of Gloucester, who was afterward king of England.  
The said Anne and king Richard (being then Duke of Gloucester) had the said lordship given unto them by the said Anne, Countess of Warwick her mother.  
King Henry the seventh enjoyed the same after the death of king Richard.  
jasper Duke of Bedford enjoyed the same by the gift of king Henry the seventh, and died without issue: and by reason thereof it remained to the king again.  
King Henry the eight enjoyed the same after his Father.  
King Edward the sixt succeeded him therein, and sold almost all the lands thereof.  
Queen Marie succeeded him in the signory.  
Queen Elizabeth our most dread sovereign Lady that now is, doth succeed her in the same signory, and hath sold the Lordship of Neth from it: so that now there remain no more lands appertaining to the signory, but the moiety of the manor of Deinaspowies only.   

¶ The pedigree of Londres, Lord of Ogmore, one of the said twelve.  
WIlliam Londres Lord of the castle and manor of Ogmore, (as is before said) won afterwards the lordships of Kydwelhey and Carnewilhion in Caermarthen shire, from the Welshmen: and gave to sir Arnold Butler his servant the castle and manor of Dunreeven in the lordship of Ogmore aforesaid. The which ever sithence hath continued in the heirs male of the said Arnold Butler, until within these few years, that it fallen to Walter Vaughan, sister's son to Arnold Butler, the last of the Butlers that was owner thereof.  
Simon de Londres his son succeeded him.  
William de Londres succeeded his father Simon, and had issue one son.  
Moris' de Londres his son succeeded him, and had issue one only daughter.  
The said daughter married with one Seward, a man of great possessions.  
They had issue a daughter only, married to Henry Earl of Lancaster, brother to Thomas Earl of Lancaster.  
Henry their son, made afterwards Duke of Lancaster did succeed them: and so the said three Lordships, Ogmore, Kydwelhey and Carnewilhion, become parcels of the duchy of Lancaster ever after.   

¶ The pedigree of Greenefeeld.  
SIr Richard Greenefeeld before said (to whom the lordship of Neth was given in reward) was lord of the castle and manor of Bydyford in Devonshire; at the time he came into Wales with the said Robert Fitzhamon, and founded an abbey of white moonkes in Neth, and gave the whole lordship to the maintenance of the same; and then returned back again to Bydyford, whereas the issue male of his body doth yet remain, and enjoyeth the same.   

The pedigree of turbervile, Lord of Coyty.  
SIr Paine turbervile, Lord of Coyty, as is before said.  
Sir Simon turbervile, succeeded him, and died without issue.  
Sir Gilbart turbervile, succeeded his brother.  
Sir Pain turbervile his son, succeeded him, and married Maud, daughter and sole heir to Morgan Gam, one of the nephews of the aforesaid jestyn.  
Sir Gilbart their son, quartered jestyn his arms with Turberuiles'.  
Sir Gilbart his son succeeded him.  
Sir Richard his son succeeded him.  
Sir Pain his son succeeded him, who married with Wenlhian, daughter to Sir Richard Talbot knight, and had issue by her, two sons, that is to wit, Gilbart and Richard; and four daughters, namely, Catharine, Margaret, Agnes, and Sara.  
Sir Gilbart succeeded Sir Paine his father.  
Sir Gilbart his son succeeded him, and died without issue.  
Sir Richard his father's brother succeeded him, and having no issue, entailed the Lordship of Coity to the heirs male of Sir Roger Berkerolles, knight.  
Sir Roger Berkerolles' knight, son to Sir William Berkerolles' knight, and Phelice his wife, one of the daughters of Veer Earl of Oxenford, which said Sir Roger had married Catharine, the elder sister of the said Sir Richard. And for default of such issue, the remainder to the heirs male of Sir Richard Stakpoole knight, who married with Margaret, second sister of the said Richard. And for default of such issue, the remainder to the heirs of Sir john de la Bear, knight, and Agnes his wife, the third sister to the said Richard. And for lack of such issue male, the remainder to the heirs male of William Gamage, and of Sara his wife, the fourth sister to the said Sir Richard turbervile.  
The said Berkrolles, Stakepoole and De la Bear, died without issue male, by reason whereof, after the death of sir Laurence Berkerolles, knight, son to the said sir Roger, and Catharine, his wife; the said Lordship fallen to sir William Gamage, son to Gilbert, son to the foresaid William Gamage, and Sara. The said William, was son to sir Robert Gamage knight, son to Pain Gamage, Lord of the manor of Rogiade, in the county of Monmowth. The foresaid sir William had issue Thomas, Thomas had issue john, john had issue Morgan, Morgan had issue sir Thomas Gamage knight; and Margaret, wife to jenkin Thomas; and Anne, wife to Robert Raglan; and Catharine, wife to Reginald ap Howel; and Wenlhian, wife to Thomas ap Meyric.  
The said sir Thomas Gamage had issue, Robert Gamage, that late was; Catharine his elder daughter, wife to sir Thomas straddling knight; Marry the second daughter, wife to Matthew Herebert; Margaret the third daughter, wife to the Lord William Howard; and Elizabeth the fourth daughter, wife to Richard Hogan, of Pembroke shire, esquire. The said Robert Gamage had issue, john Gamage, that now is.  
Sole heir general to the said sir Roger Berkrolles, knight, and Catharine, one of the four sisters, and heirs general to the aforesaid sir Richard turbervile, knight, is sir Edward straddling knight, that now is.  
Sole heir general to the said sir Richard Stakepoole, of Pembroke shire, and Margaret his wife, another of the four sisters, and heirs general to the said sir Richard turbervile knight, is sir George Vernon knight.  
Heirs general to the said sir john de la Bear knight, and Agnes his wife, an other of the four sisters, and heirs general of the said sir Richard turbervile knight; are Oliver S. john, Lord S. john of Bledso, and William Basset of Glamorgan esquire, that now is.  
john Gamage, esquire that now is, is as well heir general lineally descended from Sara the fourth sister, and heir to the said sir Richard turbervile knight, as also heir by the entail aforesaid, to the whole Lordship of Coyty.   

¶ Robert de S. Quintine, his pedigree.  
SIr Robert de S. Quintine, to whom the lordship of Lhanblethian was given; and his issue male enjoyed the same, until king Henry the third his time. And then, or in short time after, his issue male failed, of whom is descended sir William Parr, late Marquis of Northampton.   

¶ Richard de Syward, his pedigree.  
SIr Richard Syward, to whom the lordship of Talavan was given; and his issue male enjoyed the same, until king Edward the thirds time: at which time the heirs thereof having other lands in Somersetshire, sold the said lordship to the Lord Spencer, than Lord of Glamorgan, and went into Somersetshire to devil there, where his issue male continueth yet.   

¶ Gilbert de Humfrevile, his pedigree.  
SIr Gilbert Humfrevile aforesaid, to whom the castle and manor of Penmarke was given; and his issue male enjoyed the same, till the said king Edward the thirds time: and then the inheritance of the said castle and manor descended to sir john S. john of Fonmon knight, to whom the forenamed lord S. john of Bledso is sole heir.   

¶ Roger de Berkerolles knight, his pedigree.  
SIr Roger Berkerolles afore said knight, to whom the manor of East Orchard was given; and his issue male enjoyed the same, till the 13. year of Henry the fourth. That sir Laurence Berkerolles' knight died, whom sir Edward straddling knight, as sole heir did succeed, being son to sir William straddling knight, son to sir Edward straddling knight, and Wenlhian sole sister and heir to the said sir Laurence, of whom Edward straddling knight (that now is) is lineally descended.   

¶ Reginald de Sully knight, his pedigree.  
SIr Reginald de Sully, to whom the castle and manor of Sully was given; and his issue male enjoyed the same, until about king Edward the first his time. And then it fallen to a daughter married to sir Morgan de Avan, Lord of the lordship of Avan above named: whose son sir john de Avan had but one daughter, of whom sir George Blunt of Shropshire is lineally descended, as sole heir, whose ancestor gave the said lordship of Avan, and the castle and manor of Sully to the Lord Spencer in exchange, for other lands in England.   

¶ Peter le sore knight, his pedigree.  
SIr Peter le sore knight, to whom was given the castle and manor of Peter's town; and his issue male enjoyed the same, until king Henry the fourth his time, and then died without issue, and his inheritance fallen between divers.   

¶ john le Fleming knight, his pedigree.  
SIr john le Fleming knight, to whom the castle and manor of S. George was given; and his issue male enjoyed the same, until king Henry the fourth his time: and then it fallen to Edmond Malefant, who had married a daughter to the last Fleming. And in king Henry the seventh his time, the Malefants' issue by Flemings daughter failed: and then it fallen to john Butler of Dunreeven above named Esquire; and after the death of him and of Arnold his son, both the inheritances of Fleming & Butler, fallen to Walter Vaughan of Brodeward in the County of Hereford Esquire now living, sister's son to the said Arnold Butler.   

¶ Oliver de S. john knight, his pedigree.  
SIr Oliver S. john knight, to whom the castle and manor of Fonmon was given; and his heirs male have ever since enjoyed the same, to whom the above named lord S. john of Bledso, that now is, is sole heir; whose ancestors from the winning of the said lordship of Glamorgan out of the Welshman's hands, have continually dwelled at Fonmon aforesaid, until the latter time of king Edward the fourth. That john S. john esquire had the said lordship of Bledso, and many other possessions besides, by the death of dame Margaret Beauchampe his mother, who was also mother to Margaret, Duchess of Somerset, mother to king Henry the seventh. Sithence which time, the said john S. john, and sir john S. john knight, father to my Lord that now is, have always dwelled in Bledso, but they do keep their lands in Wales still in their hands.   

¶ William le Esterling alias straddling, his pedigree.  
SIr William Esterling knight, to whom the castle and manor of S. Donats was given.  
Sir john le Esterling knight, his son succeeded him.  
Sir Moris le Esterling knight, his son succeeded him.  
Sir Robert le Esterling knight (most commonly called straddling by shortness of speech and change of some letters) succeeded him.  
Sir Gilbert straddling knight, his son succeeded him.  
Sir William straddling knight, his son succeeded him.  
Sir john straddling knight, his son succeeded him. It doth not appear in what stock or surname any of these seven knights above named, did marry: but the christian names of the wives of William the first, Robert, and john the second, were Hawisia, Mathilda, and Cicilia.  
Sir Peter straddling knight, his son succeeded him: who in the beginning of king Edward the first his time and reign married julian, sole daughter and heir of Thomas Hawey. By whom he had three manors, Hawey, & Comhawey in Somersetshire yet remaining to his heirs, and Compton Hawey in Dorcetshire sold of late years.  
Sir Edward straddling knight their son succeeded them: and he quartered the Hawey his arms with his: and married with Elinor, daughter & heir to Gilbert Strangbow, a younger brother: whose wife was daughter and heir to Richard Garnon, and had by her two manors in Oxefordshire.  
Sir Edward straddling knight his son succeeded him, & married with Wenlhian, daughter to Roger Berkrolles knight, and sole sister and heir to sir Laurence Berkrolles knight, as it happened afterward.  
Sir William straddling knight, his son married with Isabel daughter and heir to john S. barb of Somersetshire: but he had no lands by her, for it was entailed to the heirs male. This sir William, in king Richard the seconds time, went a pilgrimage to jerusalem, and received there also the orders of knighthood of the sepulchre of Christ.  
Sir Edward straddling knight his son succeeded him, who, because he was sole heir general to the said S. barb, did quarter S. barbs arms with his. To whom also (in the 13. year of king Henry the fourth) fallen the whole inheritance of the Berkerolles, and the right of the fourth part of Turberuiles' inheritance, Lord of Coyty aforesaid: the which for lack of issue male of the said Berkerolles remained to Gamage, and to his heirs male, by the especial entail aforesaid. The which sir Edward did quarter not only the said Berkerolles' arms with his, but also the Turberuiles' and jestynes arms: of whom the Turberuiles' had in marriage one of the inheritors, as is before said; because the said sir Edward was one of the four heirs general to sir Richard turbervile, to wit, son to sir William straddling, son to Wenlhian sister and heir to the said Laurence Berkerolles, and daughter to Catharine, elder sister, and one of the four heirs general to the aforesaid sir Richard turbervile.  
The said sir Edward married with jane daughter to Henry Beauford, afterwards Cardinal, begotten (before he was Priest) upon Alice one of the daughters of Richard Earl of Arundel: and in the beginning of king Henry the seventh his reign, he went likewise on pilgrimage unto jerusalem, as his father did, and received the order of the sepulchre there.  
This sir Edward had to his brother sir john straddling knight, who married with the heir of Dauncy in Wiltshire: and had issue sir Edmond, who had issue john and Edmond. john had issue Anne, lady Davers, of whom the Davers, Hungerfordes, fines, and Levet, and a great progeny of them are descended: and of the said Edmond cometh Carnysoyes of Cornewal.  
The said Edward had an other brother called William, of whom straddling of Ruthyn and others are descended: the same William had a daughter named Wenlhian, who by the Earl of Rivers had a daughter, married to sir Robert Poynes, of whom cometh all the Poynes, the Newtons', Perots, and others.  
Sir Harrie straddling knight his son succeeded him, and married with Elizabeth sister of whole blood to sir William Herebert knight, Earl of Penbroke; and had issue by her one son, and two daughters: one of them was married to Miles ap Harry, of whom Mistress Blanch ap Harrie, and her brethren and uncles are descended: the other daughter was married to Fleming of Monton, in Wales.  
This sir Harrie, in the sixtéenth year of King Edward the fourth, went in like manner on pilgrimage to jerusalem, and received the order of the sepulchre there, as his father and grandfather did; and died in the Isle of Cypress, in his coming home; whose book is to be seen as yet, with a letter that his man brought from him, to his Lady & wife. The saying is, that divers of his said ancestors made the like pilgrimage: but there remains no memory in writing but of these three.  
This sir Harrie, sailing from his house in Somersetshire, to his house in Wales, was taken prisoner by a Britain pirate, named Colyn dolphin, whose redemption and charges stood him in 2000 marks; for the payment whereof he was driven to cell the castle and manor of Basselek and Sutton in Monmouthshire, and two manors in Oxfordshire.  
Thomas straddling, esquire, his son succeeded him, and married jennet, daughter to Thomas Matthew of Rayder Esquire: and had issue by her two sons, Edward and Harrie, and one daughter named jane, and died before he was xxvi. years of age. After whose death, his wife married with sir Rice ap Thomas, knight of the garter. Harrie married with the daughter and heir of Thomas jubb, learned in the law, and had issue by her Francis straddling, of S. George, by Bristol, yet living. jane was married to sir William Gruffyth, of North-wales knight, and had issue by her three sons, Edward, sir Rice Gruffyth knight, and john; and seven daughters. The elder married to Stanley of Houghton, the second to sir Richard Buckley, knight, the third to Lewis, the fourth to Moston, the fift to Conwey, the sixt to Williams, the seventh to Pers Motton, and after to Simon Theloal, esquire, whose wife at this time she is; the eight to Philip's. Of which daughters there be a wonderful number descended. Edward married jane, daughter to sir john Puleston knight, and had issue by her, three daughters. jane married to William Herebert of S. julian; Catharine married to William Herebert of Swansey, and an other daughter married to sir Nicholas bagnol knight.  
Sir Edward Sradling knight, succeeded his father, and married with Elizabeth, one of the three daughters of sir Thomas Arundel of Lanheyron in Cornwall knight. The other two were married to Speke, and S. low, and had issue four sons; Thomas, Robert, Edward, and john. Robert married Watkyn Locher his daughter, and hath by her many children; Edward married with the daughter and heir of Robert Baglan of Lantwit, and hath also divers children; and john is a priest. Also the said sir Edward had two daughters; jane married to Alexander Popham, of Somersetshire, of whom is a great number descended; and Catharine married to sir Thomas Palmer, knight of Sussex, who hath a son named William.  
Sir Thomas Sradling knight, his son succeeded him, and married Catharine, the elder daughter to sir Thomas Gamage of Coyty knight, and to dame Margaret his wife, daughter to sir john S. john, of Bledso knight; by whom he hath living yet two sons, Edward and David; and five daughters, Elizabeth, Damasyn, jane, joice, and Wenlhian.  
Sir Edward straddling knight, that now is, married Agnes second daughter to sir Edward Gage, of Sussex, knight, and as yet in the year 1572. hath no issue.  
Memorandum, that of the heirs male, of the aforesaid twelve knights (that came with sir Robert Fitzhamon, to the winning of Glamorgan, the Lordship aforesaid) there is at this day but the straddling a live, that dwelleth in Wales, and enjoyeth the portion given in reward to his ancestors.  
There be yet of the younger brothers of the Turberuiles' and Flemings.  
Greenefeeld and Syward do yet remain, but they devil in England, and have done away their lands in Wales.  
The Lord S. john of Bledso (although he keepeth his ancient inheritance in Wales) yet he dwelleth in England.   

¶ Thus far the copy of the winning of Glamorgan, as I received the same at the hands of mistress Blanch Parrie, collected by Sir Edward straddling knight.  
There were besides with the said Robert Fitzhamon in this voyage, divers other noble men and gentlemen, some out of England, some out of Dyvet, and other places in Wales, which came thither with the said Eneon against Rees ap Theodor, of whom Robert Sitsylt was one, who albeit he had no part of the said Lordship of Glamorgan (that I can read of) yet nevertheless, he was in respect of his good service there done, preferred to the marriage of an inheritrice of great possessions in the land of Ewyas, and the country near adjoining. Of which Robert Sitsylt I found this that followeth, recorded in a very ancient writing, containing his whole genealogy of 16. descents of heirs male lineally; which writing for the more credit of the history, I thought good here to insert, as followeth.  
IN the year of Christ 1091. Robert Sitsylt came with Robert Fitzhamon to the conquest of the country of Glamorgan, and after wedded a Lady, by whom he had Halterennes and other lands in Hereford and Glocestershires: he had a son called james Sitsylt.  
james Sitsylt, took part with Maud the empress against king Stephen, and was slain at the siege of the castle of Wallingford, An. 4. Stephan. having then upon him a vesture, whereon was wrought in needle work his arms or ensigns, as they be made on the tomb of Gerald Sitsylt in the Abbeie of Door, which are afterward truly blazed, in a judgement given by commission of king Edward the third, for the ancient right of the same arms. This james had a son called james Sitsylt, and four daughters.  
john Sitsylt, the son of james, was after the death of his father, in the same wars with Roger Earl of Hereford, and constable of England, and being taken prisoner at the siege of Lincoln, Anno. 6. Stephani, he paid for his ransom 400. marks, and therefore sold his lordship of Beauport, and all his lands in the county of Gloucester: he took to wife a Lady, called Maud de Frenes, and had issue Eustace.  
Eustace Sitsylt the son of john, was wedded to Elinor the daughter of Sir Walter Pembridge Knight, and had by her Baldwin, and john; and four daughters, whereof one of them was the wife of Sir Thomas Fitzneale knight.  
Baldwin Sitsylt the son of Eustace, was made knight by King Henry the second, in the wars that the king had against the Welshmen, he was also killed in the same wars, at the siege of the castle of Cardif, his father being alive; he took to wife the daughter of Maurice de Brompton, and had by her, Gerald Sitsylt, Eustace Sitsylt Henry Sitsylt, john Sitsylt, and Walter Sitsylt; and two daughters, Catharine and Elinor. Catharine was the wife of Hugh Muredake, and Elinor was the wife of Walter Wallis. This Baldwin Sitsylt knight took to his second wife, Margery the daughter of Stephen Radnor knight, and had by her, Stephen Sitsylt, Roger Sitsylt, Hugh Sitsylt, and David Sitsylt; and three daughters, the first was Maud and she was a Nun, the second was jone and she was the wife of john de Solerss, the third daughter Anne was the wife of Owen ap Meredyth. This man gave certain lands in the towneship of Kigestone, unto the moonkes of Door, and granted unto the same monks freedom of common and pasture, and other liberties in his woods.  
Gerald Sitsylt, the first son of Baldwin Sitsylt knight, took to wife Mabil the daughter of Sir William Moigne knight, and had by her three sons, Gerald Sitsylt that died a child, Robert Sitsylt that married and had children, and Owen Sitsylt a monk of the Abbeie of Dore. He had also three daughters, Catharine, that was wedded to Sir Griffin ap Yoreford, and after to David ap evan, and the third time to Geffreie de Bret, son of sir Walter Bret knight. Anne the second daughter of Gerald Sitsylt was wedded to Robert the son of Richard Bromewich. And Ellen the third daughter of Gerald Sitsylt, was the wife of john Abrahal, father of Sir john Abrahal knight.  
Robert Sitsylt, the son of Gerald took to wife Alicia daughter of Sir Robert Tregois knight, and had by her james Sitsylt his first son, Gerald the second son, Thomas the third son, and Baldwin the fourth son; and Margaret the first daughter, and Elizabeth the second daughter.  
james Sitsylt the son of Robert, took to wife Isabel the daughter of Sir john Knel knight, and had by her james and Gerald twins; james died young: he had also Robert Sitsylt, and john Sitsylt; and five daughters, that is to say, Alicia wedded to Walter Monington, Grace wedded to Roger son of William Blunt, Elinor wedded to Thomas Pain, Margery wedded to Morgan ap Meredyth, and Sisly married to Howel ap Blethin, and after to sir Hugh Bruge.  
Gerald Sitsylt son of james, took to wife Margaret, daughter of Stephen Dalaber, and by her had john Sitsylt; and after he wedded Bridget the widow of Sir Simon Ward knight, and had by her james Sitsylt, and the third time married the daughter of Martin Hopton, and had by her Martin Sitsylt, Henry Sitsylt, and David Sitsylt, and jone a daughter. And the fourth time the same Gerald Sitsylt took to wife jane the daughter of Robert Emerton, and had by her one son named Stig and Sitsylt, that was slain in the wars of Strivelyn in the time of King Edward the second, 
Chron. de Dôr.  and had no issue, as the register of the Abbeie of Door maketh mention.  
john Sitsylt the son of Gerald, took to wife Sibyl the daughter of Robert of Ewyas, and had by her sir john Sitsylt knight, George Sitsylt, and a daughter named Margaret, that was the wife of sir Robert Baskervile knight, who had by her Sir john Baskervile knight; and by his second wife he had sir Richard Baskervile knight, that took to wife jane the daughter and heir of George Sitsylt second son of this john Sitsylt, and had by her sir john Baskervile knight.  
Sir john Sitsylt knight, took to wife Alicia the sister of the said sir Roger Baskervile, and sir Roger married his sister, as is afore said. This sir john Sitsylt had john Sitsylt and Roger Sitsylt.  
In the time of the wars that King Edward the 3. made against Scotland, at a place called Halydon hill near Barwick anno 6. Edward 3. there arose a great variance and contention between Sir William de Facknaham knight, on the one side approovant, and this Sir john Sitsylt knight, on the other side defendant, for an ensign of arms, that is to say; The field often barrets silver and azure, supported of 5. scocheons sable charged with so many lions of the first rampants incensed geuls, which ensign both the parties did claim as their right. But as both the parties put themselves to their force to maintain their quarrel, and vaunted to maintain the same by their bodies; it pleased the king that justice should be yielded for trial of the quarrel, without shedding of blood: and so the bearing of the ensign was solemnly adjudged to be the right of the said Sir john Sitsylt, as heir of blood lineally descended of the body of james Sitsylt, Lord of Beauport slain at the siege of Walingford, as before is declared. The final order and determination of which controversy is laid down by john Boswel gentleman, in his book entitled The concords of armory, fol. 80. This Sir john Sitsylt had a charge of men at arms, for the custody of the marches of Scotland, in the 11. year of King Edward the third.  
john Sitsylt, the son of sir john Sitsylt knight, took to wife jone daughter of sir Richard Monington knight, and had by her john Sitsylt (that died his father being living) and Thomas Sitsylt.  
Thomas Sitsylt married Margaret the daughter and heir of Gilbert de Winston, and had by her Philip Sitsylt, and David Sitsylt. This man was a great benefactor to the monks of Door, and forgave them great sums of money which they aught him.  
Philip Sitsylt married Margaret, the daughter of john Philips, and had by her Richard, john, and Margaret.  
Richard Sitsylt or Cecil, married Margaret the daughter of Philip Vaughan, and had by her Philip Cecil, Margaret Cecil, john Cecil, David Cecil, and james or jenkin Cecil.  
These petegrées and descents I gathered faithfully out of sundry ancient records and evidences, whereof the most part are confirmed with seals authentic thereunto appendent, manifestly declaring the antiquity and truth thereof; which remain at this present in the custody of the right Honourable Sir William Cecil, Knight of the noble order of the Garter, Lord Burghley, and Lord high Treasurer of England, who is lineally descended from the last recited Richard Sitsylt, father to David Cecil, grandfather to the said Sir William Cecil now Lord Burghley: and at this date William Sitsylt or Cecil Esquire cousin german to the said Lord Burghley, removed by one degree only, is possessed of the foresaid house of Halterennes in Ewyas' land as the heir male of the house of Sitsylts, and is descended of Philip Cecil, elder brother to the said David.  

Giral. Camb. in Itinerario Cambrie.  About the same time, or shortly after, Barnard Newmarch, a noble man also of Normandy, obtained by conquest the Lordship of Brechnock, containing three cantreds, and married Nest, the daughter of Nest, daughter to Gruffyth ap Lhewelyn, Prince of Wales, by whom he had issue Mahael, and a daughter. This Mahael being a worthy knight, was disinherited by the malice of his own mother, who contrary to matrimonial duty, kept unlawful company with a knight, whom she set more by than her husband. Whereupon Mahael being offended with the dissolute life of his mother, warned her to avoid infamy; and on a time meeting the said knight coming from her, fought with him, and hurt him sore. Wherefore Nest to be avenged of her son for that fact, went to king Henry the first, and solemnly (rather of malice and revengement, as Giraldus noteth, than of any truth) swore upon the Evangelists, that the said Mahael her son was not begotten by Barnard Newmarch her husband, but by another lover of hers. By reason of the which oath, (or perjury rather as mine author thinketh) Mahael was disinherited, and his sister (whom her mother affirmed to be the very daughter of the said Barnard) was by the said king, with the whole inheritance, bestowed upon Milo, the son of Walter Constable, who was after created Earl of Hereford, Lord of Gloucester, Brechnocke, and the forest of Deane. This Milo Earl of Hereford, and Lord of Brechnocke (as the same Giraldus writeth) told king Henry the first, of the singing & triumphing of birds by the pool called Lhyn Savathan, at the passing by of Gruffyth ap Rees ap Theodor, the said Milo and Paine Fitz john, Lord of Ewyas land being present. Whereunto the King answered; that It was not a thing to be wondered at so much, for in truth (says he) although we by our great force and strength do offer injury and violence to that nation, yet are they well known to be the lawful inheritors of that country; the words of Giraldus be these. Quibus auditis, Rex respondisse memoratur; Illud non-adeo esse admirandum, quia licèt gentibus illis per vires nostras magnas iniuriam & violentiam irrogemus, nihilominus tamen in terris ijsdemius haereditarium habere noscuntur.  
Milo had by his said wife five sons, to wit, Roger, Walter, Henry, William and Mahael, which were all successively (except William) Earls of Hereford, and Lords of Brechnocke, and died all without issue. He had also three daughters. Margaret the elder married to Humphrey de Bohune, the son of Humphrey Bohune, Steward in house to William Rufus, which was the son of Humphrey le Bohune, that came into Enlgand with William Conqueror. This Humphrey was in her right Earl of Hereford, & Constable of England. Bertha the second daughter was married unto Philip Bruse, created by King Stephan Lord Bruse of Gower, bold, and Brimber; and in his wives right, lord of Brechnock. 
W. Paston. Ch. Lanthon.  Lucia the third daughter was married to Herebert the son of Herebert, a base son to King Henry the first, who was in her right Lord of all the forest of Deane, of whom descended the Fitz Herebert of Derbishire.  
The castle of Brechnock being first built by the said Barnard Newmarch, was greatly augmented and beautified by the last Humphrey Bohune, Earl of Hereford, Essex, Northampton, and Constable of England, 
Earl Constable.  who had issue two daughters his heirs; Elinor the elder was married unto Thomas Plantagenet, alias Thomas of Woodstock, the sixt son of Edward the third, who was by King Richard the second, created Earl of Buckingham, and after duke of Gloucester, and in her right Earl of Essex, Northampton, and Constable of England. Marry the second daughter was married to Henry Plantagenet, alias Bolingbrooke, Earl of Derbie, who was afterward King of England, by the name of Henry the fourth.  
The said Thomas Plantagenet, Duke of Gloucester and Lord of Brechnock, had issue Humphrey Plantagenet Earl of Buckingham, Lord of Brechnock, etc: who died without issue; and 4. daughters, which were heirs after their brother. Anne the elder was married to Edmund Stafford, Earl of Stafford, who by her had issue, Humphrey Earl of Stafford, Hereford, & Northampton, Lord of Brechnock, etc. And afterwards the said Anne was married to William Viscount Burgcher, created Earl of Ewe in France by King Henry the fift, father of Henry created Earl of Essex by King Edward the fourth. This Humphrey Earl Stafford, was by King Henry the sixt, created Duke of Buckingham, and so this Lordship of Brechnock came to the Dukes of Buckingham, and by the attainder of Edward the last Duke of Buckingham, is come to the crown.  
There came many Gentlemen with the said Barnard Newmarch, at that time to Brechnock, upon whom he bestowed divers manors, which their heirs do possess and enjoy even to our time; as to the Awbreyes the manor of Abercynuric and Slouch, to the Walbiefes the manor of Lhanhamlach and tally Lhyn, to the Gunter's the manor of Gilston, to the Havards the manor of Pontwilym, etc. But now having long digressed, let us return again to our author.  
About this time William Rufus and Robert his brother being made friends, came both together into England, and lead an army into Scotland against Malcolme the king, 
Matt. Paris. page. 20.  who had entered Northumberland, & spoilt it in the king's absence: and he yielded himself to William, and by oath become his vassal and subject. 
Matt. West. page. 16.  Then William re-edified Carlisle, and brought people from the South part of England to inhabit it. But shortly after, Malcolme came again into England, spoiling the land, 
Ran. Cest. lib. 7. cap. 7. Buchan. li. 7. pag. 64.  who being fought withal, was slain, and his son Edward also: then Edgar his son, which was pledge with king William, was crowned in his steed. At this time Cadogan ap Blethyn ap Convyn destroyed all Dyvet in the end of April; and shortly after, the same summer, the Normanes in great companies landed in Dyvet or Westwales & Cardigan, and builded castles there, and so began to inhabit the country upon the sea shore.  
The Normans having got into their hands all the lands and livings of the nobility of England, began to spy out the commodities of Wales: and seeing that Robert Fitzhamon, and the other knights that went with him, had sped so well, they made sure to the king to grant them the lands of the Welshmen. Whereupon the king, thinking that to be the best way for him, aswell to encourage them to be the more willing to serve him, as also to provide for them at other men's cost, granted to divers of his nobles sundry countries in Wales, to hold of him by knight service: for the which they did homage and swear fealty unto him, as followeth.  

1 Roger Mountgomery, Earl of Arundel and Salope, did his homage for the lordships of Powys and Caerdigan.  
2 Hugh Lupus Earl of Chester did his homage for Tegengl and Ryvonioc, with all the land by the sea shore, unto the river of Conwey.  
3 Arnulph a younger son of Roger Mountgomery for Dyvet.  
4 Barnard Newmarch for Brechnock.  
5 Ralph Mortimer for Eluel.  
6 Hugh de Lacie for the land of Ewyas.  
7 Eustace Cruer for mould and Hopedale, and many other for other lands.   
Then Roger de Mountgomery, to whom the Conqueror had given the Earldom of Arundel and Salopsburie or Shrewsburie entered into Powys land, and won the castle and town of Baldwyn, which he fortified, and called it Mountgomery after his own name. 
Matt. Paris. page. 23.  Also this year William Rufus went to Normandy against his brother Robert, and sent to England for 30000. footmen, of whom when they came to the sea shore the king took ten shillings a piece, 
15000 pound easily got.  and sent them home. But shortly after he made a voyage into Northumberland against the Earl, 
H. Hunt. Matth. West. lib. 2. pag. 16.  which rebelled, and after he had taken Newcastle and Bamborough, he took the Earl at Tinmouth, and returned homeward. The same year Gruffyth ap Conan king of North-wales, with Cadogan ap Blethyn, who then ruled Southwales, entered the land of Cardigan, & killed a great number of normans, being not able any longer to suffer their great pride and cruelty. But after their return, the English captains sent for more men to England, and thought privily to make a road to North-wales. Which journey was discovered to Cadogan, who gathered his power, and met with them in the wood or forest of Yspys, and set upon them with great hue and cry: and they defended themselves manfully, but in the end they were compelled to flee with great loss; and Cadogan followed them hard, and spoilt the country of Cardigan and Dyvet, and destroyed all the castles saving two, which were Pembroke and Rydcors, which he could not get, and so returned to Powys with much joy.  

1093  In this year 1093. the normans that inhabited the country of Glamorgan, spoilt the countries of Kydwely and Ystrad Tywy, and left them without any inhabitors. Then William Rufus being informed of the great slaughter of his subjects aswell in cheshire, 
Matt. West. lib. 2. pag. 17. Matt. Paris. pag. 24.  Shropshire, Worcestershire, and Herefordshire, as within Wales, which Gruffyth ap Conan and the sons of Blethyn ap Convyn had done, gathered his power together, and entered Wales at Mountgomery, which castle being lately overthrown by the Welshmen, 
Matt. Paris.  he re-edified again; but the Welshmen kept so the straits of the mountains with the woods and the rivers, 
Hol. pag. 326.  that the king did no good, but lost his labour and his men: therefore he returned back to his great dishonour. 
1094  In the year 1094. died William the son of Baldwyn, who (at the king's commandment) had built the castle of Rydcors, after whose death the castle was forsaken by his men; and the inhabitants of Gwyr, 
Ran. Cest. li. 7. cap. 8. Sup. Mar. Scot  Brechnock, Gwent & Gwentlhwc cast from their necks the burden of the normans that had won their countries and held them in subjection, and chased them out of their countries, but they returned again with great strength of Englishmen and normans. Then the country men, which abhorred their pride and cruel rule, met with them at a place called Celly Tarvawc, and fought with them manfully, so that they put them to flight with great slaughter, and chased them back again out of the land. Nevertheless, the greedy normans would not give over, but doubling their strength, returned again to Brechnockshire, making a vow to leave no living thing within that country. But it happened otherwise, for the people fled before them, and stayed at a strait, and killed a great number of them.  
About this time Roger Mountgomery Earl of Salop and Arundel, William Fitzeustace Earl of Gloucester, Arnold de Harecourt and Neale le Viscount, were slain between Cardyf and Brechnock by the Welshmen. Also Walter Eureux Earl of Sarum, and Hugh Earl Gourney were there hurt and died after in Normandy.  
Therefore when the normans see that they had all the loss, they manned and victailed the castles which they had before time builded there, and returned back: but in their return, Gruffyth and Ivor the sons of Ednerth ap Cadogan met them upon the sudden at Aberlhech, and falling upon them slay the most part of them, and the rest escaped to England. But the Normane captains defended the castles manfully, and kept them, until they were driven by force for safeguard of their lives to forsake them: then the ancient dwellers enjoyed their countries again quietly. Moreover certain lords of Northwals, namely Vchthed the son of Edwin ap Grono, and Howel ap Grono with the children of Cadogan ap Blethyn of Powys land, gathered a number of men, & passed through Cardiganshire to Dyvet (which country the king a little before had given to Arnulph son to Roger Mountgomery, who had builded there the castle of Pembroke; and appointed keeper and steward of the same, one Gerald de Windsor) and there burned, spoilt and destroyed all the country, saving the said castle of Pembroke, which they could not win, and so returned home with great booty. After the return of these lords, Gerald issued out of the castle, and spoilt the lands of S. David's, and took many prisoners, and returned to the castle.  

Io. Castor. Mar. Scotus.  The year following, William Rufus returning from Normandy to England, and hearing of the great slaughter of his men done by the Welshmen, gathered all his power, & with great pomp and pride entered Wales. But the Britons fearing the great strength of the king, put their hope only in the almighty Lord, turning to him in fasting, prayer, and repentance of their sins: and he that never forsaketh the penitent and contrite hart, herded their prayers; so that the normans and Englishmen dared never enter the land, but such as entered were all slain, and the king returned with small honour, after he had built certain castles in the marches.  
The year following being 1096. 
1096  Hugh de Mountgomerie Earl of Arundel and Salopsburie, 
Matt. Paris. page. 59  whom the Welshmen call Hugh Goch, that is to say Hugh the read headed, 
Fabian, par 7 cap. 225. Mar. Scotus.  and Hugh Vras, that is, Hugh the fat Earl of Chester, and a great number of Nobles more, did gather a huge army, and entered into North-wales, being thereto moved by certain Lords of the country. But Gruffyth ap Conan the Prince, and Cadogan ap Blethyn took the hills and mountains for their defence; because they were not able to meet with the Earls, neither dared they well trust their own men. And so the Earls came over against the isle of Môn or Anglesey, where they did build a castle of Aberlhiennawc. Then Gruffyth and Cadogan did go to Anglesey, thinking to defend the Isle, and sent for succour to Ireland: but they received very small. Then the treason appeared, for Owen ap Edwin (who was the Prince's chief counsellor, and his father in law, whose daughter Gruffyth had married, having himself also married Everyth the daughter of Convyn, aunt to Cadogan) was the chief caller of those strangers into Wales, who openly went with all his power to them, and did lead them to the isle of Anglesey: which thing when Gruffyth and Cadogan perceived, they sailed to Ireland, mistrusting the treason of their own people. Then the Earls spoilt the Isle, and slay all that they found there. And at the very same time, Magnus the son of Haroald came with a great navy of ships towards England, minding to lay faster hold upon that kingdom than his father had done, and being driven by chance to Anglesey, would have landed there, but the Earls kept him from the land. And there Magnus with an arrow, stroke Hugh Earl of Salop in the face, that he died thereof, and suddenly either part forsook the Isle, and the Englishmen returned to England, and left Owen ap Edwin Prince in the land, who had alured them thither.  

1098  In the year 1098. returned Gruffyth ap Conan, and Cadogan ap Blethyn from Ireland, and made peace with the normans, and gave them part of their inheritance: for Gruffyth remained in Môn, and Cadogan had Cardigan, and a piece of Powys land. About this time the men of Brechnock slay Lhewelyn the son of Cadogan. Then Howel ap Ithel of Tegengel, went to Ireland. Also Rythmarch Archbishop of S. David's, son to Sulien (bishop) died, the godliest, wisest, & greatest clerk that had been in Wales many years before, saving his father, who had brought him up, and a great number of learned disciples.  
King William Rufus, after he had walled the city of London, and builded Westminster hall, went to Normandy, and after he had brought all the country to his subjection, returned home, and was slain with an arrow by Walter Tyrell as he shot at a stag in the new forest. 
Matt. Paris. pag. 71.  Then Henry his brother was crowned in his steed, for Robert the elder brother was all this while in the holy land, who shortly returned and landed at Portsmouth, against whom Henry came with a great power; but in the end they were agreed, that Henry should pay yearly to Robert 3000. marks, and the longer liver should be the others heir. This Henry married Maud the daughter of Malcolme king of Scots, by Margaret the daughter of Edward son to Edmund Ironside. Also this year died Hugh Earl of Chester, and Richard his son was made Earl in his place; at this time also died Grono ap Cadogan, and Gwyn ap Gruffyth. In the year 1101. 
1101  Robert de Belesmo son to Roger de Mountgomery Earl of Salope, and Arnulph his brother Earl of Pembroke did rebel against the king, 
Matt. Paris. Ran. Cest.  which when the king herded, he sent for them to come to him, but they made blind excuses, and gathered their strength, and fortified their castles, and then gave great gifts and made large promises to the sons of Blethyn ap Convyn, jorwerth, Cadogan and Meredyth, and enticed them to join their powers to there's. Robert had fortified four castles, Arundel, Tekinhill, Shrewsburie and Brugge, which castle was the cause of the war: for Robert had builded it without the kings leave, and Arnulph fortified his castle of Penbroke. Then they entered the king's land, & burned & spoilt it, carrying away rich booties. And Arnulph to have more strength, sent Gerald his steward to Murkart king of Ireland, to desire his daughter in marriage, which he obtained, with promises of great succours, which did encourage him the more against the king. 
1102  Then the king gathered a great army, and first besieged the castle of Arundel and won it, 
Matt. Paris. page. 78. Matt. West. lib. 2. pag. 26.  and likewise he did with Tekinhill, and afterward lead his power before Brugge, which for the situation and depth of the diches, being also well manned and victailed, the king doubted the speedy winning thereof. Wherefore he was counseled to sand privily to jorwerth ap Blethyn, 
Io. Castor.  promising him great gifts, if he would forsake the Earl and serve him, remembering what wrongs the Earl's father Roger and his brother Hugh had done to the Welshmen. Also the king to make him more willing to stick unto him, gave him all such lands as the Earl & his brother had in Wales without tribute or oath; 
Ran. Cest. li. 7. cap. 13.  which was a piece of Powys, Cardigan & half Dyver, & the other half had the son of Baldwyn with Stradtywy and Gwyr. jorwerth being glad of these offers, received them willingly, and then coming himself to the king, he sent his power to the Earl's land, which doing their masters commandment, destroyed & spoilt all the country, for the Earl had caused his people to convey all their cattle and goods to Wales, little remembering the mischiefs that the Welshmen had received at his fathers and brothers hands. But when these news came to the Earl to Cadogan & Meredyth jorwerths brethren, they were all dismayed, & despaired to be able to withstand the king: for jorwerth was the greatest man of power in Wales. And at this time Arnulph was go to Ireland for his wife and succour. Also a little before, Magnus again had landed in Môn, & received of Gruffyth ap Conan, & hewed down as much timber wood as was needful for him, and so returning to the isle of Man, which he had won, he builded three castles there, and sent to Ireland to have the daughter of Murcart in marriage for his son, which he obtained, and made his son king of Man. Then Earl Robert hearing this, sent to him for help, but received none: therefore seeing no remedy, he sent to the king, desiring him that he might forsake the realm, which thing the king granted, and he sailed to Normandy. And likewise the king sent word to his brother Arnulph, that either he should follow his brother and departed the land, or yield himself to the king's mercy and pleasure: but he chose to departed the land, and so he did.  
After this, when the king was returned home, jorwerth took his brother Meredyth, and sent him to the king's prison: for his brother Cadogan agreed with him, to whom jorwerth gave Caerdhydh, & a piece of Powys. Then jorwerth himself went to the king's court, to put the king in remembrance of his promise: but the king, when he see all quiet, 
Brwnt yw'r gwr, ni sai yn ei air.  forgot the service of jorwerth, and his own promise, and contrary to the same took Dyvet from jorwerth, and gave it to a knight called Saer; and Stradtywy, Cydewen and Gwyr he gave to Howel ap Grono: and so jorwerth was sent home empty.  
At this time King Henry gave divers castles and lordships in Wales to Normanes and Englishmen, of whom there is mention oftentimes hereafter in this history.  
This year died Grono son of Rees ap Theodor in prison. Also at this time Magnus the son of Heroald entered the country of Lenoux in Scotland, & after he had got a great prey returned to his ships, but the inhabitants pursued him so hard, that they put his people to flight, slay him, and rescued their goods and cattle. In the end of this year the king did sand diverse of his council to Shrewesburie, and willed jorwerth ap Blethyn to come to meet them there to consult about the king's business and affairs. Now when he came thither, all the consultation was against him, whom contrary to all right and equity they condemned of treason, because the king feared his strength, and that he would revenge the wrongs that he had received at the king's hands, and so they committed him to prison.  
Those Noble men that were sent by the King to Shrewesburie, were Richard de Belmersh, (or the Beleasmo as some do call him) who being chief doer about Roger Mountgomery, Earl of Salop, was preferred to the Bishopric of London, and afterwards appointed by this King Henry, to be warden of the Marches, and governor of the county of Salop: Walter Constable, the father of Milo Earl of Hereford, and Rayner the king's lieutenant, in the county of Salop. About this time (as Bale noteth) the church of Menevia or S. David's, 
Io. Bal. Cent. cap. 58. in append.  began to be subject to the sea of Canturburie, being always before the Metropolitan church of all Wales.  

1103  In the year 1103. Owen ap Edwin died, after great misery and long sickness. Then also Richard the son of Baldwyn did fortify the castle of Ridcors, and chased Howel ap Grono out of the country, to whom the King had given the custody of that castle, who nevertheless returned shortly after, and burned all the country, houses, corn, and hay, and slay a great number of the normans, as they returned homeward, and kept all the country in his subjection, except the castles, and these garrisons. At this time the King did take the rule of Dyvet from Saer, to whom he had committed the same, and gave it to Gerald, who had been sometimes Steward there under Arnulph. Then the normans, who were in the castle of Rydcors, and other castles there abouts, seeing they could not have the upper hand of Howel ap Grono in open fight, fallen to their accustomed practice of treason, and so obtained their purpose in this manner. There was one Gwgan ap Meyric, who had nursed a son to Howel ap Grono, and therefore very well trusted and loved of him, as the manner of Wales is. This traitor (being corrupted by the normans) procured his masters death, bidding him one night to his house to make merry, whither he came gently. Then Gwgan gave notice thereof to the garrisons of the castles, who in the dawning of the day entered the town, & coming about the house, gave a great shout, wherewith Howel awoke, and coragiouslie leapt out of his bed, and sought his weapons, but the traitor Gwgan had conveyed them away when he was asleep. Then he called for his men, but they were all fled to save their lives: and as he would have got away, he was taken by Gwgan and his company, and strangled, whose body he delivered to the normans, which cut off his head, and brought it to the castle of Rydcors. And this traitorous murder of the king's lieutenant was left unpunished. For whatsoever fault the normans committed, was always winked at: and if the Welshmen did never so little offend the laws of the king, it was thought an heinous fault: which was the cause that afterwards they rebelled against the king, who sought nothing but their utter destruction.  

Ran. Cest. li. 7. cap. 13.  About this time Anselme Archbishop of Canturburie called a synod at London, where among other things, 
Si. Dunelm.  it was ordained and decreed, that priests should not marry, which was not before that time forbidden in Britain. This ordinance or decree seemed to some very cleanly and honest; but of other it was thought perilous and dangerous, lest they seeking to be clean and honest (as they termed it) should fall into horrible uncleanlinesse and dishonesty, abominable to a christian man: 
1100  and this was a thousand one hundred and odd years, after the incarnation of Christ.  
King Henry, in the fift year of his reign, sailed with a great power to Normandy, 
Matt. Paris. pag. 83.  where his brother Robert, with Robert de Belesmo, Arnulph and William Earl of Mauritania gave him battle: but the King got the victory, and took the Duke his brother and William de Mauritania prisoners, and carried them to England, whom he committed to perpetual prison, and caused his brother's eyes to be put out. 
Matth. West. lib. 2. pag. 25. Matt. Paris. page. 84.  Then shortly after died Edgar king of Scots, and Alexander his brother was crowned in his place, by consent of king Henry. At this time Meyric and Gruffyth the sons of Trahaern ap Caradoc were both slain by Owen ap Cadogan ap Blethyn. Also Meredyth ap Blethyn broke the prison, where he had been a long time, and came home, and got his own inheritance again, and enjoyed it quietly. 
1108  The year 1108. the rage of the sea did overflow and drown a great part of the low country of Flanders, 
Ran. Cest. lib. 7. cap. 13. Polydor. jac. Mayer.  in such sort that the inhabitants were driven to seek themselves other dwelling places, who came to King Henry, and desired him to give them some voided place to remain in: who being very liberal of that which was not his own, gave them the land of Ros in Dyvet or Westwales, where Pembroke, Tenby and Haverford are now built, 
Hol. pag. 347.  & there they remain to this day, as may well be perceived by their speech and conditions, far differing from the rest of the country. At that time Gerald steward did build again the castle of Pembroke, in a place called Congarth Vechan, and brought thither all his household stuff, and other goods, with his wife and children. Then also Cadogan ap Blethyn made a great feast in Christmas, and bad all the Lords of the country to his house in Dyvet, among whom came Owen his son, who being at his father's house, and hearing the beauty of Nest wife to Gerald steward of Pembroke praised above all the women in the land, was marvelous desirous to see her. And for so much as Gladys wife to Rees ap Theodor or Tewdor, and mother to Nest, was the daughter of Rywalhon ap Convyn, and cousin german to Cadogan his father; he with a few, under the colour of friendship and cozenage, went to see her: & finding the truth to surmount the fame, he came home all inflamed with her love, and in that doting mood the same night returning thither again, with a sort of wild companions entered the castle privily, and compassed the chamber about, and set the house on fire, wherewith Gerald and his wife awoke; and he would have issued out to know what that noise meant, but his wife fearing some treason, stayed him, and counseled him to go to the privy, and so pulling up the board she helped him out that way, and then she came to the chamber door, and said that there was none but she and her children, yet they entered in and sought all about; but when they could not found him, they took her and her two sons, and a son and a daughter born by a concubine to Gerald, and carried them away to Powys, and so burning the castle they spoilt all the country. Now when Cadogan hard this, he was very sorry and feared the king's displeasure, and forthwith went to Powys, and willed his son to sand home to Gerald his wife and children with his goods: but Owen in no wise would departed with the woman, yet at her request he sent to Gerald his children again. And when Richard bishop of London, whom the king had appointed Warden of the Marches being at Shrewsburie hard of this, he was very sore offended, and sent for Ithel and Madoc the sons of Riryd ap Blethyn: to whom he promised rich gifts and great rewards, besides the rule of the whole country, if they could take or kill Owen, to revenge the dishonour that he had done to the king: and to them he added Lhywarch the son of Trahaern ap Caradoc, (whose two brethren Owen had slain) and uchtryd the son of Edwin: which four promised the bishop to bring him Owen and his father either alive or dead; and thereupon forthwith gathered their power to destroy the whole country: but uchtryd sent privy word before, that all such of the people, as would have their lives saved, should come to him. And when the country herded this, some fled to Arustly, some to Melienyth, some to Stradtywy, and some to Dyvet, where Gerald was destroying the country. And at that time Walter bishop of Hereford did gather an army to defend Carmarthyn, and met with such as fled to Arustly and Melienyth, and destroyed a great number of them. Those that went to Stradtywy were gently received by Meredyth ap Rytherch: and uchtryd saved all such as came to him: and so these four came with their powers to the castle of Rydcors, and thought best to have entered the country by night, and to take Cadogan and Owen his son unawares. But uchtryd dissuaded them from that, and thought it dangerous to enter the country by night, for fear of ambushment, but counseled them to enter in by day with their men in good order. In the mean while Cadogan and Owen got a ship at Aberystwyth, which was lately come from Ireland and escaped away: and the day after, when they entered into the land, they found none of them that they sought. Therefore putting all the fault upon uchtryd, they burned and spoilt all the country, saving the Sanctuaries of Padarn and Lhandhewi Brevi, yet they took diverse men out of those places, and carried them prisoners to their countries, and then returned to their own castles again. Then Owen, with such as had been with him at the burning of the castle, fled to Ireland to king Murcart, who received him ioiouslie: for he had been there before in the time of the war of the two Earls in Anglesey or Môn, and had brought the king rich gifts from Wales. But Cadogan kept himself privily in Powys, & sent to the king to declare his innocency. Tehn the king was content, he should remain in the country, and enjoy the town and lands that he had by his wife, for she was daughter to a Lord of Normandy called Pygot de Say. Then Madoc and Ithel his two nephews divided such lands as he and his son Owen had in Powys betwixt them, and ruled it very evil, for they could never agreed among themselves: within a while Cadogan made such friends to the king, that paying a 100 pound fine, he should enjoy again his lands in Caerdigan, and that the inhabitants should return again to their houses and till the ground, for the king had given commandment, that no Welshman nor Normane should devil within Caerdigan. When they that were in Ireland understood this, they returned home privily, and hide themselves in their coosens houses, and shortly after Owen returned again to Wales; but not to Caerdigan: for his father had received that land upon such condition, that he should not suffer Owen to come therein, nor secure him, either with counsel, money or men. Nowbeit, Owen came to Powys, and would feign have sent messengers to the king, but he could get no man that dared venture to speak for him. Also at that time there happened some variance betwixt Madoc ap Riryd, and the bishop of London, lieutenant of the Marches, about certain felons of England that had fled to him for succour, whom the bishop sent for, but could not get: wherefore he was sore offended with him. Then Riryd understanding of that, sent to Owen, & desired his friendship, whose greatest enemy he was before: and by this means they were made friends, and sworn either to other, that none of them should betray the other, nor agreed by himself with the king or with his officers, without the other: and thereupon they burned and spoilt the lands of such as they loved not, 
1109  & destroyed all things that they met withal. 
Matt. West. lib. 2. pag. 26. Ran. Cest. lib. 2. cap. 14. Matt. Paris. page. 85.  At this time also the Emperor Henry did sand his ambassadors to entreat of a marriage with Maud the daughter of king Henry, and had her to his wife. And shortly after the king banished and disinherited Peter de Bruse, William Mallet, and William Baynard, and put to death the Earl of maine. That year appeared a terrible Comet. 
Matt. West. lib. 2. pag. 27.  Then also the king remembered jorwerth ap Blethyn, whom he had kept long in prison, and sent to know of him, what time he would pay to have his liberty; and he promised the king 300. pound, or the worth thereof in cattle or horses: then the king set him at liberty, and gave him his land again, and gave ten pound of that money to Henry, son to Cadogan by the daughter of Pygot. All this while Owen and Madoc were burning and spoiling the Englishmen and normans, and ever withdrew themselves to the land of jorwerth, which thing grieved him greatly; whereupon he sent word of his danger, desiring them to spare his land, & Cadogans: for if it were known that they came in any of there's, the land was forfeited to the king. When Owen and Riryd herded this, they used his country more often than they were wont: then jorwerth seeing that, chased them out of his country. Then they went to the country of uchtryd in Merionyth shire, and the sons of uchtryd sent word to their people to keep them out of their country, and so they did: for meeting them by the way, they set upon them, and Owen and Madoc defended themselves manfully: but at the last they and their men were driven back, and so they fled, Owen to Caerdigan to his father's country, and Madoc to Powys. Then Owen with his companions made diverse roads to Dyvet, and spoilt the country, carrying away the men and the cattle to the ships that they came in from Ireland, and after ransomed them, and gathered a great number to him, & set upon a town of Flemings and burned it, and returned to Caerdigan, nothing esteeming his father's danger, nor the king's displeasure. At this time it chansed that Owen's men among other mischiefs laid wait for a bishop that was towards the king, whose name was William de Brabant, and slay him and all his men. Then jorwerth & Cadogan were at the court to speak with the king, concerning certain business of their own: and as the king talked with them, behold there came in a Fleming, brother to the dead bishop, who made an exclamation, declaring how Owen ap Cadogans men had slain his brother and a great number more, and how they were succoured in Cadogans' land. Then the king being therewith sore displeased, asked Cadogan what he could say to the matter, and he putting all the fault in his son, excused himself as well as he could. Then said the king to Cadogan; Seeing thou canst not keep thy own, but that thy son and thy companions shallbe received and succoured therein in disorder, I will give it one that will keep them out, & I will keep thee at my charges all thy life, charging thee upon thy allegiance, that thou enter not within Wales, until such time as I have taken further order. And so the king gave him twenty days, and set him at liberty to go whither he would, saving to Wales. When Owen and Madoc herded this, they departed to Ireland. Then the king forthwith sent for Gilbert surnamed Strangbow Earl of Strygill, which was a noble, valiant and a worthy knight, to whom he said thus; Thou hast been diverse times a suitor to me to have some lands in Wales, and now I give thee all the lands and inheritance of Cadogan ap Blethyn, win it and take it. Gilbert received it joyfully, and thanked the king, and gathered all the power he might, & landed in Caerdigan shire, and brought the country to his subjection without any contradiction. Then he builded two fair castles there, one towards North-wales upon the river Ystwyth at the sea shore, a mile from Lhanbadarn: another towards Dyvet upon the river Teivi, 
Cilgarran, as some think.  at a place called Dyngerant, where Roger Mountgomery had begun a castle before time. And shortly after Madoc ap Riryd returned from Ireland, because he could not well away with the manners and conditions of the Irishmen, and being arrived came to the country of his uncle jorwerth, who hearing that, and fearing to loose his lands (as his brother Cadogan had done) made proclamation that no man should d'ye for him, but take him for his enemy. Which when Madoc understood, he gathered to him a number of unthrifts and outlaws, and kept himself in the rocks and woods, devising all the means he could to be revenged upon jorwerth, for that unkindness and discourtesy as he took it, and so entered friendship privily with Lhywarch ap Trahaern, who hated jorwerth to the death. Then having knowledge that jorwerth lay one night at Caereneon, they two gathered all their strength, & came about the house at midnight, than jorwerth & his men awoke, and defended the house manfully, until their foes set the same on fire: which when jorwerths men see, every one shifted for himself, so that some scaped through the fire, and the rest were either burned or slain, or both. Then jorwerth himself seeing no remedy, adventured rather to be slain than burned and came out: but his enemies received him upon sharp spears, and overthrew him in the fire, and so he died a cruel death. As soon as the king understood this, he called Cadogan before him, & gave him his brother's land, which was Powys, and promised Owen his pardon, willing his father to sand for him to Ireland.  
About this time king Henry preferred his base son Robert to the marriage of Mabil, daughter and sole heir of Robert Fitzhamon Lord of Glamorgan, in whose right the said Robert was Lord of Glamorgan, and was also at the same time by his said father, created Earl of Gloucester: he builded the castle of Cardyff.  
Now when Madoc see his other uncle Cadogan rule the country, he hide himself in rough and desert places, and adding one mischief upon another, determined also to murder him by one way or other. Therefore after that Cadogan had brought the country to some stay of quietness, and see right and justice ministered therein, having ever an eye & respect to the king, he came to the Trallwng (now called the Pool) and the elders of the country with him, and minding to devil there, began to build a castle. Then Madoc pretending nothing but mischief, hearing this, came suddenly upon him, & Cadogan thinking no hurt, was slain before he could either fight or flee. After this Madoc sent straight to the bishop of London the king's lieutenant at Shrewesburie, & prayed him to remember what he had promised him before time, when he chased Owen out of the land, for the bishop hated Owen and Cadogan, and gave Madoc all such lands as his brother Ithel was possessed of. Now Meredyth the son of Blethyn hearing of the death of both his brethren, sped himself to the king, desiring of him the lands of jorwerth, which Cadogan had lately obtained, and the king gave him the rule thereof, till such time as Owen son to Cadogan was come from Ireland: who came shortly after, and went to the king, who received him to his peace, and gave him his lands. Whereupon Owen promised to the king a great fine, and gave pledges for payment of the same. Likewise Madoc did fine to the king for his peace and lands: nevertheless, the king bade him take heed of the kinsfolks of such as he had murdered, upon his own peril.  
In the year 1111. Robert de Belesmo was taken by the king in Normandy, 
1111  and committed to perpetual prison in Warham, too gentle a punishment for so cruel and bloodthirsty a man as he was: for all his delight was therein, in so much that he put out both the eyes of his own child with his thumbs for a pastime, as the boy played under his gown. 
1112  The year after Meredyth ap Blethyn sent a number of his men to make a road into the country of Lhywarch ap Trahaern ap Gwyn, who was Meredythes and Owen's enemy, as he that succoured Madoc to kill his uncles jorwerth and Cadogan, Meredyths brethren. These men, as they passed through the country of Madoc in the night, they met with a man which belonged to the said Madoc, whom they took, and examined him where his master was: and he first said that he could not tell; but being put in fear of death, he confessed that he was not far from thence. Therefore they lay quietly there all the night, and in the dawning they came suddenly upon Madoc and his men, where they slay a great number of them, and taking Madoc prisoner, they brought him to their Lord, who was right glad thereof, and put him in safe prison, till he had sent word to his Nephew Owen, who came thither straight, than Meredyth delivered Madoc unto him. And albeit he had slain Owen's father being his own uncle, yet Owen remembering the friendship and oath that had been betwixt them two in times past, would not put him to death, but putting out his eyes let him go. Then Meredyth & Owen divided his lands betwixt them, which was Caereneon, Aberhiw, and the third part of Deuthwr.  

1113  The year following, king Henry prepared an army against Wales, 
Matt. Paris. page. Matt. West. lib. 2. pag. 27. Ran. Cest. li. 7. Io. Castor. Polydor. lib. 11.  being thereto provoked by such as would have the Welshman's lands, that was Gilbert Strangbow Earl of Strygill, to whom the king had given Caerdigan, who made sore complaints upon Owen ap Cadogan, declaring that he received and maintained such as rob and spoilt in his country. Also Hugh Earl of Chester said no less by Gruffyth ap Conan prince of North-wales, how that his men and the men of Grono ap Owen ap Edwin Lord of Tegengl spoilt and burned the country of Cheshire, adding, to aggravate the matter, that Gruffyth did neither owe service nor paid any tribute to the king: wherefore the king sworn that he would not leave one living creature in North-wales and Powys land, 
Hol. pag. 352.  but destroy the land utterly & put in new inhabitants. Then parting his army into three bands: the leading of the first he committed to Gilbert Earl of Strigill, wherein was the whole power of all the fourth part of England & Cornwall against Southwales: the leading of the second had Alexander king of Scotland & Hugh Earl of Chester, wherein the power of Scotland and the North was, who went against North-wales: and the king lead the third himself, wherein was the strength of middle England. Then Meredyth ap Blethyn hearing this, came and yielded himself to the king.  
But Owen fearing to commit himself to them which were so greedy of his lands, fled to Gruffyth ap Conan to North-wales: whereupon the king turned all his strength that way, and came himself as far as Murcastelh, and the king of Scots as far as Pennant Bachwy: but the people fled to the mountains and woods and carried all their victuals and cattle with them, so that the king could not follow them; and such of his men as entered the land, were either slain or galled in the straits. Then the Scottish king did sand to the prince to come and yield him to the king, and promised him the king's peace, but he was acquainted with such promises and would not. Then the king, because he would not return without owing of some thing, sent to Owen to come to him, and to forsake the prince who was not able to defend himself, but was ready to make peace with the Scottish king and the Earl of Chester. Yet for all this Owen would not trust the king, until such time as his uncle Meredyth came from the king to him, and counseled him not to forsake the king of England's offer, but to trust his promise, and to make haste before the prince agreed with the king, who offered him all his lands without tribute. Then Owen hearing this came to the king, who received him thankfully, and told him; that because he had trusted the king's word and promise, he would not only perform that, but also exalt him above all his kin, and give him his lands without tribute. The Prince also hearing of this sent to the king to have his peace, which (because the king could not come by him) he obtained for a great sum of money.  
Some British copies affirm, that the submission both of Gruffyth ap Conan & also of Owen ap Cadogan, was procured by the subtle policy of Meredyth ap Blethyn and the Earl of Chester: the one working with Gruffyth, and bearing him in hand, that Owen had submitted himself to the king, & made his peace with him, before it was so in deed: so that the prince somewhat yielding to the Earl's request, if Owen had so done contrary to his oath (for they were sworn either to other, the one not to agree without the assent of the other) seemed to incline to peace. On the other side Meredyth going himself in person to his Nephew Owen, affirmed for a truth, that the Prince and the Earl of Chester were throughly agreed concerning peace, and that the Prince was on his journey towards the king to make his submission: and in the mean time all messengers between Owen and the Prince were (by the procurement of Meredyth intercepted: whereupon Owen willingly yielded himself to the King.  
Then the king having finished his business in Wales, called Owen unto him, and told him that if he would go with him to Normandy, and be faithful unto him, he would perform all his promises with him. Whereupon Owen went with the king to Normandy, where he was made knight, & had all promises performed at the king's hand, at his return from Normandy the year following. At this time died Griffri bishop of Menevia, and the king made one Barnard a Norman bishop in his place, 
The Prerogative of the Kings of England, in appointing of Bishops, brought to Wales.  contrary to the minds of all the Clergy of Wales, who were always accustomed to choose their bishop. At the same time there was a talk through Southwales of Gruffyth the son of Rees ap Theodor, who for fear of the king had been of a child brought up in Ireland, and had come over two years passed, which time he had spent privily with his friends, kinsfolks, and affines; as with Gerald steward of Pembroke his brother in law, and others. But at the last he was accused to the king, that he intended the kingdom of Southwales as his father had enjoyed it, which was now in the king's hands: and that all the country hoped of liberty through him; therefore the king sent to take him. But Gruffyth ap Rees herring this, sent to Gruffyth ap Conan prince of North-wales, desiring him of his aid, and that he might remain safely within his country▪ which he granted, and received him ioiouslie for his father's sake.  
At this time also Howel the brother of this Gruffyth, being committed to prison by Arnulph Earl of Pembroke, in the castle of Mountgomery, where he remained prisoner a great while, made an escape, and being sore hurt and maimed, fled to Gruffyth ap Conan, where his brother was.  
Which things when the king herded, he sent gentle letters to the Prince, desiring him to come and speak with him, which Gruffyth ap Conan did, whom the king received honourably, and gave him rich gifts and precious jewels, after the usage of the normans, who make much of men for to serve their turn. Then afterward he talked with him of Gruffyth ap Rees, promising him mountains of gold, to sand the said Gruffyth or his head unto him; the which thing the Prince (being deceived with the fair words of the king) promised to do, and so returned home joyfully. But Gruffyth ap Rees and Howel his brother had counsel given them, to withdraw themselves out of the way awhile, until they understood what the Prince would do, for their friends suspected the king's message. The Prince, assoon as ever he came to his palace at Arberffraw, enquired for Gruffyth ap Rees, and learning where he was, sent certain horsemen for him to come to his court: and as they came towards the house where he was, he had warning of their coming, and with much ado escaped to the Church of Aberdaron, and took Sanctuary there. Then the messengers returned again, and declared to the Prince how all things fallen out, and the Prince being sore offended, commanded him to be pulled out by force: but the Clergy of the whole country withstood that, and defended the liberties of the Church. That night some that pitied to see that young innocent to be sought as a lamb to the slaughter, conveyed him away out of North-wales to Stratywy in Southwales, where he was compelled for safeguard of his own life to rebel against the king: and so gathering all the power he could to him, made war against the Flemings and normans.  
The next year after, to wit 1116. 
1116  Gruffyth ap Rees did gather his power together, 
Polydor. lib. 11. Hol. pag. 353. Mar. Scotus.  and laid siege to a castle that was over against Arberth, and won the same, & made it plain with the ground: then he came before the castle of Richard de Pwns at Lhanymdhyfry, to whom the king had given the Cautref Bychan, and would have burned it; but Meredyth ap Rytherch ap Caradoc lieutenant of the same and the garrison defended it manfully: yet Gruffyth burned the utterward, and slay many of the garrison, and likewise lost many of his own men, and so returned without profit. From thence he went to Abertawy, and laid siege to the castle which Henry Beumount Earl of Warwick had built, and likewise burned the utterward and the court house, & destroyed the country to Stratywy. Then a great number of wild young men drawn to the said Gruffyth from every place, so that he began to wax strong, and made roads into Ros and Dyvet, spoiling and robbing all the country. Wherefore the normans and Flemings consulted how to remedy that mischief, and called to them all such as were the king's friends and lords in the country, as Owen ap Rytherch, and Rytherch ap Theodor, and his sons Meredyth & Owen, whose mother was Heynyth the daughter of Blethyn ap Convyn, and Owen ap Caradoc whose mother was Gwenlhian another daughter of Blethyn ap Convyn, and Meredyth ap Rytherch; and asked whether they were true and faithful to the king of England, and they said they were. If you be (said they) you must keep and defend the king's castle of Carmarthyn, and that after this manner: first Owen ap Caradoc shall keep it a fortnight, and Rytherch ap Theodor and his sons another fortnight, and so by course, which they were content to do. Then Owen took upon him the keeping of the castle, and the castle of Robert Courtmaine in Abercomyn or Abercorran was committed to Blethyn ap Gadivor. Shortly after, Gruffyth ap Rees sent spies to understand the estate of Caermarthyn and the castle, who viewed it, & brought him good tidings: therefore he came with his power suddenly upon the town, and gave a great shout; and Owen ap Caradoc, which kept it, ran to the place where the shout was given, thinking that his men would have followed him, but the most part of them fled, and so Owen was stain fight manfully, and the town won and destroyed all save the castle, which was sore defaced. So Gruffyth returned to his accustomed place with great spoil and booty: whereupon a great number of lusty young men drawn unto him, and served him, thinking that all was his. After that he went to Gwyr, and won a castle and burned it. Then William de Londres forsook his castle, and fled with his men, but Gruffyth destroyed the castle, and carried away all the cattle and spoil of the country: and when the men of Caerdigan herded this, they sent for Gruffyth, choosing him rather to be their head and ruler, being their cousin and country man than any other. Wherefore he went thither unto them, and was well received of Cadivor ap Grono, and Howel ap Dinerth, and Trahaern ap Ithel, who had forsaken Dyvet, & left it full of Normans, Flemings, and Englishmen. There were also many strangers in Caerdigan, which ruled that country, but yet the people hated them, not forgetting the wrongs that they had received at their hands. Notwithstanding, Henry king of England had brought all that country to his subjection, some by force, some by vanishment, and some by gifts & rewards. Whereat Gruffyth was nothing dismayed, but boldly came to Caerdigan Iscoed, and laid siege to a strong hold which Earl Gilbert & the Flemings builded at Blaen Porth Gwithan. Where after long fight, & diverse assaults, with the slaughter of diverse within, and but one of his men, they burned the town, and brought the country to subjection. Then all the strangers fled away and left their houses, which the Welshmen burned and destroyed all to Penwedic. Then they assaulted the castle in Stradpythylh, (which belonged to Ralph earl hearts steward) and got it, and slay the men that were within. And from thence they camped at Glasgryg a mile from Lhanbadarn, where they did wrong to the church, for they took out some of the cattle to victual themselves, 
Privilege of sanctuary claimed for cattle.  that were within the compass of the Sanctuary: then they purposed to lay siege to the castle of Aberystwyth the day following. Which being declared to Ralph steward, he sent privily to the castle of Stratmeyric (which Gilbert had built) for secure, which he conveyed from thence by night. The day following Gruffyth came towards the castle out of order, fearing nothing, and did not understand what number of men was within the castle, and so stood upon a hill (the river being betwixt him and the castle with a bridge to pass over) where he and his men stayed and consulted concerning the making of engines to assault it, until it was the evening, at which time the normans (seeing their disorder) sent archers to the river side, to skirmish with them, to entice the Welshmen to the bridge, that the armed horsemen might suddenly issue out and set upon the naked footmen. Then the Welshmen approached near to the bridge and skirmished with them, & suddenly issue forth one horseman, and would have passed the bridge, but his horse was wounded with a pike and began to fail, & as he returned to the footmen he fallen of his horse, and the Welshmen pursued him over the bridge. When the Englishmen saw that, they fled towards the castle, and the Welshmen followed to the hill top, and suddenly the ambush of horsemen that lay under the hill thrust betwixt them that had passed over & the bridge, and they that fled turned back with more strength, and so the Welshmen were compassed on either side, and the bridge so kept that no rescue could come to them, where they were slain for the most part all, being all naked men. Then the rest seeing the great number of the men armed which they looked not for, turned back, and departed the country. Now when the king herded of all these slaughters and spoils, he sent for Owen ap Cadogan to him, to whom when he came the king said: Owen I have found thee true and faithful unto me, therefore I desire thee to take or kill that murderer Gruffyth ap Rees, that doth so trouble my loving subjects; I assure thee my chief trust is in thee, and in Lhywarch ap Trahaern, who shall go with thee, and you two shall wait upon my son Robert, whom I will sand shortly against that traitor with an army. And look how thou servest me at this time, so will I recompense thee without fail. Then Owen being wonderful glad that the king put such confidence in him, encouraged his men to do their endeavour at this time to pleasure the King, as they had done heretofore to offend him: and so joining with Lhywarch, they went towards Stratywy, to meet with the king's son. And when they came to the confines of the country, they made a vow that neither man woman nor child should escape their hands alive. When the people understood of this cruel band, they fled out of the country, some to woods, some to rocks and caves, and some to the king's castles to save their lives. Then they divided their people to enter the woods and straits, which be very many in that country. And Owen himself took with him about 100 men, and entered the wood, and perceived that men and cattle had passed that way, whom he followed and overtook, & slaying some of them, put the rest to flight: then taking their cattle returned back towards his company. But at that instant, behold, Gerald steward of Penbroke, with all his power of Flemings was coming to meet the king's son, and met with them that fled, who cried out unto him for help, and declared that Owen ap Cadogan had spoilt them of all their goods. Now when Gerald and the Flemings understood that Owen was there with so little company, they thought it a meet time to be revenged of their old wrongs, and so pursued him to the woods. Owen being warned by his men, that a great number pursued him, and counseled to make hast away, would not so do, because he understood them that followed to be the king's friends, and nothing doubted of them. But when they came nigh, they began to shoot at his men, who would have had Owen to flee, but he turned manfully to his enemies, and encouraged his men to fight, affirming, that although their enemies were seven to one, 
This reproach and defacing of any nation doth never come to good end. Ric. 3. at Bosworth field.  yet they were but Flemings and such as feared their names, and were good for nothing but to empty cups, and with that set upon them courageously. And it chanced that at the first meeting Owen was strike with an arrow to the heart, and slain: which thing when his men saw they fled, and brought word to Lhywarch ap Trahaern and their fellows, who suspecting the king's army, seeing they could not trust them in the king's service, returned to their country.  

Polydor. lib 11. Hol. pag. 354.  About this time, the order and court of Parliament began first in England. The kings of elder time did never lightly call together all the states of the realm, unless it were in the beginning of their government, to settle things in quietness at their Coronations, or when some great war was in hand: otherwise in the ordering of the common wealth the kings did all things by their officers, with directions and edicts, or by such of the nobility as were chifee rulers in their several counties.  
After the death of Owen, his brethren divided his lands between them, saving that which he had taken by force from his uncle Meredyth, being the lands of Madoc ap Riryd ap Blethyn. The names of his brethren were these: Madoc whose mother was Gwenlhian the daughter of Gruffyth ap Conan, 
The children of Cadogan ap Blethyn.  Eneon whose mother was Sanna the daughter of Dyfnwal: Morgan whose mother was Evelhiw or Elhiw the daughter of Cadivor ap Colhoyn lord of Dyvet: Henry and Gruffyth whose mother was the daughter of the lord Pigot Cadogans wedded wife, Meredyth by Eururon Hoedliw, Owen was the son of Inerth the daughter of Edwin. After this, Eneon ap Cadogan and Gruffyth ap Meredyth ap Blethyn did lead their power against a castle that uchtryd ap Edwin had built at Cymmer in Merionyth, for Cadogan had given to his cousin german uchtryd, Merionyth and Cevilioc, upon condition that he and his should be friends to his friends, and foes to his foes in all causes: but contrary to that condition, he and his sons were ever against Cadogans' children, in every enterprise that they went about. Therefore after they had set upon the castle, and slain diverse of the garrison, the rest yielded to them, and so when they had won all the country they divided it betwixt them. Thus Gruffyth ap Meredyth had Mowthwy, Cyvelioc, and half Penlhyn; and the other half of Penlhyn & Merionyth came to Eneon.  
An. 1116. 
1116  king Henry sailed into Normandy with a great army against the French king, 
Hol. pag. 355. Matt. Paris. pag. 89.  who with the Earl of Flanders and others went about to make William son to Robert Curthoise duke of Normandy; but at king Henry's arrival they returned home without honour. This year died William Strangbow of a consumption. The next year after fell a great variance between Howel ap Ithel Lord of Ros and Ryvonioc, now Denbighland, and Riryd and Lhywarch the sons of Owen ap Edwin. Then Howel sent to Meredyth ap Blethyn and to Eneon and Madoc Cadogans sons for succour, who came down from Merionyth with 400. men well appointed and met with the sons of Owen in the valley of Clwyd their own land, which sons of Owen sent for their coosines the sons of uchtryd to come with their powers to secure them: & all these met together with cruel hearts, and fought manfully, but in the end after great slaughter Lhywarch the son of Owen ap Edwin was slain, and with him jorwerth the son of Nudh which was a noble man and a worthy soldier, and Riryd fled: and so Howel ap Ithel had the victory, but he was so sore wounded that he died within forty days after. Then Meredyth ap Blethyn and the sons of Cadogan made speed home for fear of the Frenchmen, which lay in garrisons about Chester.  

1120  In the year 1120. died Murcart the worthiest and greatest prince in all Ireland. And the same time there was a great battle fought between king Henry, 
Matt. West. lib. 2. pag. 29.  and the French king who was overthrown and a great number of his nobles taken. 
Matt. Paris. pag. 89. &. 91  And shortly after, as king Henry returned towards England, 
Matt. Paris. page. 92.  by misgovernment of the shipmaster, there was a ship drowned, 
Hol. pag. 357 Matth. West. lib. 2. pag. 30.  wherein perished the kings two sons William and Richard, with his daughter and niece, and many other to the number of 150. 
Matt. Paris. pag. 92. Hol. pag. 358.  The next year after, the king did marry Adelyce daughter to the duke of Louvain & forthwith prepared a great army against Wales, and came to Powys land: which when the lords of the land, Meredyth ap Blethyn, and the three sons of Cadogan, Eneon, Madoc and Morgan see, they sent to Gruffyth ap Conan prince of North-wales to desire succours at his hands: and he answered that they should not receive any of him, nor enter within his lands, for he had made peace with the king. Thus having no hope of aid from him, they purposed to defend themselves within their own land after the best manner they could, and set men to keep and defend the straits whereby their enemies must needs pass. And as it chanced, the king himself with a small number came unto one of those defended places, for his whole army had gone a further way about, because of their carrages: at whose coming the men which kept the straits skirmished with the king's men, and with their arrows having the advantage of the ground slay some, and hurt many. Among these one drawn his bow, and shooting towards his foes, by fortune struck the king a great blow upon the breast, but by mean of his maze the a-row hurt him not; nevertheless he was wonderfully dismayed withal, & considering how rashly by misfortune he might loose in that wild country the honour and fame which he had won before, did sand to parley with them, that kept the passage, and to will them under assurance to come and speak with him: which they did. Then he asked them whose men they were, and how they dared be so bold as to put the king in such danger; and they said that they were Meredyth ap Blethyns men, and did nothing but their masters commandment in keeping the passage. Then the king willed them to go to their master, and counsel him to go to the king's peace, and he should receive no hurt, which he and his coosins did, 
1122  and fined to the king for their offences 1000 heads of cattle, and the king returned to England.  
King Henry having thus quieted Wales, 
Io. 〈◊〉  leaving the lord Fitzwaren warden or lieutenant of the Marches, returned to England, where he held three Parliaments this year, the first about Christmas at Norwych, the second about Easter at Northampton, and the third after Whitsuntide at London.  
The year ensuing Gruffyth ap Rees ap Theodor did kill Gruffyth ap Sulhaern, and Eneon the son of Cadogan died, and gave his part of Powys and Merionyth which he had won to his brother Meredyth: but Meredyth ap Blethyn his uncle put him back by force, & took it to himself. At this time the king did set at liberty Ithel ap Riryd ap Blethyn, whom he kept in prison many years, who came home, thinking to have enjoyed his own lands. Now when Gruffyth ap Conan prince of North-wales herded, how that Meredyth ap Blethyn had taken by force the lands of his Nephew Meredyth ap Cadogan, he sent his sons Cadwalhon and Owen with a power to Merionyth, who brought all the country to their subjection, and carried the chief men and the cattle to Lhyyn: and afterward the sons of Cadogan destroyed the land of Lhywarch ap Trahaern, because he joined with the sons of the prince. 
Matt. West. lib. 2. pag. 31. Ran. Cest. lib. 7. cap. 16. Hol. pag. 359 Ro. Hoveden. H. Hunt. lib. 8.  About this time there came one johannes Cremensis a cardinal from the Pope, who after he had got many rich gifts and rewards of Bishops and Abbots, held a synod at London at the nativity of our Lady, where he inveighed bitterly against the marriage of priests, declaring how unseemly a thing it was to come from his woman to the altar, and the same night he was found with a whore in bed with him.  

1125  The year 1125. Meredyth ap Blethyn did kill his brother's son Ithel ap Riryd. And shortly after Cadwalhon ap Gruffyth ap Conan slay his three uncles, Grono, Riryd, and Meilyr, the sons Owen ap Edwin, and also Morgan ap Cadogan slay his brother Meredyth with his own hands. 
Matt. Paris. page, 94.  About this time died Henry the Emperor, who had married Maud king Henry's daughter and heir. In the year 1127. 
1127  the king sent his daughter to Normandy, 
Hol. pag. 361.  to be married to Geffrey Plantagenet, son to the Earl of Anjou, and followed himself shortly after. Gruffyth ap Rees was put beside the lands, which the king had suffered him quietly to possess, by the false accusations of the normans, which dwelled in the country with him. And then also Daniel Archdeacon of Powys died, a man both learned and godly, who traveled all his time to set peace and concord betwixt his countrymen. An. 1128. died Gruffyth ap Meredyth ap Blethyn, and the same year Lhewelyn the son of Owen ap Cadogan took Meredyth ap Lhywarch, and delivered him to Pain fitziohn to be kept safe in the castle of Brugenorth. This Meredyth had slain Meyric his cousin german, and had put out the eyes of his two cousin germans the sons of Griffri. The year ensuing jevaf the son of Owen put out the eyes of two of his brethren, and banished them the country, also Lhewelyn ap Owen slay jorwerth ap Lhywarch. And Meredyth ap Blethyn took the same Lhewelyn his nephew, & putting out his eyes gelded him, to the end he should get no children, that he might have his lands, and slay Jevaf ap Owen his brother. Also Meyric slay Lhywarch and Madoc his son, his own coosens, who himself was so served, shortly after. Then Morgan the son of Cadogan repented him greatly for the murder of his brother Meredyth, wherefore he took his journey to jerusalem, and died in his return at Cyprus.  

1132  In the year 1132. Robert Curthoise the king's brother died in the castle of Cardiff. 
Matt. Paris. pag. 97.  The year following Cadwalhon son to Gruffyth ap Conan was slain at Nanhewdwy, 
Matt. West. lib. 2. pag. 34.  by Eneon the son of Owen ap Edwin his uncle (whose three brethren he had slain) with Cadogan ap Grono ap Edwin. That year also died Meredyth ap Blethyn ap Convyn, the greatest lord and chiefest man in Powys, as he that had got his brethren and nephews lands by hook and by crook into his own hands. In the year 1135. died Henry king of England, one of the worthiest and victoriousest princes that ever reigned in the isle of Britain. 
1135  After whom Stephen Earl of Boulogne son to the Earl of Bloys his sister's son, a stout and a hardy knight reigned king of England, 
Tho. Walsh. Hol. pag. 365  for (by the means of Hugh Bygod steward to king Henry) the Archbishop of Canturburie, and all the nobility of England, contrary to their former oath made to Maud the Empress, created and crowned him king. 
Matt. Paris. page. 100  Then shortly after David king of Scots won by treason Carlisle and Newcastle, against whom Stephen lead an army, to whom David yielded himself, & restored Newcastle, and kept Carlisle by composition: but he would not swear to him, 
Fabian. Io. Cast. Hector Boet.  for he had sworn already to Maud his nice. Yet Henry his son swore to Stephen, and had the Earldom of Huntingdon given him. This year Richard and Gilbert his son were slain by Morgan ap Owen. And shortly after Cadwallader and Owen Gwyneth the sons of Gruffyth ap Conan (in whom remained the hope of all Wales, for they were gentle & liberal to all men, terrible and cruel to their enemies, meek and humble to their friends, the succour and defence of widows, fatherless, and all that were in necessity: and as they passed all other in good and laudable virtues, so they were paragons of strength, beauty and well proportionat bodies) gathered a great power against the Normans and Flemings, who entering Cardigan, wan, destroyed and burned the whole country with the castle of Walter Espec, the castle of Aberystwyth, which was very strong and well manned. And thither came Howel ap Meredyth and Rees ap Madoc ap Ednerth, who went forward and razed the castle of Richard de la Mare, and the castle of Dinerth and Caerwedros', & returned home with much honour. Afterwards, towards the end of the same year they returned again with 6000. footmen, 
john Stowe. page. 188.  and 2000 horsemen well armed, and to them came Gruffyth ap Rees & Howel ap Meredyth of Brechnoke and his sons, & Madoc ap Ednerth, who subdued the whole country to Aberteivi, placing again the old inhabitants, and chase away the strangers. Against them came Stephen constable of Aberteivi, Robert Fitzmartyn, the sons of Gerald, and William Fitziohn, 
Florentius Wigorn. Sup. Mar. Scot  with all the power of the normans, Flemings and Englishmen that were in Wales or the marches. Now after a cruel and bloody fight, the strangers after their accustomed use put all their hope in their forts, and forsook the field, and the Welshmen followed hard, that besides 3000. that were slain, a great number were drowned, and taken and carried away captives. After this victory, Owen and Cadwallader overran the whole country, and returned home with rich spoils, as well in armour and horse, as in other things with great triumph. And at this time the pride of the nobles of England began to appear, for first Hugh Bigod kept the castle of Norwich, but forthwith, sore against his will, he restored it to the king himself.  

Matt. Paris. page. 100  The cause of this tumult of the nobles, was rumour which went abroad of the death of the king, who was then sick of a lethargy. Those which bore him no good will, verified the rumour as much as in them lay, and stirred the people in the behalf of the Empress. Such as were his friends took strong castles to save themselves: as this Hugh Bigod, for fear of the friends of the Empress, took the castle of Norwich, and afterward being certified that the king was well again, he was loath to deliver the same out of his possession, unless it were into the kings own hands.  
After that, the king did besiege Excester, which Baldwyn de Reduerijs kept against him, 
W. Pamus. lib. 1. cap. 15. Matt. Paris, ibidem.  and won it; and so he did the isle of Wight, which was the said Baldwynes, and banished him out of the land. The year 1137. died Gruffyth ap Rees ap Theodor, 
Tho. Walsh.  the light, 
1137  honour and stay of Southwales, who had by his wife Gwenlhian the daughter of Gruffyth ap Conan, Rees commonly called the lord Rees, and others.  

Sup. Mar. Scotus.  Florentius monk of Worcester, in his supply to Marianus Scotus, says; that This Gruffyth ap Rees Prince of Southwales, died by the deceitful practice of his wife. He writeth also of a noble knight named Pain, a man of great valiancy, who being very earnest in pursuing of the Welshmen, was at this time hurt with a spear, and so died, and was carried to Gloucester and there buried.  
Also towards the end of the same year died Gruffyth ap Conan king or prince of North-wales, the only defence and shield of all Wales, after he had escaped many great dangers by sea and land in Ireland and Wales, and after many worthy victories, and after he had brought North-wales, which he found full of strangers, to peace and quietness, having ruled the same worthily 50. years. This prince had many children by diverse women: first by Angharat the daughter of Owen ap Edwin, he had sons Owen, Cadwallader, and Cadwalhon who was slain before his father died; and daughters Marret, Susanna, Ranulht, Agnes and Gwenlhian. And by another woman he had jago, Ascain, Edwal Abbot of Penmon, Dolhing who was also a priest and well learned, and Elen the wife of Hova ap Ithel Velyn of Yal. He reform the disordered behaviour of the Welsh minstrels, by a very good Statute which is extant to this day.  
There are three sorts of minstrels in Wales.  

1 The first sort named Beirdh, which are makers of songs and odes of sundry measures, wherein not only great skill and cunning is required; but also a certain natural inclination and gift, which in Latin is termed Furor poëticus. These do also keep records of gentlemen's arms and petegrées, and are best esteemed and accounted of among them.  
2 The second sort of them are players upon instruments, théefelie the Harp and the Crowth: whose music for the most part came to Wales with the said Gruffyth ap Conan, who being on the one side an Irishman by his mother and grandmother, and also born in Ireland, brought over with him out of that country divers cunning musicians; into Wales, who devised in a manner all the instrumental music that is now there used, as appeareth as well by the books written of the same, as also by the names of the tunes and measures used amongst them to this day.  
3 The third sort called Atcaneaid are those which do sing to the instrument played by another, and these be in use in the country of Wales to this day.   
This statute or decree here mentioned, doth not only prescribe and appoint what reward every of the said minstrels aught to have, and at whose hands: but also of what honest behaviour and conversation they aught to be, to wit, no make bats, no vagabonds, no ale-househanters, no drunkards, 
A very good law against abuses in Musicians.  no brallers, no whoorehunters, no thieves, nor companions of such. In which things if they offend, every man by the said statute is made an officer, and authorised to arrest and punish them, yea and take from them all that they have then about them. They are also in the same statute forbidden to enter into any man's house, or to make any song of any man without special licence of the party himself. And this statute or decree hath been oftentimes allowed by public authority of the chief magistrates of that country, as appeareth by sundry commissions directed to divers Gentlemen in that behalf.    


Owen Gwyneth.  Owen Gwyneth the son of Gruffyth ap Conan.  
In the year 1140. Cynwric the son of Owen was slain by the men of Madoc ap Meredyth ap Blethyn ap Convyn, 
1140  and the next year after king Stephen with a great army did besiege Lincoln, 
W. Parnus. lib. 1. cap. 8. Matt. Paris. pag. 104. Matt. West. lib. 2. pag. 36.  against whom came Ranulph Earl of Chester, & Robert Earl of Gloucester with his father in law, and the Barons which were disinherited to raise the siege. But before they came, the town was wone: then passing a dangerous marish, they camped hard by the king, ready to give him battle; who likewise brought forth his men in three battles. In the first were these, Alan Earl of Britain, the Earl of Mellent, Hugh Bygod Earl of Norfolk, Simon Earl of Hampton, and Earl Warren. In the second the Earl of Albemarle, and William of Ypres a noble man & a worthy soldier. And in the third the king, with Baldwyn Fitzgilbert, and a great number of nobles more. And of the other part the disinherited Barons had the first place, 
Matt. Paris. ibidem.  the Earl of Chester with his succours of Wales (better couraged than armed) had the second place, and the Earl of Gloucester lead the last battle. These after a cruel fight took the king prisoner, 
W. Parnus. lib. 1. cap. 9 Matth. West. lib. 2. pag. 37. Matt. Paris. pag. 105.  and afterward the Queen and William of Ypres, Bryan Fitzcount. But within a while after that, William martel and Geffrey de Mandevile gathered a new army, & fought with the Empress and her brother at Winchester, & put her to flight, taking Earl Robert prisoner, for exchange of whom the king was set at liberty. The year following the king had an overthrow at Wilton, 
W. Parnus. lib. 1. cap. 10. Matt. West. page. 38. Matt. Paris. ibidem.  after the which he besieged the Empress the same year at Oxford, who escaping thence fled to Walingford. The same year also Madoc ap Ednerth a man of great estimation in Wales died, and the sons of Blethyn ap Gwyn slay Meredyth ap Howel.  

1142  Also the year 1142. Howel ap Meredyth ap Rytherch of the Cantref Bychan, & Rees ap Howel were slain by treason of the Flemings. Likewise Howel ap Meredyth ap Blethyn was murdered by his own men. Then also Howel & Cadogan the sons of Madoc ap Ednerth did either kill other. And shortly after there fallen a variance betwixt Anarawd son to Gruffyth ap Rees prince of Southwales, and his father in law Cadwallader the son of Gruffyth ap Conan and brother to prince Owen Gwyneth, who from words grew to fight: where Anarawd was slain, the hope and stay of Southwales. For the which thing prince Owen took such displeasure at his brother, that he and his son Howel gathered an army against him, and destroyed all his country, and burned his castle at Aberystwyth; for Cadwallader himself had fled to Ireland, and had hired Octer (son to Octer) and the son of Turkel, and the son of Cherulf, with a great number of Irishmen and Scots for 2000 marks to his succour, and landed at Aberinenay in Carnaruonshire, against whom the prince came with a great power: but before the armies met there was a peace concluded betwixt the brethren. Which when the Irishmen understood, then withheld Cadwallader as prisoner for their wages, and he delivered them 2000 heads of cattle, besides many prisoners and spoils that were taken in the country. But as soon as the prince known his brother set at liberty, he fallen upon the Irishmen, and slay a great number of them, and recovered all the cattle with the prisoners and other spoils: then as many as escaped alive returned home with great shame and loss.  
About the same time Hugh Earl of Chester, fortified his castle of Cymaron, and wan Melienyth to himself, & likewise the castle of Clun was fortified by a lord Normane, and all Eluel brought to their subjection. 
W. Parnus. lib. 1. cap. 11.  At that time king Stephen took Geffrey Mandevile prisoner at S. Albon, where the Earl of Arundel was like to be drowned by default of his horse. 
Matt. Paris. page. 105.  The Earl Mandevile gave to the king for his liberty the tower of London, with the castles of Walden and Plassey, 
Matt. West. lib. 2. pag. 38.  who afterward lived by spoil of abbers, and was slain in a slurmish against the king, 
1143  whom he had sore anoied: and his son Arnulph was banished the realm. 
Matt. Paris, pag. 107.   
This year Hugh de Mortimer took Rees ap Howel in a skirmish, and diverse other with him & imprisoned them. At the same time Howel and Conan the sons of prince Owen gathered an army against the Flemings and normans, & gave them an overthrow at Aberteivi, and keeping the town, returned home with great honour. Also this year died Sulien ap Rythmarch a man of great knowledge, one of the College of Lhanpardarn.  
About this time Gilbert Earl of Clare came with a great power to Dyvet, and built the castle of Carmarthyn, and the castle of the sons of uchtryd. Then also Hugh Mortimer slay Meyric ap Madoc ap Riryd, and Meredyth ap Madoc ap Ednerth. Cadelh the son of Gruffyth ap Rees prince of Southwales got the castle of Dynevowr, which Earl Gilbert had built, and after he and his brethren Meredyth and Rees gathered their powers, and laid siege to the castle of Carmarthyn, which was yielded unto them, reserving only the lives to those of the garrison: and from thence they brought their army before the castle of Lhanstephan, where the normans and Flemings meeting with them had a great overthrow, & so they won the castle. Whereupon all the Flemings and normans inhabiting that country all about, gathered their powers together, and their captains were the sons of Gerald and William de Hay, who laid siege to the same castle upon the sudden. But Meredyth ap Gruffyth, to whose custody the castle was committed, encouraged his men to fight and to defend the place, and that which lacked in him of strength (for he was of great years) he supplied in courage and discretion. He suffered his enemies to scale the walls, and when the ladders were full, he gave the watchword, and his soldiers did manfully with engines overturn all the ladders, and maimed a great number of armed men and tried soldiers, and put the rest to flight. Shortly after died Run the son of prince Owen of North-wales, a fair and a goodly young man, whose death when it came to his father's ears did so trouble him, that no kind of pleasure could comfort his heavy hart, so that he led the night in tears and the day in heaviness, till God who took compassion upon the poor leavings and remnants of the Britons, even as he had discomforted the prince with the death of his son, so he did glad his sorrowful hart with the overthrow of his enemies: for there was a castle at the Mould very strong and well manned, which did trouble the whole country about, and had been oftentimes besieged, but never wone. Prince Owen levied a power and laid siege to it, but the garrison defended it manfully, and abode diverse assaults: but at the last, maugre their heads, the sight of the prince did so encourage his men, that they entered by force, and slay a great number, and took the rest of the defendants, and razed the fort to the earth: which victory achieved did so please the prince, that he left his solitary plaints, and fallen to his accustomed pastimes.  
At the same time king Stephen overthrew his enemies at Farendon. 
Matth. West. lib. 2. pag. 38 Matt. Paris. page. 107.  But in the year ensuing Rondel Earl of Chester and king Stephen were made friends, 
1145  nevertheless the king took him prisoner, and kept him so (contrary to his promise) until such time as the Earl had delivered to the king the castle of Lincoln, with all other forts of the kings that he had in his custody. At this time Cadelh, Meredyth, and Rees the sons of Gruffyth ap Rees ap Theodor did lead their powers against the castle of Gwys, which after they see they could not win, they sent for Howel the son of Owen prince of North-wales to their succour, who for his prowess in the field and his discretion in consultation, was counted the flower of chivalry, whose presence also was thought only sufficient to overthrow any hold; who being desirous to win honour, gathered his men, and came to these lords before the castle of Gwys, whom they received joyfully. Now when he had viewed the place, he caused engines to be made to batter the walls with force of men, and other to cast great stones to their enemies, & to disquiet the garrison. Which preparations when they within beheld, their stomaches failed, and forthwith they yielded the fort, than Howel returned home with great honour. Shortly after, there fallen a great dissension betwixt Howel and Conan prince Owen's sons, and Cadwallader their uncle; whereupon they called their strength unto them, and entered the country of Merionyth: where the people fled to the sanctuaries to save their lives. These two young Lords made proclamation, that no man should hurt those that would yield to them: whereupon the people which had fled, returned to their houses without hurt. Thus they brought all the country in subjection to them, & lead their army before the castle of Cynvael, which Cadwallader had built and fortified, wherein was the Abbot of Tuygwyn, or Whitehouse, to whom the Lord had committed the defence of his castle. Then Howel and Conan summoned the fort with great threatenings, but they within defied them: whereupon Howel & Conan promised the Abbot Meruyn great rewards, to let them have the house. But he (like a faithful servant, whom neither terrible manaces, nor pleasant proffers could move to untruth, but as his lord trusted him so would he continued still, and not deceive his expectation) denied them of the same, choosing rather to die with honour, than to live with shame. With which answer the young Lords were greatly offended, that a priest should stay their prosperous proceed, and thereupon assaulted the castle so sore, that after they had beaten down the walls, they entered by force, and slay and wounded all the garrison, saving the Abbot, who escaped away privily by means of friends whom he had in Howels army.  
The year 1147. 
1147  died Robert Earl of Gloucester & Gilbert Earl of Clare, & Vchthred bishop of Landaff, after whom Nicholas ap Gurgant was made bishop. And the year 1148. 
1148  died Barnard bishop of S. David's or Menevia, 
Girald. Cam.  & after him came David Fitzgerald to be bishop there, who was before Archdeacon of Caerdigan. 
Castell● y Rodwyth.  The year ensuing Owen prince of North-wales did build a castle in Yale, and his brother Cadwallader built another at Lhanrystyd, and gave Cadogan his son his part of Caerdigan. Towards the end of this year, Madoc the son of Meredyth ap Blethyn did build the castle of Oswestrie, 
The castle of Oswestrie.  and gave his nephews Owen and Meyric the sons of Gruffyth ap Meredyth his part of Cyvelioc. The year after, prince Owen did imprison Conan his son for certain faults committed against his father: also prince Owen's son took his uncle Cadwallader prisoner, and brought his country and castle to his subjection.  
At this time also Cadeth the son of Gruffyth ap Rees fortified the castle of Carmarthyn, & from thence lead his army to Cydwely, where he destroyed and spoilt all the country, and after his return he joined his power with Meredyth and Rees his brethren, and entering Caerdigan won the part called Is Aeron. Not long after, there fallen a variance betwixt Rondel Earl of Chester, and Owen prince of North-wales. Then Rondel gathered a great power of his friends and hired soldiers, from all parts of England: to whom Madoc ap Meredyth prince of Powys, disdaining to hold his lands of Owen, joined all his power: and they both together entered prince Owen's land, who like a worthy prince not suffering the spoil of his subjects, met them at Counsylht, and boldly bade them battle, which they refused not, but being more in number and better armed and weaponed, were glad of the occasion: yet before the end they threw away weapon and armour, and trusted their feet, whom the North-wales men did so pursue that few escaped, but were either slain or taken, saving the chief captains, whose horses carried them away clear. In the year 1150. 
1150  Cadelh, Meredyth and Rees, the sons of Gruffyth ap Rees Prince of Southwales, wan all Caerdigan from Howel the son of prince Owen, saving the castle of Lhanvihangel in Pengwern, and at the castle of Lhanrystyd they lost many of their men, therefore they slay all the garrison when they won it, and thence they went to the castle of Stratmeyric, which they fortified and manned, and then returned home. This Cadelh had a great pleasure in hunting, and used much that pastime; which thing when the inhabitants of Tenby or Denbigh y pyscot in Pembroke shire known, they laid in ambushment for him, and so when this lord had uncoupled his hounds, and pursued the stag with a few companions, they fierslie set on him & his company, and seeing they were but few and unarmed, they easily put them to flight, and wounded Cadelh very sore, yet he escaped their hands, & came to his house, where he lay a long time like to die. Then his brethren Meredyth & Rees entered Gwyr, where burning and destroing all the country, they won the castle of Aberlhychwr & razed it to the ground, and then returning home with great booty, re-edified the castle of Dynevowr. The same year also Howel the son of Owen prince of North-wales fortified Humfreys castle in the valley of Caletwr.  
In the year 1151. 
1151  Owen Gwyneth took Cunetha his brother Cadwalhon his son, and put out his eyes, and gelded him, lest he should have children to inherit part of the land. Lhewelyn also the son of Madoc ap Meredyth slay Stephen the son of Baldwin. About the same time Cadwallader the brother of Prince Owen escaped out of his nephew Howels prison, and subdued part of the isle of Môn or Anglesey to himself: but his brother Owen sent an army against him, and chased him thence, who fled to England for secure to his wives friends, for she was the daughter of Gilbert Earl of Clare. 
Matt. Paris. pag. 113. Matt. West. lib. 2. pag. 41.  The same year Galfride Arthur was made bishop of Lhanelwy, now called in English Saint Asaph. Also Simon Archdeacon of Cyvelioc, an man of great worthiness and fame, died at the same time. And the year ensuing Meredyth and Rees, the sons of Gruffyth ap Rees, did lead their powers to Penwedic, before the castle, which did belong to Howel the son of Prince Owen, and with great pains got it. Shortly after, privily by night they came to the castle of Tennbie, which was in the keeping of Fitzgerald, and scaled it upon the sudden, and got it, and did so revenge their brother's hurt. Then returning thence they divided their army, and Rees went to Stratcongen, which he destroyed and spoilt, and went thence to Cyvelioc, which he destroyed in like manner. But Meredyth laid siege to the castle of Aberavan, and won it, and came home with rich spoils. 
Ran. Cest. lib. 7. cap. 20.  At this time died Rondle Earl of Chester, and Hugh his son was created Earl in his place.  

1153  In the year 1153. died Meredyth ap Gruffyth ap Rees Lord of Caerdigan and Stratywy, in the 25. year of his age, a worthy knight, and fortunate in battle, just and liberal to all men. Also the same year died Geffrey bishop of Landaff. The year ensuing, Henry Shortmantel the empress son entered England, and wan diverse castles, as Maluesburie, 
Matt. West. page. 41. Matt. Paris. page. 114.  Walingford, and Shrewsburie. About the same time Eustace the son of king Stephen was drowned, whereupon the king and Henry concluded a peace.  

1154  In the year 1154. died Stephen king of England, 
Matt. West. lib. 2. pag. 52. Matt. Paris. page. 115.  and Henry Plantagenet the empress son was crowned in his steed. This Henry was wise and learned and besides a worthy knight, he never ware glove except he bore a hawk on his fist, and never sat but at his meat, and delighted in hawking, hunting, riding, and in all honest exercises. In the beginning of his reign, and in the year 1155. 
1155  Rees ap Gruffyth ap Rees, whom the Welsh book surnameth Lord Rees, and all the Latin and English writers of that time name King of Southwales, did gather all his strength together to defend his country from Owen Gwyneth, whom he herded to be levying of men to conquer Southwales. So Rees came as far as Aberdyvi over against North-wales, and perceiving the rumour to be false, built a castle there, and so returned back. At the same time Madoc ap Meredyth prince of Powys did build a castle at Caereneon besides Cymer. 
Castelh Caereneon.  At that time Meyric his nephew escaped out of prison, where he had been long kept; then also Eglwys vair in Myvot was built, also Terdelach king of Conacht in Ireland died.  
At this time king Henry banished the Flemings, 
Io. Cast.  whom king Stephen had brought in, and sent some of them to their coosins in Westwales; likewise the king banished william Peverell of Nottingham. 
Matt. West. page. 43. Matt. Paris. page. 126.  And Hugh Mortimer fortified the castle of Cleberie against the king, which the king took and razed, and Hugh yielded to the king, and delivered to his hands the castles of Wygmor and Brugge. Likewise Roger the son of Miles of Gloucester Earl of Hereford delivered to the king the tower of Gloucester, and died shortly after, and his brother Walter enjoyed his land; but the king kept the Earldom of Hereford, and the town of Gloucester in his own hands. The year following, Conan Earl of Richmond sailed to Britain, where he was received of the most part for their duke. Shortly after king Henry & his brother Geffrey were agreed in Normandy, and the king being returned into England, 
Matt. West. page. 44.  received of the Scottish king Carlisle, Newcastle, and Banburgh, with the country about, and gave him the Earldom of Huntingdon. Also William Earl of Egle and Norfolk, base son to king Stephen, delivered Henry the castles of Pevensey and Norwich, and the king confirmed to him his other lands.  
At this time Caradocus Lhancaruan, who is reputed and taken of all learned men to be the author of this present history, endeth his collections of the successions of the Britons, from Cadwallader until this time, of whom some studious antiquary written these verses following: 
Historiam Brytonum doctus scripsit Caradocus,  
Post Cadwalladrum regia sceptra notans.   

In those two Abbeys, the Princes and Noblemen of Wales were buried.  The successions and acts of the princes of Wales after this time, until the year 1270. were kept and recorded from time to time in the Abbeys of Conwey in North-wales, and Stratflur in Southwales, as witnesseth Gutryn Owen, who being in the days of Edward the fourth written the best and most perfect copy of the same.  

1157  About this time the king gathered all his power together from all parts of England, 
W. Parnus. lib. 2. cap. 5. Matt. West. ibidem. Matt. Paris. pag. 129. Io. Castor.  intending to subdue all North-wales, being thereunto procured and moved by Cadwallader, whom the Prince his brother had banished out of the land, and bereaved of his living, and by Madoc ap Meredyth prince of Powys, who envied at the liberty of North-wales, which knew no lord but one. And so the king led his army to Westchester, and camped upon the marsh called Saltney. Likewise Owen, like a valiant prince, gathered all his strength, and came to the utter meres of his land, purposing to give the king battle, & encamped himself at Basingwerk. Which thing when the king understood, he chose out of his army diverse of the chiefest bands, and sent certain Earls and Lords with them towards the prince's camp: 
W. Parnus lib. 2. cap. 5.  and as they passed the wood called Coed Eulo, David & Conan the prince's sons met with them, & set upon them fearslie, & what for the advantage of the ground & for the suddenness of the deed, the Englishmen were put to flight, and a great number slain, and the rest were pursued to the king's camp. The king being fore displeased with that foil, removed his camp alongst the sea coast, 
Hol. pag. 397.  thinking to pass betwixt Owen and his country; but Owen foreseeing that, retired back to a place which is called to this day Cîl Owen (that is, the retire of Owen) and the king came to Ruthlan.  

W. Parnus. lib. 2. cap. 5.  In this first voyage of king Henry against the Welshmen, he was put in great danger of his life in a straight at Counsylth not far from Flynt, where Henry of Essex, whose office by inheritance was to bear the standard of England, cast down the same and fled: which thing encouraged the Welshmen in such sort, that the king being sore distressed, had much a do to save himself: and (as the French Chronicle says) was feign to flee; of whose part Eustace, Fitz-Iohn, and Robert Curcie two worthy knights, with diverse other noble men and gentlemen, were slain.  
After that, Owen encamped and entrenched himself at Bryn y pin, and skirmished with the king's men daily, and in the mean while that the King was fortifying the castle of Ruthlan; his navy, which was guided by Madoc ap Meredyth Prince of Powys, anchored in Môn or Anglesey, and put on land the soldiers, which spoilt two churches, and a little of the country thereabouts. But as they returned unto their ships, all the strength of the isle set upon them and killed them all, so that none of those which rob within the isle brought tidings how they sped. Then the shipmen seeing that, liked not their lodging there, but weighed up anchors and went away to Chester. In the mean time there was a peace concluded betwixt the king and the Prince, upon condition that Cadwallader should have his lands again, and his brother should be his friend. Then the King leaving the castles of Ruthlan and Basywerke well fortified and manned, after he had built a house thereby for the templars, returned to England.  
At that time also jorwerth Goch ap Meredyth got the castle of Yale, and burned it. The year following, Morgan ap Owen was traitorously slain by the men of Ivor ap Meyric, with whom died the best poet in the British tongue of his time, called Gurgan ap Rees: and his brother jorwerth got the town of Caerlheon, and the lands of Owen. Then the king made peace with all the princes & lords of Wales, except Rees ap Gruffyth ap Rees prince of Southwales, which Rees fearing the king's power, caused his people to remove their cattle & goods to the wilderness of Tywy, and he still made war against the king. Therefore the king sent for him to come to his court, to conclude a peace before the power of England & Wales were sent for him: whereupon Rees after consultation came to the king, and an order was taken that Rees should enjoy the Cantref Mawr, as it should please the king, so that his land should be whole together, and not in diverse places and shires: but the king did contrary to his promise, appointing Rees lands in diverse places, and lordships intermingled with other men's lands. Which deceit although Rees perceived well enough, yet he received it piece-meal as it was, and lived quietly, until Roger Earl of Clare hearing this, came to the king, and desired his highness to give him such lands in Wales as he could win, which the king granted. Then he came with a great army to Caerdigan, & first he fortified the castle of Stratmeyric, and afterwards the castle of Humphrey, of Dyvy, of Dynerth, & Lhanristyd. When these castles were well manned and fortified, Walter Clyfford, who had the keeping of the castle of Lhanymdhyfri, made a road to the land of Rees, and returned with a booty, after he had slain diverse of Reeses men.  
Then Rees sent to the king to complain, and to have a redress, who had only fair words and nothing else: for the king winked at the faults of the Englishmen and normans, and punished the Welshmen cruelly. Rees seeing this, laid siege to Lhanymdhyfri, and in short space won the castle. Also Eneon the son of Anarawd Reeses brothers son, being a lusty gentleman, and desirous to make his country free from servitude, and perceiving his uncle to be discharged of his oath to the king, laid siege to the castle of Humphrey, & by force won it, slaying all the garrison, wherein he found horses and armour to furnish a great number of men. Likewise Rees, seeing he could enjoy no part of his inheritance but that he won by the sword, gathered his power, & entering Caerdigan, left not a castle standing in the country, of those which his enemies had fortified, and so brought all to his subjection. Wherewith the king being sore offended, returned to Southwales, and when he see he could do no good, he suffered Rees to enjoy all that he had got, and took pledges of him to keep the peace in his absence. Then returning to England, he took his journey to Normandy, and made peace with the French king. But the next year Rees prince of Southwales did lead his power to Dyvet, and destroyed all the castles that the normans had fortified there, and afterward laid siege to Caermarthin. Which thing when Reynold earl of Brystow the king's base son herded, he called to him the Earl of Clare, and his brother in law Cadwallader the brother of prince Owen, with Howel and Conan prince Owen's sons, and two other Earls, and came to raise the siege with a great army: whose coming Rees abode not, but got him to the mountains called Kefn Rester, and there kept himself, and they camped at Dynwyl hîr, and builded a castle there, who after they could not hear of Rees, returned home without doing of any notable act. King Henry remained in Normandy all this year, where he made war against the Earl of S. Giles for the city and Earldom of Tholouse.  

1160  In the year 1160. died Madoc ap Meredyth ap Blethyn prince of Powys at Winchester. This man was ever the king of England's friend, and was one that feared God, and relieved the poor, his body was conveyed honourably to Powys, and buried in Myvot. This man had by his wife Susanna the daughter of Gruffyth ap Conan prince of North-wales three sons, Gruffyth Maylor, Owen, and Elise, and a daughter called Marred: he had base sons, Owen Brogynton, Kynwric Euelh, and Eneon Euelh, which base sons were not basely esteemed, who with the other had part of their father's inheritance, and so had other through Wales, especially if they were stout and of noble courage.  
And here I think it convenient to declare how Powys land came to be divided in many parts, and thereby weakened and so brought under the normans, before the rest of Wales. Meredyth son to Blethyn ap Convyn prince of Powys had two sons, Madoc of whom we speak, and Gruffyth, between whom Powys was divided. Madoc had that part which was called Powys Vadoc, which part again was divided betwixt his three sons, Gruffyth Maylor, Owen Vachan, and Owen Brogynton after this manner. Gruffyth Maylor had Bromfield, Yale, Hope Dale, Nanhewdwy, Mochnant îs Rhayard, Chirke, Cynlhayth, and Glyndoverdwy. Owen Vachan had Mechain Iscoyd. And Owen Brogynton had Dynmael, and Edeyrneon. The other part of Powys called afterward Powys Wenwynwyn, was the part of Gruffyth ap Meredyth, after whose death his son called Owen Cyvelioc enjoyed it, as it shall be at large hereafter declared.  

The lordship of Powys.  Powys before king Offas' time reached eastward to the rivers of Dee and Severn, with a right line from the end of Broxen hills to Salop, with all the country between Wye and Severn, whereof Brochwel yscithroc (of whom mention is made before, pag. 22.) was possessed: but after the making of Offas' ditch (as it is said before pag. 19) the plain country toward Salop, being inhabited by Saxons and Normans, Powys was in length from Pulford bridge Northeast, to the confines of Caerdigan shire, in the parish of Lhanguric in the South-west; and in breadth from the furthest part of Cyvelioc Westward, to Elsmere on the Eastside. This country or principality of Powys was appointed by Roderike the Great for the portion of his third son Anarawd, and so continued entirely until the death of Blethyn ap Convyn. After whom, although the dominion was diminished by limiting parts in severalty amongst his sons Meredyth and Cadogan, yet at length it came wholly to the possession of Meredyth ap Blethyn, who had issue two sons Madoc and Gruffyth, between whom the said dominion was divided, Madoc married Susanna the daughter of Gruffyth ap Conan prince of North-wales, and had that part, which was after called after his name Powys Vadoc, which dominion and Signiory was divided betwixt the three sons of the said Madoc, to wit, Gruffyth Maelor, Owen ap Madoc, and Owen Brogynton, which Owen Brogynton although he was basely begotten, yet for his valiancy and noble courage he had part of his father's inheritance, to wit, Edeyrneon and Dinmael, and had issue Gruffyth, Blethin, and jorwerth. Owen ap Madoc had to his portion of inheritance limited the territory of Mechain Is coed, and had issue Lhewelyn and Owen Vachan. Gruffyth Maelor the elder son lord of Bromfield had to his part the two Maelors and Mochnant is Rayadr, he married Angharat the daughter of Owen Gwyneth prince of North-wales, by whom he had issue one son named Madoc, who held his father's inheritance wholly, and had issue Gruffyth called lord of Dînas' brân (because he dwelled in that castle) who married Emma the daughter of james lord Audley, and had issue Madoc, Lhewelyn, Gruffyth and Owen. This Gruffyth ap Madoc took part with king Henry the third and Edward the first, against the prince of North-wales, and therefore for fear of the prince he was feign to lie for his own safeguard in his said castle of Dînas' brân, which standeth on the top of a very steep hill, to the which there is no way but one to come. He died, his children being within age, whereupon shortly after ensued the destruction of two of them: for the said king Ed. 1. gave the wardship of Madoc (who had for his part the lordships of Bromfield and Yale, and the said castle of Dînas' brân, which the reversion of Maelor Saesnec after his mother's decease, who had the same to her jointer) to john Earl Warren; and granted the wardship of Lhewelyn, (to whose part the lordships of Chirke and Nanheudwy came) to Roger Mortimer third son to Roger Mortimer the son of Ralph Mortimer Lord Mortimer of Wigmor. These guardians forgetting the service done by the father of the wards to the king, so guarded their wards with so small regard, 
See the records in the Tower.  that they never returned to their possessions. And shortly after the said guardians did obtain the same lands to themselves by charters of the king. This john Earl Warren began to build the Holt castle, and William his son finished the same. The lordship of Bromfield and Yale continued in the name of the Earl Warren three descents, john, William and john that died without issue, and then the said lordship together with the said earldom of Warren, descended to Alice daughter of the said William Earl Warren, and sister and heir of the said last john Earl Warren, which Alice married Edmond Fitzalan Earl of Arundel, in the which house of Fitzalanes it remained three descents after the said Edmond and Alice, to wit, to Richard Earl of Arundel, and to Richard Earl of Arundel his son, and to Thomas Earl of Arundel son of the said last Richard. And then for want of issue of the said Thomas Earl of Arundel and Warren, the said lordship fallen to two of his sisters, whereof one named Elizabeth was married to Thomas Mowbray Duke of Norfolk, the other named joane was married to William Beauchamp lord of Abergavenny, whose part afterwards came by a daughter to the Nevil lord of Abergavenny: and sithence it came to the hands of Sir William Stanley knight, by whose attaindor it escheated to the crown, and so remains parcel of her majesties possessions at this day.  
Roger Mortimer justice of North-wales, 
Chirke.  builded the castle of Chirke, and married Lucia the daughter and heir of Sir Robert de Wafre knight, by whom he had issue Roger Mortimer, who married joane turbervile, and had issue john Mortimer lord of Chirke. This john sold the lordship of Chirke, to Richard Fitzalan Earl of Arundel, son to the said Edmond, and so it was annexed again to Bromfield and Yale.  
The third son of Gruffyth lord of Dînas' brân, named also Gruffyth, had for his part Glyndowrdwy, 
Glyndowrdwy.  which Gruffyth ap Gruffyth was father of Madoc Crupl father of Madoc Vachan father of Gruffyth father of Gruffyth Vachan, father of Owen Glyndowr, who rebelled in the time of king Henry the fourth, by whose attaindor that part also came to the king's hands, which was purchased of the king by Robert Salisbury of Rug, of whom Salisbury the lord of Glyndowrdwy that now is descended. Owen the fourth son of Gruffyth lord of Dînas' brân had for his part Cynlhaeth, which at this day together with the lordship of Chirke land is parcel of the possessions of the right honourable the Earl of Leycester.  
The other part of Powys, containing the countries of Arustly, Cyvelioc, Lhannerch hudol, Caereneon, Mochnant uwch Rayader, Mechain uwch Coed, Mouthwy, Deuthwr, Strat Marchelh, and Teirtref or the three towns, rightfully descended to Gruffyth ap Meredyth ap Blethyn before mentioned, who was by King Henry the first created Lord Powys, he married Gweyryl or Weyryl the daughter of Vrgene ap Howel ap Jevaf ap Cadogan ap Athlestan Glodryth, and by her had issue Owen surnamed Cyvelioc.  
Owen Cyvelioc enjoyed his whole inheritance as his father did, and married Wenlhian the daughter of Owen Gwyneth, Prince of North-wales, by whom he had issue Gwenwynwyn or Wenwynwyn: after whose name that part of Powys was afterward called Powys Wenwynwyn. He had also a bastard brother called Caswalhon, to whom he gave the territories called Swydh Lhannerch Hudol and Braniarth.  
Gwenwynwyn succeeded his father in the whole signory, saving Lhannerch, Hudol and Braniarth, which were given to his base brother Caswalhon Maelrhy, during his life time only. Which Gwenwynwyn married Margaret daughter to Rees ap Theodor Prince of Southwales, and by her had issue Gruffyth ap Gwenwynwyn.  
Gruffyth ap Gwenwynwyn succeeded his father in all his possessions, and had issue six sons, among whom his inheritance was divided as followeth. Owen the elder son had for his part, Arustly, Cyvelioc, Lhannerch hudol, and the moiety of Caereneon. Lhewelyn the second son had Mochnant uwch Rayader and Mechain uwch Coed. john the third son had the fourth part of Caereneon. William the fourth son had Mouthwy. Gruffyth Vachan the fift son, had Deuthwr, Strat marchelh and Teirtref. David the sixt son had the other fourth part of Caereneon.  
Owen ap Gruffyth had issue one only daughter his heir, named Hawys Gadarn, that is, Hawys the hardy, against whom her uncles Lhewelyn, john, Gruffyth Vachan, and David arose, challenging the lands of their brother Owen, and affirming that a woman was not capable of lands in that country. Whereupon Hawys made such friends in England, that the matter being opened unto King Edward the second, the said King bestowed her in marriage upon a servant of his named john Charleton, termed Valectus Domini Regis, born in Appley, a little off from Welinton 1268. in the county of Salop, whom he made Lord Powys in her right.  
This john Charleton Lord Powys, being aided by the king took three of his wives uncles, to wit, Lhewelyn, David and john, whom he laid up fast in the king's castle of Hardlech, and obtained a writ from the King of the Sheriff of the county of Salop, and Sir Roger Mortimer Lord of Chirkland and justice of North-wales, for the apprehension of Gruffyth Vachan, with Sir Roger Chamber, and Hugh Mountgomerie his two sons in law, which then were in armour against the said Charleton and Hawys. Whereupon the said Gruffyth Vachan and his brethren, having then lost their greatest stay, which was Thomas Earl of Lancaster, submitted themselves to the king's order, touching all matters in variance between them and their niece: who finding by records, that Gruffyth ap Meredyth, ancestor to the said Hawys, upon his submission to King Henry the first, become subject to the King of England, and thereupon was by the said King created Baron of Powys, which Barony he and his heirs held afterward of the king in Capite, as other Barons of England did. And therefore the said Hawys (as it seemed unto him) had more right to her father's possessions, being in her uncles hands, than they to hers. But to make a final end between them, order and composition was taken, that Hawys should enjoy her inheritance, in fee simple to her and to her heirs for ever, after the tenure of England. And that her uncles Lhewelyn, john, David, and Gruffyth, should hold their portions to them and to their heirs male for ever. And in default of such issue male, the same to descend and remain to the said Hawys, and to her heirs for ever.  

Mowthwy.  William Lord of Mowthwy, otherwise called Wilcocke Mowthwy, being the fourth son, (because he did not trouble his said niece Hawy about her inheritance,) had his lands confirmed and assured in fee simple to him and to his heirs general male or female forever. He married Alianor the sister of Elen, Owen Glyndowres mother, the daughter of Thomas son of Lhewelyn son of Owen son of Meredyth son of Owen son of Gruffyth son of Rees son of Gruffyth son of Rees ap Theodor prince of Southwales, by whom he had issue john de Mowthwy.  
john the son of William Lord of Mowthwy had issue Elizabeth his daughter and sole heir, which was married to Sir Hugh Burgh knight.  
Sir Hugh Burgh knight in the right of his wife lord of Mowthwy, had issue Sir john Burgh.  
Sir john Burgh lord of Mowthwy, married jane the daughter of Sir William Clopton knight lord of the manors of Clopton and Radbrooke in the county of Gloucester, and by her had issue four daughters, Elizabeth, Ancreda, Isabella and Alianor. Elizabeth married to Thomas Newport father of john, father of Thomas father of sir Richard Newport knight late deceased father of Francis and Andrew now living. Ancreda married to john Leighton of Stretton father of Sir Thomas Leighton of Watelsborough knight, father of john Leighton, father of Edward Leighton Esquire, elder son: and of Sir Thomas Leighton knight second son now living. Isabella married to john Lingen, father of Sir john Lingen knight. And Alianor married to Thomas Mytton, father of William Mytton, father of Richard Mytton, who by partition had amongst the said coheirs enjoyed the said Signiory and Lordship of Mowthwy.  
The said john Charleton first of that surname had issue by the said Hawys john, and died An. 1353.  
john Charleton the second lord Powys held that Signiory seven years, and then died, An. 1360. leaving behind him a son and heir called also john.  
john Charleton the third lord Powys succeeded his father, and enjoyed that lordship fourteen years, and then died, An. 1374. leaving behind him two sons, john and Edward.  
john Charleton the fourth lord Powys possessed his father's inheritance after him 27. years, and then died without issue, An. 1401.  
Edward Charleton brother and heir to the said john, succeeded him in the lordship of Powys, and held the same 19 years, he married Alianor daughter and one of the heirs of of Thomas Earl of Kent, being the widow of Roger Mortimer Earl of March, and mother to Anne countess of Cambridge, the mother of Richard duke of York, and had issue by her two daughters his heirs, jane elder daughter married to Sir john Gray knight, and joice second daughter married to john lord Tiptoft, by whom she had issue john lord Tiptoft, created by king Henry the sixt Earl of Worcester, who died without issue: and four daughters, Philip, joice, joane, and Margaret: the first Philip, married to Thomas lord Ros. The second joice, married to Edmond Dudley son and heir to john baron Dudley. The third joane, married to Sir Edward Inglethorp knight, who had issue Isabella married to john Nevil Marquis Montague.  
After the death of the said Alianor, this Edward lord Powys married Elizabeth the daughter of Sir john Barkley knight, and died An. 1420. After whose death the lordship of Powys was divided into three parts: first the said Elizabeth had for her dowry Lhannerch hudol, Strat marchelh, Deuthwr and Teirtref, and married to her second husband the Baron of Dudley. The said jane the elder daughter had for her part Caereneon, Mecham, Mochnant and Plâsdinas. The third, joice the younger daughter had Cyvelioc and Arustly.  
Henry Gray the son of Sir john Gray knight, and jane daughter and one of the heirs of Edward Chareleton lord Powys, was in the right of the said jane his mother lord Powys, he was also by king Henry the fift created Earl of Tanqueruile, and married Antigone base daughter to Humphrey duke of Gloucester, fourth son to king Henry the fourth, and had issue Richard, Humphrey, and Elizabeth the wife of Sir Roger Kinaston.  
Richard Grey lord Powys married Margaret the daughter of james lord Audley, and by her had issue john and Elizabeth, the wife of john Ludlow son of sir Richard Ludlow knight, which john and Elizabeth had issue two daughters, Anne and Alice. Anne the elder married Thomas Vernon, second son of Sir Henry Vernon of Haddon in the Peke, of whom Henry Vernon of Stokesay now living is descended. Alice the second daughter married Humphrey Vernon third son of the said sir Henry, and brother to the said Thomas, of whom john Vernon of Hodnet now living is descended.  
john Gray lord Powys had issue john.  
john Gray lord Powys had issue Edward.  
Edward Gray lord Powys married Anne the daughter of Charles Brandon duke of Suffolk, and died without lawful issue.  
The same year Cadwalhon ap Madoc ap Ednerth was taken by his brother Eneon Clyd, and delivered to Owen prince of North-wales, who sent him to the king's officers to be imprisoned at Winchester, from whence he escaped shortly after, and came to his country. Henry king of England remained in Normandy all this year, 
Matt. Paris. pag. 130.  whose son named also Henry married Margaret the daughter of Lewis king of France. The year next following died Meyric bishop of Bangor. Then king Henry and the French King fallen at variance; 
Matt. West. pag. 46.  whereupon shortly after, King Henry went to Gascoigne to chastise certain rebels there. But in the year 1162. 
1162  there was a peace concluded between the kings of England and France. 
Matt. Paris. pag. 131.  At that time Howel the son of Jevaf ap Cadogan ap Athlestan Glodrydh, got the castle of Walwern in Cyvelioc, and razed it: which thing when it was told Owen Prince of North-wales, it displeased him wonderfully, at the which he was so grieved, that nothing could make him merry, until such time as he had gathered his power, & came to Lhanthinam in Arustly, and thence fet great spoils. Then the people of the country came all to their Lord Howel ap Jevaf, who followed the spoil to Severn side, where the Prince's camp was: whereof the Prince seeing such an occasion of revenge offered him, was right glad, and set upon his enemies, and slay the most part of them, and the rest with their Lord escaped to the woods and rocks. Then the Prince being joyful of this revenge, built up his castle again, and fortified it strongly. The year following, Owen the son of Gruffyth ap Meredyth, named Owen Cyvelioc, 
Castelh Caerec Hòua.  and Owen ap Madoc ap Meredyth got the castle of Carrechova by Oswestrie, and wasted it.  
About the same time, 
1163  there was a combat fought between Robert Mountfort, 
Matth. West. page. 46.  and Henry de Essex, to try which of them had begun the flight in the voyage against the Welshmen in the marches. Either of them accused the other, but in the trial Henry was overcome, and afterward disinherited, & shaven a monk at Redding. Then the king gathered a great power against Southwales, and came himself as far as Pencadayr beside Brechnock, where Rees came to him and did him homage, 
Matt. West. page. 47. Matt. Paris. page. 134.  and gave him pledges, and then the king went to Ireland again. About this time Eneon the son of Anarawd ap Gruffyth nephew to prince Rees was murdered in his bed by a man of his own named Lhywarch. Also Cadogan ap Meredyth was slain after the like manner by one Walter ap Riccart. Then the lord Rees (as he is called in Welsh, or king Rees as the Latin authors name him) took the Cantref Mawr (which is a great country) and the land of Dynevowr, and enjoyed it. And this year died Cadivor ap Daniel Archdeacon of Caerdigan; and Henry ap Arthen, which was the worthiest clerk that had been many years in Wales. The year ensuing, the lord Rees seeing he was not able to maintain his estate with such lands as the king had appointed him, entered the lands of Roger de Clare Earl of Gloucester, (for by the Earl's means was his nephew murdered) and wan the castles of Aberheidol and of the sons of Wynyaon & razed them. And so in short time he brought all Caerdigan to his subjection, from thence he made many roads against the Flemings, and got great spoils in their country. Then all Wales agreed to forsake the rule of the normans (whose treason and cruelty they could not abide) and to serve princes of their own nation. This year Hamelyn base brother to king Henry married the Countess of Warren, which was wife to William Earl of Egle, base son to king Stephen, and daughter and heir to William Earl Warren. Also this year died Walter Gifford Earl of Buckingham without heir, & therefore the Earldom fallen to the king's hands.  
In the year 1165. 
1165  David the son of Owen prince of North-wales did destroy all Flynt shire, which was the kings, and carried all the people and cattle with him to the Dyffryn cloyed now called Ruthyn land. Which thing when the king understood, he levied an army in haste, and came to secure his castles and people as far as Ruthlan, and after he had lain there three days, and could do no good, he returned to England, where he gathered another army of choose men, through all his dominions, as England, Normandy, Anjou, Gascoine, & Gwyen; sending for succours from Flanders and Britain, & then returned towards North-wales, minding utterly to destroy all that had life in the land, and coming to Crows Oswalt called Oswaldstree, encamped there. On the contrary side, prince Owen and his brother Cadwallader with all the power of North-wales, and the lord Rees with the power of Southwales: & Owen Cynelioc, and the sons of Madoc ap Meredyth with the power of Powys: and the two sons of Madoc ap Ednerth, with the people betwixt Wye and Severn, gathered themselves together, and came to Corwen in Edeyrneon, purposing to defend their country. But the king understanding that they were so nigh, being wonderful desirous of battle, came to the river Ceireoc, and caused the woods to be hewn down. Whereupon a number of the Welshmen understanding the passage, unknowing to their captains met with the king's ward, where were placed the piked men of all the army, and there began a hot skirmish, where diverse worthy men were slain on either side, but in the end the king wan the passage, and came to the mountain of Berwyn, where he lay in camp certain days, and so both the armies stood in awe each of other: for the king kept the open plains, and was afraid to be entrapped in straits; but the Welshmen watched for the advantage of the place, & kept the king so straitly, that neither forage nor victual might come to his camp, neither dared any soldier stir abroad. And to augment these miseries, there fallen such rain, that the king's men could scant stand upon their feet upon those slippery hills. In the end the king was compelled to return home without his purpose, & that with great loss of men and munition, besides his charges. 
Roger Hoveden.  Therefore in a great choler he caused the pledges eyes (whom he had received long before that) to be put out: which were Rees and Cadwalhon the sons of Owen, and Cynwric and Meredyth the sons of Rees and other.  

Ger. Dor. Rad. Cogeshall. Hol. pag. 408.  I found also written by divers, that in the assieging of a bridge the king was in no small danger of his life: for one of the Weshmen, shooting directly at him, had pierced him through the body, if Hubert de S. Clere constable of Colchester (perceiving the arrow coming) had not thrust himself betwixt the King and the same arrow, whereby he saved his master and died himself for him presently. Although Polydore (writing the history out of the same authors) do conceal the same.  
Then after long consultation, the king came the third time towards North-wales, intending to have his army conveyed by sea, & to land in some convenient place of the country, and so he came to Chester, and there lay a certain time, till all his navy was gathered together, aswell hired ships of Ireland as his own, and upon the sudden he broke up his camp, and gave both ships and men leave to departed. The same year Rees prince of Southwales laid siege to the castle of Aberteivi, and won it, and made it flat with the ground, and likewise wan Cilgerran & razed it. At which time he took prisoner Robert the son of Stephen (his cousin german, son to Nest his aunt, who after the death of Gerald had married Stephen constable) and so returned home with great honour and rich spoil. About the same time died Lhewelyn son to prince Owen a worthy gentleman and of great towardness. In the year ensuing the Flemings and normans came to Westwales with a great power, against the castle of Cilgerran (which Rees had fortified) and laid siege to it, assaulting it diverse times: but it was so manfully defended, that they returned home as they came, and shortly after they came before it again, where they lost many of their best men, and then departed again. The same year Owen prince of North-wales laid siege to the castle of Basygwerke, which the king had fortified, and in short time won the same and razed it. 
Girald, Cam.  About the same time Dermot the son of Murchart was chased out of his dominion in Ireland, and went to Normandy to king Henry for succour. Also jorwerth Goch was spoilt of his lands in Powys, by Owen Cyvelioc the son of Gruffyth ap Meredyth lord of Powys, & by Owen Vachan second son to Madoc ap Meredyth: which lands they divided betwixt them, so that Owen Cyvelioc had Mochnant above Rayader, and Owen Vachan Mochnant beneath Rayader. This year there was an earthquake in Norfolk and Suffolk. At this time king Henry married Geffrey his son to Constance the only daughter & heir of Conan Earl of Richmond and duke of Britain.  

1167  In the year 1167. Owen prince of Nothwales, Cadwallader his brother, and Rees prince of Southwales brought an army to Powys against Owen Cyvelioc, and won all his lands, & chased him out of the country, and gave Caereneon to Owen Vachan the son of Madoc ap Meredyth, to hold of prince Owen; and the lord Rees had Walwern, because it stood within his country. But within a while after, Owen Cyvelioc returned with a number of normans and Englishmen to recover his country again, and laid siege to the castle of Caereneon, and winning the same, burned it to the ground. Also the same year, the aforesaid princes Owen, Rees and Cadwallader, laid siege to the castle of Ruthlan, which the king had lately built and fortified, which the garrison defended manfully and worthily; yet the princes would not departed until they had wone it, which they did at two months end, and then razed it. Afterwards they got the castle of Prestaryn and destroyed it, and then brought all Tegengl to Owen's subjection, and returned home with much honour. In the year following Conan the son of prince Owen slay Vrgeney Abbot of Lhwythlawr, and Lhawthen his nephew. At this time Henry duke of Saxony married Maud king Henry's daughter. Then also the nobles of Poitiew rebelled against king Henry, upon hope of the French kings aid, and slay William Fitzpatrike Earl of Salisbury: then the king created William his son Earl in his steed. Also the Britons of Armorica rebelled against king Henry; wherefore he destroyed a great part of the country. The next year Henry the king's elder son did homage to the French king for the Earldom of Anjou, and the stewardship of France, which belonged thereto: and Geffrey did his brother homage for the dukedom of Britain. Then the king made a great ditch or trench betwixt France and Normandy, to defend the country from sudden incursions and thieves. And this year Robert the son of Stephen constable was released out of his coosins the lord Rees his prison, 
Giral. Camb. Expug. Hib.  and was sent to Ireland with a great power to succour Dermot son to Murchart, who landed at Lochgarmon and won it, and so went forward.  

Girald. Cam. Vat Hist. Hol. in his history of Ireland.  This Robert Fitzstephen, Moris Fitzgerald his brother, and their nephews Robert Meyler, and Raymond, with an army of Welshmen under the conduct of Richard Strangbow Earl of Strigule, were the chief captains and doers in the conquest of Ireland, when it was first reduced under the subjection of the crown of England: of whom the Fitzgeralds, Fitzstephens and Fitzmoris are descended, of whom Giraldus writeth at large in his history of Ireland.  
In the year 1169. Meyric ap Adam of Buelht was murdered in his bed, 
1169  by Meredyth Bengoch his cousin german. 
It is like that the bones were laid a good way a sunder in the measuring.  Also this year there were found the bones of a giant cast up by the sea, of such length, that his body seemed to contain fifty foot in height. At this time the king caused his son Henry to be crowned king of England by the Archbishop of York. Also this year Owen Gwyneth the son of Gruffyth ap Conan prince of North-wales passed out of this world, after he had governed his country well and worthily 32. years. This prince was fortunate and victorious in all his affairs, he never took any enterprise in hand but he achieved it. He left behind him many children got by diverse women, which were not esteemed by their mothers and birth, but by their prows and valiantness. First he had by Gladus the daughter of Lhywarch ap Trahaern ap Caradoc, jorweth drwyndwn (that is, Edward with the broken nose,) Conan, Maelgon and Gwenlhian: by Christian the daughter of Grono ap Owen ap Edwin, he had David, Roderike, Cadwalhon Abbot of Bardsey, and Angharat wife to Gruffyth Maylor: he had besides these Conan, Lhewelyn, Meredyth, Edwal, Run, Howel, Cadelh, Madoc, Eneon, Cynwric, Philip and Riryd lord of Clochran in Ireland, by diverse women, of whom Run, Lhewelyn, and Cynwric died before their father: of the rest you shall hear hereafter.   


David ap Owen.  David the son of Owen Gwyneth.  
This Madoc arriving in that Western country, unto the which he came, in the year 1170. left most of his people there: and returning back for more of his own nation, acquaintance and friends, to inhabit that fair and large country, went thither again with ten sails, as I found noted by Gutyn Owen. 
Gutyn Owen.  I am of opinion that the land, whereunto he came, was some part of Mexico: the causes which make me to think so be these.  
1 The common report of the inhabitants of that country, which affirm, that their rulers descended from a strange nation, that came thither from a far country: which thing is confessed by Mutezuma king of that country, in his oration made for quieting of his people, at his submission to the king of Castille, Hernando Curteis being then present, which is laid down in the Spanish Chronicles of the conquest of the West Indies.  
2 The British words and names of places, used in that country even to this day, do argue the same: as when they talk together, 
Da. Ingram.  they use this word Gwrando, which is, Harken or listen. Also they have a certain bird with a white head, 
Sir Hu. Gilb. discovery.  which they call Pengwin, that is, white head. But the Island of Corroeso, the cape of Bryton, the river of Gwyndor, and the white rock of Pengwyn, which be all British or Welsh words, do manifestly show that it was that country which Madoc and his people inhabited.  
The same time Elinor the king's daughter was married to Alfonsus' king of Castil. Also Richard Strangbowe Earl of Strigul went to Ireland without the kings leave, and married the daughter of Dermot king of Dublyn: wherefore the king seized all his lands in England to his own hands, and Dermot died shortly after, and was buried at Ferna. About the end of this year, Thomas Becket Archbishop of Canturburie was slain. The year ensuing, Rees prince of Southwales came with great power to Powys, and subdued Owen Cyvelioc the Lord thereof, and took pledges of him, and so returned home with much honour. Then the king called his nobles to consult about the enterprise of Ireland, which had been before determined to be taken in hand. 
Girald. Cam. in Hist. Hibera.  To this consultation came messengers from Richard Strangbowe Earl of Strigule Martial of England: to deliver to the king's hands the city of Dublyne and the town of Waterford, with such other towns as he had by the right of his wife: whereupon the king restored to him again his lands in England and Normandy, and made him steward of Ireland, and so it was concluded for the kings going to Ireland. When the king was in his journey towards Ireland, the Lord Rees came to the king, who received him to his peace, & confirmed unto him all that he had. Then Rees promised the king towards his conquest of Ireland 300. horses and 400. Oxen, and gave him 14. pledges. Then the king came to Southwales, & entering Caerlhêon upon uske took the town from the Lord thereof jorwerth ap Owen ap Caradoc, keeping the same to his own use. Wherefore jorwerth departed from the king, and calling to him his two sons Owen and Howel, whom he had begotten by Angharat the daughter of uchtryd bishop of Landaff, and his sister son Morgan ap Sitsylt ap Dyfnwal, gathered a number of men, and upon the king's departure entered the country, spoiling and burning as they went, and took the town of Caerlhêon, and destroyed it, save the castle which they could not get. But the king kept on his iornie to Pembroke, and there he gave Rees all Caerdigan, Stratywy, Arustly & Eluel. Then Rees being at Aberteivi, which he had won from the Earl of Gloucester and fortified of late, came from thence to Pembroke in the calends of October, and spoke with the king, and returned again the day after, and then chose out of the horses, which he caused to be brought thither for the king 86. and made them to be brought to Pembroke, and presented them to the king, who chose out of the same 36. of the best, and sent the rest back again with great thanks. The same day the king went to Saint David, and offering there, dined with the bishop David, the son of Gerald, cousin germane to Rees; whither Richard Strangbowe Earl of Strigule came from Ireland to speak with the king, and after dinner the king returned to Pembroke. Within a while after, the king being at the white house, rendered to Rees Howel his son, who had been long for pledge with him: and then also he gave him day for the other pledges, and for his tribute till his return from Ireland. 
Girald. Cam. Vat. History. Matt. Paris. pag. 168.  The next day, being the morrow after the feast of S. Luke the Evangelist, the king took shipping there, and had fair passage to Ireland, and so landed at Dublyne, where he lay quietly that winter. The Christmas following, Henry the young king kept a solemn feast, where William S. john procurator of Normandy, and William Fitzhamon Seneschal of Britain, and 110. besides, were made knights. In the year 1172. there fallen a great plague among the king's soldiers in Ireland, 
1172  by reason of the change of the air and victuals, and therefore the king returned and landed in Wales in the passion week, and remained in Pembroke on Easter day, and the day following, and on tuesday took his journey towards England. Then the lord Rees met with him at Talacharn, to do his duty. The king as he passed from Cardyf by the new castle upon uske, sent for jorwerth ap Owen ap Caradoc to come & speak with him, under safe conduct to him his sons and friends, meaning to conclude peace with him, and so to quiet all Wales. Whereupon jorwerth took his journey towards the king, and sent word to Owen his son being a lusty young gentleman, to meet with him by the way; but as he came at his father's commandment, the Earl of Brystowes men (hearing of it) came forth of the new castle upon uske, and laid wait for him by the way (being under the king's safe conduct, & trusting to his promise) and suddenly set upon him, and murdered him traitorously and cowardly, being unarmed and having but a few in his company. Which thing when his father herded by some of his men that had escaped, he was very sorry, and returned home with all his friends, and his son Howel, and would never afterwards trust neither the king's promise nor any englishman's: but forthwith gathered all the power & friends that he could make, and without mercy destroyed all the country with fire and sword to the gates of Hereford and Gloucester, to avenge the death of his son. Then the king made the lord Rees chief justice of all Southwales by commission, and took his journey to Normandy. In the same year died Cadwallader ap Gruffyth ap Conan prince of North-wales; who had by his wife Alice the daughter of Richard Clare Earl of Gloucester, Cunetha, Radulph, and Richard, and by other women he had Caduan, Cadwallader, Eneon, Meredyth goch and Cadwalhon. Towards the end of this year Sitsylt ap Dyfnwal and jevan ap Sitsylt ap Riryd got the castle of Abergevenny upon the sudden, and took the king's garrison prisoners: and the year ensuing was the fairest winter that ever was seen. At this time there fallen a variance betwixt the two kings of England, 
Matt. Paris. pag. 169.  the father and the son, and there cleaved to the son the Queen his mother, and both his brethren Geffrey and Richard, and the Earl of Chester, and William Patrick, with the three sons of the Earl of Mellent. Camerarius de Tancquervilla, Valeran de Hibera, Gilbert de Regularijs, Simon de Montfort, 
This Ralph was uncle to the Queen.  Radulph de la Hay, Hugh de S. Maura, and the French king, with the Earl of Flanders gave the young king aid, who took Hugh Lacie, and Hugh Beauchamp in the castle of Vernoyle, 
Matt. Paris. pag. 169.  yet the elder king was not discouraged, who had Almains and Brabanters to his soldiers. 
Hol. pag. 437  Also Rees prince of Southwales sent to him Howel his son with a goodly company of men to serve him, and the king was very glad & sent the lord Rees great thanks. King Henry overthrew his enemies diverse times, and took Radulph de Fulgerijs and the Earl of Chester prisoners, but William Patrick and Haftulph de Hilario escaped. Also the Earl of Leycester & Hugh de novo Castello (as they began a stir in England) were taken at Bury by the elder kings soldiers▪ and committed to prison. In this mean time jorwerth ap Owen brought his power against Caerlhêon, and they of the town fought with him, whom he overthrew, and took many prisoners of them, and won the town, and laid siege to the castle, which was yielded him forthwith in exchange for his prisoners. Then also his son Howel brought all Gwentîs' Coet (the castle only excepted) to his subjection, and took pledges of the inhabitants of the country. Also at this time David ap Owen Gwyneth prince of North-wales made war against his brother Maelgon, which kept the isle of Môn or Anglesey, & brought his people over Mênai, (for so that arm of the sea is called which separateth that I'll from the main land) and chase his brother out of the isle to Ireland, brought all the isle to his subjection. Also he expelled all his brethren and coosens out of North-wales, and took all their lands to himself, and taking his brother Maelgon as he came from Ireland, kept him in close prison: then Conan his brother died.  

1175  In the year 1175. Howel the son of jorwerth ap Owen of Caerlhêon took his uncle Owen Pencarn prisoner, & putting out his eyes gelded him, lest he should beget children which should inherit Caerlhêon and Gwent. But God provided a punishment for him, for upon the saturday following there came a great army of normans and Englishmen before the town, and won it, with the castle; manger Howel and his father, who was not privy to his sons lewd deed. 
Matt. Paris. pag. 174.  Also this year the elder king came to England: then William king of Scots, and Roger de Mobbray were taken prisoners at Alnewike by the Barons of the North, 
Fabian, par. 7. cap. 238.  as they came to destroy England in the quarrel of the young king: therefore the elder king put them in safe keeping with the Earl of Leycester, receiving Hugh Bygod earl of Norfolk to his peace, and so returned to Normandy with a great army of Welshmen, 
H●l. pag. 437.  which were sent him from David prince of North-wales, to whom the king gave his sister Emme in marriage: then the king sent the Welshmen over the river of Sene, to cut away the victual which came to his enemies camp: wherefore the French king came to a parley, and shortly they concluded a peace, so that all the brethren desired the father forgiveness. Also at this time David prince of North-wales (being bold of the king's affinity) did imprison his own brother Roderike in bolts, because he desired part of his father's lands. In the year following, both the kings came to England, and the Scottish king was set at liberty, who become liegeman unto king Henry, and swore fealty to him with all the lords of Scotland spiritual and temporal, and delivered the king the towns of Rocksburgh and Berwicke, and the castle of Maidens. 
Hol. pag. 440.  Shortly after died Reginald Earl of Cornwall base son to king Henry the first, 
The Herold's books say that he died without issue.  and the king seized his lands in England, Wales and Normandy to himself, for john his youngest son, save a small portion which he left to his daughter. Also about the same time died Ralph Earl of Kyme, and Philip his son was created in his steed. Shortly after there died also William Earl of Arundel at Waverley, and was buried at Wyndham, whereof he was patron. This year also Rees prince of Southwales came to the king's court at Gloucester, and brought with him such lords of Southwales as had offended the king, to do him homage, which pleased the king wonderfully, whose names were these; Cadwalhon ap Madoc of Melyenyth, Reeses cousin german, Eneon Clyt of Eluel, Eneon ap Rees of Werthrynion, which two had married two of his daughters, 
G●rul. Camb.  Morgan ap Caradoc ap jestyn of Glamorgan, Gruffyth ap Ivor ap Meyric of Senghennyth, Sitsylt ap Dyfnwal of higher Gwent, which three had married his sisters: and jorwerth ap Owen of Caerlhêon, whom the king received all to his peace, and restored to jorwerth ap Owen Caerlhéon again: and so they returned home with great joy. 
1176  But shortly after William de Bruse lord of Brechnock desired Sitsylt ap Dyfnwal, 
Hol. pag. 439.  Geffrey his son, and a great number of the worshipfullest men of Gwent land to a feast at the castle of Abergeuenny (which he had received of them by composition) and they mistrusting no harm came thither; but he like a traitor and murderer had a great number of armed men within the castle, which fallen upon this lord and the rest, and without mercy slay them all, and forthwith went to Sitsylts house (being not far thence) and took his wife, and slay Cadwallader his son before his mother's face, and destroyed the house, and this was a lamentable day to all the land of Gwent, and a lesson for all men to take heed of their enemies.  

Matt. Paris. pag. 176.  This William lord Bruse having the Welshmen within his castle of Abergeuenny, to seek a quarrel propounded unto them certain articles, to be by them kept and performed: and among other things, that none of them should at any time carry about them in their journeys, either bow or sword: for the observing of the which he would have had them to be sworn, which they refused to do: whereupon he falling out with them, called his men which were ready for that purpose and caused them all thus to be murdered: and when that deed was done (to cloak his treason with some reasonable excuse) he caused it to be reported abroad, that this he did in revenge of the death of his uncle Henry de Hereford, whom they on Easter even before had slain.  
In North-wales Roderike broke his brother's prison, and escaping came to Anglesey, where all the country received him for their lord, because they abhorred the ingratitude of the prince, who unnaturally disinherited all his brethren & coosens, upon boldness of his brother in law the king. This Roderike also was received as lord and prince in all the country above the river of Conwey. Then prince David fled over Conwey, and there remained for a time. This year died Cadelh the son of Gruffyth ap Rees and brother to the lord Rees, after long sickness, and was buried honourably at Stratflur. The next year died David Fitzgerald bishop of Menevia, and Piers was installed bishop in his place. This year the lord Rees prince of Southwales made a great feast at Christmas in the castle of Aberteivi, 
A feast.  which feast he caused to be proclaimed through all Britain long before, and thither came many strangers, which were honourably received and worthily entertained, so that no man departed discontented. And among deeds of arms and other shows, Rees caused all the poetes of Wales, (which are makers of songs & recorders of gentlemen's petegrees & arms, of whom every one is entitled by the name of Bardh, in Latin Bardus) to come thither, & provided chairs for them to be set in his hall, where they should dispute together, to try their cunning and gift in their faculties, where great rewards & rich gifts were appointed for the overcomers; amongst whom they of North-wales won the price, and among the Musicians Reeses own household men were counted best. Shortly after, Eneon Clyt and Morgan ap Meredyth were both slain by treason of the normans which inhabited the marshes.  
At this time the lord Rees did build the castle of Rayder Gwy, 
Casts Rayder Gwy.  that is to say, The fall of Wye: for the river Wye falls there over a great and a high rock. At that time the sons of Conan ap Owen Gwyneth made war against him. 
1179  Then also Cadwalhon, 
Matt. Paris. page. 186. Hol. pag. 453.  brother unto Owen Gwyneth, and uncle to David and Roderike, who had fled to the king for succour, as he was conveyed home by the king's men, to enjoy his patrimony, was cruelly murdered by the way, and found those whom he hoped to be his help and friends, to be in deed traitors and butchers. And about this time, jone the daughter of king Henry the elder was married to William king of Sicily. 
Matt. Paris, page. 222. Matt. West. page. 66. Io. Cast. Ran. Cest. lib. 7. cap. 27.  This year the bones of noble king Arthur and Gwenhovar his wife were found in the isle of Aualon, (that is to say, the isle of Apples) without the Abbey of Glastenburie, fifteen foot within the earth, in a hollow elder tree, and over the bones was a stone and a cross of lead, 
All the writers here alleged, do affirm this to have been about ten years after this time.  with a writing turned towards the stone, wherein were engraven these words. Híc jacet sepultus inclytus rex Artburus in insula Aualonia. The bones were of marvelous bigness, and in the skull were ten wounds, of which one was great, and seemed to be his death's wound: the Queen's hair was to the sight fair and yellow, but assoon as it was touched it fallen to ashes. This grave was found by means of a Bardh or Poet, whom the king herded at Pembroke declare in a song the worthy acts of that noble prince, and the place of his burial. 
H. Lhoyd.  Therefore let William parvus and Polydore Virgil, with their complices, stop their lying mouths, and desist to obscure and darken the glistering fame & noble renown of so invincible and victorious a prince, with the envious detraction and malicious slander of their reproachful and venomous tongues, thinking that they may cover with the cloud of oblivion, and bury in the pit of darkness those noble acts and princely deeds by their wilful ignorance and dogged envy, whereof the trumpet of fame hath sounded, not only in Britain, but also through out all Europe. But remitting the discovering and blazing of their cankered minds towards the honour and fame of the Britons, to such as can better paint them in their colours, I will return to my matter. King Henry the elder forsook his wife for certain considerations, and kept her in prison many years. 
Girald. Cam. Hol. pag. 456  And about this time, Ranulph de Poer with a great number of Gentlemen, was slain by certain young men of Gwent land, in revenge of their lords death.  

Girald. Cam.  This Ranulph de Poer, was Sheriff of Glocestershire, or (as Giraldus noteth) of Herefordshire, whose death the same author seemeth to impute unto himself for his cruel and unreasonable dealing against the Welshmen. 
Hol. pa. 460.  But the king took the same very grievously, who being sore incensed against them, assembled a mighty army, and came with the same unto Worcester, meaning to invade the enemies countries. But the Lord Rees ap Gruffyth, fearing the king's puissance thus bend against him and his countrymen, came by safe conduct unto Worcester, where submitting himself, he swore fealty to the king, and become his liegeman, promising to bring his son and nephews unto him for pledges. But when according to his promise he would have brought them, they (remembering how the other pledges before were used) refused to go with him, and so the matter rested for that time.  

1183  And the year 1183. Henry duke of Saxony being banished his country, came to king Henry his father in law to Normandy. 
Matt. Paris. pag. 189.  Also this year Henry the young king died, and was buried at Roan. 
1184  The year ensuing, the duke of Saxony came into England, and his wife was brought to bed of a son which was named William. About this time William de Mandevile Earl of Essex went to Flanders with an army to secure the Earl, against the Earl of Henald or Henagow. Shortly after, 
Matt. Paris. page. 192. Matt. West. page. 58. Hol. pag. 462.  john the king's youngest son was dubbed knight, and took his journey to Ireland. At which time Hugh de Lacie lord of Meth was slain by a sick-man. Then john returned home from Ireland at Christmas next following. Also Howel ap Jevaf lord of Arustly died, & was buried at Stratflur. And the year 1186. 
1186  died Geffrey duke of Britain, the kings third son, 
Matt. Paris. pag. 192.  leaving behind him a daughter and his wife great with child of a son, which afterward was named Arthur.  

Matt. Paris. page, 192.  At this time Maud the Empress died, which was daughter to king Henry the first, wife to Henry the fourth Emperor of Almain; than to Geffrey Plantagenet Earl of Anjou, and mother to the most noble king Henry the second: upon whose tomb this Epitaph was written.  
Ortu magna, viro maior, sed maxima partu,  
Hîc jacet Henricifilia, sponsa, parens.  
Also this time Cadwallader son to the Lord Rees was slain privily in Westwales, and buried in the Tuy Gwynn. The next year Owen Vachan the son of Madoc ap Meredyth was slain in the castle of Carrecgona hard by Oswaldstree in the night time, by Gwenwynwyn and Cadwalhon the sons of Owen Cyvelioc: and shortly after Lhewelyn son to Cadwalhon ap Gruffyth ap Conan, who was murdered by the Englishmen, was taken by his own brethren, and had his eyes put out.  

1187  About the year 1187. Baldwine Archbishop of Canturburie, having in his company Giraldus Cambrensis Archdeacon of Brechnock, 
Ran. Cest. lib. 7. cap. 24.  visited Wales, being the first Archbishop of Canturburie that ever visited that country: whom the Clergy of Wales began to resist, 
Giral. Camb. in Itin. Cam.  alleging the liberties and privileges of their Metropolitical Church of S. David's, but they prevailed not. In this visitation (which is described in writing by the said Giraldus in his book which he calleth 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or Itinerarium Cambriae) he procured and exhorted as many as ever he could to take the cross and to vow the voyage against the Saracens: whereunto he persuaded many of the nobles of Wales, as appeareth by the said Giraldus.  
Also this year Maelgon son to the lord Rees brought his power against Tenbye, 
1188  and by plain force won the town, and spoiling the same burned it to ashes. This lord was fair and comely of person, honest and just of conditions; beloved of his friends, and feared of his foes, against whom (especially the Flemings) he achieved diverse victories. In the year 1189. 
1189  Henry the second surnamed Curtmantel king of all Britain, duke of Gascoine Gwyens and Normandy, passed out of this transitory life, and was buried at Fonteverard, & after him Richard his son was crowned in his place, who received homage of William king of Scots, 
Matt. Paris. pag. 208. Matt. West. page. 63.  and delivered him again the castle of Maidens or Edinburgh, Roksburgh and Berwicke, which king Henry had long kept. Also this year, the lord Rees gathered all his strength, and won the castles of Seynclere, Abercorran, and Lhanstephan, and brought all the whole country to his subjection, taking Maelgon his son, in whom remained all the hope of Southwales, whom he kept in prison. In the year following, Rees did build the castle of Cydwely, and Gwenlhian his daughter died, the fairest and goodliest woman in all Wales. 
Matt. Paris. page, 208.  About this time king Richard made the bishop of Durham Earl of Northumberland for a 1000 pound, and afterward he said in jest that he had made a young Earl of an old bishop. Shortly after king Richard took his journey to the holy land to make against the enemies of Christ's faith. 
Matt. Paris. page. 210. Matt. West. pag. 65.  Then the bishop of Elie the king's chancellor and Vicegerent made a great ditch about the town of London. At this time Gruffyth Maylor lord of Bromfield a noble man and a wise, and one that in liberality passed all the lords and noble men of his time, died and was buried at Myvot; he had by his wife Angharat the daughter of Owen Gwyneth prince of North-wales, a son called Madoc, who succeeded his father in that part of Powys called Powys Vadoc. About the same time diverse noble men of England died at Acon, 
Matt. Paris. pag. 217.  as Henry Earl of Leycester, the Earl Ferrer, Ranulph de Fulgerijs, Ranulph de Alta ripa. In those days William Martial, Geffrey Fitzpeter, Hugh Bardulf and William Briwer, were the nobles that bore most rule in England in the king's absence. Then also Rees prince of Southwales won the castle of Dynevowr, and Owen his son died at Strata florida or Stratflur. About this time king Richard won the kingdom of Cypress, and gave it to Gwido king of jerusalem, upon condition that he should release to Richard his claim of jerusalem, which he did. Then the king being at Cyprus married Berengaria the daughter of the king of Navarra. Shortly after Maelgon the son of the lord Rees escaped out of prison, where his father had kept him a long time. But the lord Rees got the castle of Lhanhayaden and the country about. At that time Gruffyth ap Cadogan died.  
Then king Richard, after he had achieved (with his nobles, the Earl of Leycester, Bartholomew Mortimer, 
Matt. Paris. pag. 231. Matt. West. page. 66.  Randulph de Malo leone, N. de Furnevale, Roger de Lacie, William de Stagno, Hugh de Nevella, William de Porcell, and Henry Duchess his standardbearer) many worthy deeds of arms against the infidels, in his return homeward through Ostrich was taken prisoner by Lupold the duke thereof, 
Or sold him rather.  who presented him to Henry the Emperor, & he kept him until he had paid him 200000. marks for his ransom, laying to his charge that he had spoilt the isle of Sicily in his voyage towards the holy land. The same year Roderike the son of Owen Gwyneth by the help of Gothrike king of Man, entered the isle of Môn, and brought it to his subjection: but before the end of the year the sons of his brother Conan chased him out of the isle, and got it themselves. At this time Maelgon the son of Rees prince of Southwales laid siege to the castle of Stratmeyric, and wan it. Also Howel (surnamed Sesse, that is to say, Saxon or English, because he had served in England) son to the said prince Rees got the castle of Gwys upon the sudden, & took Philip de Gwys, his wife, & his two sons prisoners therein. Then because he had more castles than he could well defend, he determined to raze the castle of Lhanhayaden: but the Flemings having understanding thereof, gathered all their strength, and came thither the day appointed to raze the castle, and set fierslie upon the men of Howel and Maelgon, and slew many of them, putting the rest to flight. Nevertheless, they gathered a great power shortly after, and came thither again, and razed the castle to the ground, without any let or stay. Upon this, Anarawd the son also of prince Rees (moved with filthy ambition and covetousness of lands) took his two brethren Howel and Madoc prisoners (under the colour of friendship) and put out both their eyes.  

1194  In the year 1194. king Richard came into England, and being at dinner in his little hall of Westminster, 
Matt. Paris. page. 236. Matt. West. page. 69.  hearing that the French king besieged Vernoyle, he swore that he would never turn his face till he had fought with him, if he did abide, & caused the brickwall to be broken before him, and so passed to Normandy, and receiving his brother john to mercy raised the siege: for the French king fled as soon as he herded of king Richard's coming. This year Maelgon son to prince Rees gave his brother Anarawd the castle of Stratmeyric for his prisoners, whom he set at liberty. Then Rees himself did re-edify again the castle of Rayader Gwy: and his own sons laid wait for him, and took their father prisoner, fearing lest he would revenge their cruel and unnatural deeds: but by the means of Howel his son which was blind, he escaped out of his son Maelgons' prison, and took the castle of Dineuwor which Maelgon kept, and destroyed it. Also the sons of Cadwalhon ap Madoc of Melyenyth won the castle of Rayder Gwy, and fortified it for themselves.  
At this time Lhewelyn the son of jorwerth Drwyndwn, who was the elder son of Owen Gwyneth prince of North-wales, remembering his right & title to his inheritance of North-wales (although his father had been disinherited by his brother David) called together his friends by his mother (which was Marred the daughter of Madoc ap Meredyth prince of Powys) and also drawn to his side his coosins the sons of Conan ap Owen Gwyneth, and so challenged the rule of North-wales, and entered the country, to whom the people willingly yielded, and took him for their lord: and so without bloodshed he received all North-wales to his subjection, except three castles which his uncle David kept by force of Englishmen, in whom was all his trust, because of his wife Emme aunt to the king of England. And thus David lost his land, and Lhewelyn began to rule, in the year of our Lord, 1194. 
1194    


Lhewelyn ap jorwerth.  Lhewelyn the son of jorwerth, the son of Owen Gwyneth, called Leolinus Magnus.  
The year ensuing, 
Matt. Paris. pag. 237. Matth. West. page. 69.  there was a combat appointed betwixt the French king with five knights with him, and king Richard with five other, which should end all controversies: of which fight king Richard was glad, but the French king like a snail drawn in his horns and forsook the battle. And in Wales prince Rees gathered a great army, and laid siege to the town and castle of Caermarthin, and in short time wan them both, spoiling and destroying the same, and then returned with great booty. Then he lead his said army to the marches before the castle of Clun, which after a long siege, and many a fierce assault, he got and burned it, and from thence he went to the castle of Radnor, and likewise wan it; to the defence whereof came Roger Mortimer and Hugh de Say, with a great army of normans and Englishmen well armed and tried soldiers. Then Rees, which had won the castle, determined not to keep his men within the walls, but boldly like a worthy prince, came into the plain besides the town, and gave them battle, where his men (although for the most part unarmed, and not accustomed to the battle) declared that they came of Britain's blood (whose title the noble Roman Emperors did so much desire, as a token of manhood and worthiness) choosing rather to die with honour in the defence of their country, than to live with shame, did so worthily behave themselves, that their enemies forsook the field, with great loss of their men, whom Rees pursued till the benefit of the night shadowed them with her darkness, and forthwith he laid siege to the castle of pain in Eluel, & got it. Thither came William de Bruse the owner thereof, and made peace with Rees, of whom he received the same castle again. 
Ger. ●or.  Not long after, the Archbishop of Canturburie (whom king Richard had substituted his lieutenant in England) came with an huge power towards Wales, and laid siege to the castle of Gwenwynwyn, 
Matt. Park. page, 138.  at the pool; but the garrison defended the hold so manfully, that he lost many of his men, and could do no good. Therefore he sent for miners, and set them on work to undermine the walls; which thing when the garrison understood, and knowing that their enemies were three to one, they were content to yield up the castle, upon condition that they might departed with their armour freely: which offer the Archbishop took, suffering them to pass quietly, and fortifying the castle again strongly to the king's use, and placing therein a garrison for the defence thereof, returned to England. But immediately Wenwynwyn or Gwenwynwyn laid siege to it again, and shortly after received it upon the same conditions that his men had given it up, and kept the same to his own use.  
The next year after there was a great and a terrible plague through all the isle of Britain and France, of the which died a great number of nobles, beside the common people. And the same year the fourth day of May, 
Hol. pag. 534.  Rees the son of Gruffyth ap Rees ap Theodor prince of Southwales died, the only anchor, hope and stay of all that part of Wales, as he that brought them out of thraldom and bondage of strangers, & set them at liberty, and had defended them diverse times in the field manfully, daunting the pride and courage of their cruel enemies, whom he did either chase out of the land, or compelled by force to live quietly at home. 
Marwnad.  woe to that cruel destiny that spoilt the miserable land of her defence and shield, who as he descended of noble and princely blood, so he passed all other in commendable qualities and laudable virtues of the mind; he was the overthrower of the mighty, and setter up of the weak, 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 poetica. Ran Cest. lib. 7. cap. 31.  the overturner of the holds, the separator of troops, the scatterer of his foes, among whom he appeared as a wild boar among whelps, or a lion that for anger beateth his tail to the ground.  
In praise of this prince there is a long discourse in the British book after the manner of the Welsh poets, whose worthy commendation is laid down at large by Ranulph Monk of Chester in the seventh book of his History entitled Polychronicon the 31. chap. and Grafton in the life of Richard the first, 
Ri. Grafton, in his chronicles of England.  pag. 92.  
This prince had many sons and daughters, as Gruffyth who succeeded his father, Cadwalhon, Maelgon, Meredyth and Rees; and of the daughters one called Gwenlhian was married to Ednyvet Vachan, who was ancestor to Owen Theodor or Tuder that married Queen Catharine the widow of king Henry the fift, and the rest were married to other lords in the country. After the death of Rees, Gruffyth his son subdued all the country to himself, and enjoyed it in peace, until Maelgon his brother (whom his father had disinherited) made a league with Gwenwynwyn the son of Owen Cyvelioc lord of Powys, who both together levied a number of men, & came suddenly upon Gruffyth at Aberystwyth, and slaying a great number of his men took him prisoner, and so recovered all the country of Caerdigan, with the castle. Thus Maelgon having taken his brother sent him to be imprisoned with Gwenwynwyn, who in despite delivered him to the Englishmen. Then Gwenwynwyn gathering a power, entered Arustly, and subdued the same to himself.  
Also about that time there was great war in North-wales, for David ap Owen of late prince, came with a great army aswell Englishmen as Welshmen, purposing to recover the land again; but Lhewelyn his nephew, who was the right inheritor of the same, and then in possession thereof, came boldly and met him, and gave him battle, and putting his people to flight took him prisoner and kept him in safety, and afterward enjoyed the country quietly. Toward the end of this year, Owen Cyvelioc lord of the higher Powys died, and left his land to Gwenwynwyn his son, after whom that part of Powys was called Powys Wenwynwyn, for a difference from the other called Powys Vadoc, being the possession of the lords of Bromefield. At this time also died Owen the son of Gruffyth Maylor lord of Bromfield, and Brychtyr the son of Howel ap Jevaf, likewise Maelgon the son of Cadwalhon ap Madoc lord of Melienyth. About the same time Trahaem Vachan (a man of great power in the country of Brechnock) as he came to Lancors to speak with William Bruise lord thereof, was suddenly taken, and (by the lords commandment) tied to a horse tail, and drawn through the town of Aberhodny or Brechnock, to the gallows, and there beheaded, and his body hanged up by the feet three days. This cruelty showed upon no just cause, made his brother his wife and his children to flee the land. The year ensuing Maelgon the son of prince Rees, after he had imprisoned his elder brother, got his castles of Aberteivi and Stratmeyric: also the youngest son of prince Rees won the castle of Dynevowr from the normans.  
The summer following Gwenwynwyn intending to extend the limits of Wales to their old meers, 
1198  gathered a great army, & laid siege first to the castle of pain in Eluel, which was of the possessions of William de Bruse: making a proclamation that assoon as he had wone the castle, he would burn all the whole country to Severn without mercy, in revenge of the murder of Trahaern Vachan his cousin. But because he lacked engines and miners, he lay three weeks at that castle, and the murderers sent for succours to England: whereupon Geffrey Fitzpeter lord chief justice of England gathered a great power, 
Hol. pag. 537. Matt. Paris. pag. 259.  & joining with him all the lords Marchers came to raise the siege. And because the fortune of the battle is variable and uncertain, he sent first to Gwenwynwyn to have a treaty of peace concluded: but he and such as were with him would in no wise condescend to peace, whose answer was that they would at that journey revenge their old wrongs. Whereupon the English lords did first enlarge. Gruffyth the son of prince Rees of Southwales, whom they known to be an enemy to Gwenwynwyn, which Gruffyth gathered a great power, and joined with the English lords, and so they came towards the castle, against whom Gwenwynwyn came very stoutly, & there began a cruel battle with much slaughter on either part; but at the last the Englishmen got the victory, and Gwenwynwyn lost a great number of his men, among whom were Anarawd son to Eneon, Owen ap Cadwalhon, Richard ap jestyn, and Robert ap Howel; also Meredyth ap Conan was then taken prisoner with many more. 
H. Lhoyd. Matt. Paris. pag. 259.  Matthew Paris says, that this battle was fought before Maud's castle, & that of the Welshmen there were slain 3700. and after this victory the English lords returned home with much honour. And forthwith Gruffyth son to prince Rees recovered by force and good will of the people all his land, saving two castles Aberteivi and Stratmeyric, which his brother Maelgon by the aid of Gwenwynwyn had wrongfully taken from him. Then his brother Maelgon (fearing his displeasure) took a solemn oath before noble and religious men, which were about to make peace betwixt them; that if his brother Gruffyth would give him pledges for the assurance of his own person, he would deliver him by a day the castle of Aberteivi: whereupon Gruffyth did so. But assoon as Maelgon got the pledges, he fortified the castle, & manned it to his own use, and sent the pledges to Gwenwynwyn, who hated Gruffyth to the death, there to be kept in prison. But shortly after, by God's help they broke the prison & escaped home.  
In the year 1199. 
1199  Maelgon son to prince Rees laid siege to the castle of Dynerth, and getting it, slay all the garrison which his brother Gruffyth had left to defend it. But at the same time Gruffyth wan the castle of Cilgerran, and fortified it. 
Matt. Paris. pag. 261. Matt. West. page. 75.  This year, as king Richard did view the castle of Chaleus in the country of Lenuoyle, he was stricken with a quarrel and sore wounded, whereof he died the ninth of April, and left by his testament john his brother inheritor of all his lands, having no respect to his brother Geoffrey's son Arthur duke of Britain, who being the son of the elder brother was his right heir. 
Matt. West. page. 92.  Then this john, surnamed Without land, was crowned king of England with great triumph: wherefore the French king forth with made war against him, to whom Arthur duke of Britain cleaved, thinking thereby to obtain the crown of England. Also the king of Scots by means of Hugh Bygod came to York, and openly swore fidelity to the king of England.  
The year after, Gruffyth son to Conan ap Owen Gwyneth a noble man died, and was buried in a monks cowl at the Abbey of Conwy, 
H. Lhoyd.  and so were all the nobles (for the most part) of that time buried: for they were made to believe by the monks and friars, that that strange weed was a sure defence betwixt their souls and hell, how so ever they died. And all this baggage and superstition received they with monks and friars a few years before that out of England. For the first Abbey or friar house that we read of in Wales, sith the destruction of the noble house of Bangor, which savoured not of Romish dregs, was the Tuy Gwyn, built the year 1146. and after they swarmed like bees through all the country: for then the Clergy had forgotten the lesson that they had received of the noble Clerk Ambrose Telesinus, who writing in the year 540. when the right Christian faith (which joseph of Aremathia taught at the isle of Aualon) reigned in this land, before the proud and bloodthirsty monk Augustine infected it with his Romish doctrine, in a certain Ode hath these verses: 

Taliefin. In those days the Britons refused the doctrine of Augustine as erroneous and corrupt.  Gwae'r offeiriad bid  
Nys angreifftia gwyd  
Ac ny phregetha:  
Gwae ny cheidw ey gail  
Ac ef yn vigail,  
Ac nys areilia:  
Gwae ny theidw ey dhevaid  
Rhae bleidhie, Rhufeniaid  
A'i ffon gnwppa.   
Which may thus be Englished almost word for word.  
Woe be to that priest yborn,  
That will not cleanly weed his corn  
And preach his charge among:  
Woe be to that shepherd (I say)  
That will not watch his fold alway,  
As to his office doth belong:  
Woe be to him that doth not keep  
From Romish wolves his sheep  
With staff and weapon strong.  
And because no man should doubt of them, I have set them here as they were written by him that made them. Whereby it may be proved, that the Britons the first inhabiters of this realm did abhor the Romish doctrine taught in that time, which doctrine (I am sure) is little amended now in the church of Rome: and that may be to us a mirror to see our own folly, if we do degenerate from our forefathers the ancient Britons in the sincerity of true religion, as we do in other things.  
This year Maelgon ap Rees, seeing he could not well keep Aberteivi, of very spite to his brother and hatred to his country, sold it to the Englishmen for a small sum of money, being the key and lock of all Wales. The same year Madoc the son of Gruffyth Maylor lord of Bromfild did build the abbey of Lhanegwest, called in English commonly Vale crucis. This year also king john made peace with the French king, and Arthur duke of Britain his nephew, 
Matt. West. pag. 78.  and married Isabel daughter and heir unto the Earl of Angolisme, which was before assured unto Hugh de Brune Uicount of Carce: wherefore the said Hugh forsook king john, and become his enemy.  
This Hugh Brune Earl of March and Turyn had this Isabel to wife after the death of king john, by whom he had issue William de Valence, who in the right of jone his wife daughter and heir of Warren Montchensey, and of jone the elder daughter and one of the heirs of William Earl Martial and Pembroke, was Earl of Pembroke, as in this history hereafter doth appear.  
The year 1201. 
1201  Lhewelyn ap jorwerth prince of North-wales, being a lusty young man, banished out of the land his cousin Meredyth the son of Conan ap Owen Gwyneth suspected of treason, and seized the Cantref of Lhyyn and Euyonyth to his own hands, which were Conans land. Then shortly after, Meredyth the son of prince Rees was slain at Carnwilhion by treason, whose elder brother Gruffyth seized upon his castle in Lhanymdhyfri and all his lands. This Gruffyth was a wise and discreet gentleman, and one that was like to bring all Southwales to good order and obedience, who in all things followed his father's steps, whom as he succeeded in government, so he did in all martial prows and nobility of mind; but cruel fortune, which frowned upon that country, suffered him not long to enjoy his land. 
1202  This prince died upon S. james day ensuing, and was buried at Stratflur with great solemnity; he left behind him a son called Rees as right inheritor of Southwales, whose mother was Maud the daughter of William de Bruse. 
Matt. West. pag. 78.  Also this year died Arthur duke of Britain at Roan not without suspicion of poison ministered by his uncles means, who caused his sister Elinor to be conveyed to England, and to be kept in prison miserably in the castle of Brystow as long as she lived. Then the French king got all Normandy, saving Roan and two castles, by treason of the normans, who hated john to the death. The next year after that, certain lords of Wales got the castle of Gwerthrynion, which was Roger Mortimers, and made it plain with the ground.  
Then Lhewelyn ap jorwerth prince of North-wales calling to memory his estate and title, and how all the other princes by the ordinance of Roderike the Great, and after by the laws of Howel Dha, aught of right to acknowledge the king or prince of North-wales as their liege lord, and hold their lands of him and of none other; notwithstanding that, of late years by negligence of his predecessors they had not used their accustomed duty: but some held of the king of England, other ruled as supreme powers within their own countries. Therefore he called a Parliament of all the lords in Wales, which for the most part appeared before him, & sworn to be his liegemen: but Gwenwynwyn lord of Powys would not come thither, nor take the oath of allegiance. Which disobedience the prince declared to all his lords, & they all thought that it was meet that Gwenwynwyn should be constrained by force to do his duty, or else to lose his lands. Yet one of his lords named Elise ap Madoc would not agreed to hurt Gwenwynwyn in any case, but departed away suddenly: then Lhewelyn came with an army to Powys; but by the means of certain learned men, Gwenwynwyn and the prince were made friends, & Gwenwynwyn become the prince his liegeman, 
He had need to use a caution in this oath, for he was sworn before to the king of England. H. Lhoyd.  and confirmed that both by oath and writing. Then Lhewelyn remembering how Elise ap Madoc had served him, seized upon all his lands, and Elise fled the country, but afterward yielded himself to the prince's mercy, who gave him the castle of Crogen, and seven towneships withal. And here I think it not unmeet to declare the cause why the Englishmen use to call the Welshmen Crogens, as a word of reproach and despite: but if they known the beginning, they should found it contrary. For in the voyage that king Henry the second made against the Welshmen to the mountains of Berwin, as he lay at Oswestree, a number of his men that were sent to try the passages, as they would have passed Offas' ditch at the castle of Crogen, at which place there was & is at this day a narrow way through the same ditch, for that ditch appeareth yet to this day very deep through all that country & beareth his old name. These men, I say, as they would have passed this strait, were met withal, & a great number of them slain, as appeareth by their graves there yet to be seen, 
Adwy'r bedhev.  whereof the straight beareth the name. Therefore the Englishmen afterward not forgetting this slaughter, used to cast the Welshmen in the teeth in all their troubles with the name of Crogen, as if they would signify unto them thereby, that they should look for no favour but rather revengement at their hands: which word in process of time grew to be taken in another signification.  
Now when Lhewelyn had set all these parties in good order, he returned to North-wales, & by the way fortified the castle of Bala in Penlhyn. About the same time Rees son to Gruffyth ap Rees (by right prince of Southwales) got the castle of Lhanymdhyfri upon Michaelmas day. 
Matt. Paris. page. 279. Matt. West. pag. 79.  This year king john lost all Normandy, with Anjou, maine and poitiers; and Hugh Gurnaie, Robert Fitzwater and Sayer de Quincie, who had a great part of these countries under their rule, delivered all up to the French king at the first summon; yet Roger Lacie kept his castles as long as he had any hope of succours. 
Matt. Paris. pag. 276. Polydor virg. lib. 15.  About this time there was in England one called Simon de Thurnay, a great divine and philosopher, who diverse times made his advant, that he known all that was to be known, and suddenly he fallen to such ignorance that he cold neither read nor understand one letter in the book.  

Ran. Cest. lib. 7. cap. 33. Fabian.  About this time Lhewelyn prince of Wales took to wife jone the daughter of king john, by Agatha the daughter of Robert Ferrer Earl of Derby, with whom the said king gave him the lordship of Elsmere in the Marches of Wales.  
The year next ensuing the foresaid Rees ap Gruffyth ap Rees got the castle of Lhangadoc, 
1204  and fortified it to his own use; but shortly after Maelgon his uncle with his friend Gwenwynwyn came with a strong power before the castle of Lhanymdhyfri & won it, and from thence they removed to Lhangadoc, got the same likewise, suffering the garrison to departed. From thence Maelgon went to Dinerth, and finished the castle which he had begun there. About this time David son to Owen Gwyneth, after that prince Lhewelyn (his nephew) had set him at liberty, fled to England, and got an army to restore him to his ancient estate in North-wales, but all in vain; for his nephew met him and overthrew him in the way, than he returning to England, for very sorrow died shortly after. The next year to this, Howel the son of prince Rees, being blind, was slain at Cemaes by his brother Maelgons' men, and buried by his brother Gruffyth at Stratflur. Although this Maelgon in those days bore all the rule in Southwales, yet his brother Gruffyths sons Rees and his brethren wan from him the chief defence of all his country, to wit, the castles of Dynevowr and Lhanymdhyfri. Then William Martial Earl of Pembroke laid siege to the castle of Cilgerran & won it. Not long after, Maelgon ap Rees hired an Irishman to kill Gadivor ap Griffri, whose four sons Maelgon took and put them to death. These were toward gentlemen, and came of a noble stock: for their mother Susanna was daughter to the said Howel ap Rees by a daughter of Madoc ap Meredyth prince of Powys. The year 1205. 
1205  Maelgon did build a castle at Abereneon. At that time there came such abundance of fish to Aberystwyth, as the like was never seen before. Within the next three years after, the French king got many towns in Gwyen. In those days there fallen a great debate in England between the king & the clergy about the election of the Archbishop of Canturburie: in so much that the year 1208. 
1208  the Pope denounced all England accursed, & no service was used in any church within England. 
Hol. pag. 566. & 570.  This year the king did banish out of the land William de Bruse with his wife, for displeasure that he bore to his son, and seized their lands to his own hands, which William with his said wife and son fled to Ireland, & there remained for a while. This man was of great power in the Marches of Wales, but extreme cruel and unjust. The same year Gwenwynwyn came to Shrewesburie to speak with the king's council, and was there detained prisoner, whereupon prince Lhewelyn conquered all his country, with all the towns and castles therein, and kept the same to his own use. Which when Maelgon ap Rees understood, and that Lhewelyn would make his voyage to Southwales, he overthrew his castles of Aberystwyth Stratmeyric, and Dynerth, which he before had fortified, despairing to be able to withstand the prince: but the prince kept on his journey to Aberystwyth, and built the castle again, & fortified it, and seized to his own hands the Cantref of Penwedic, & the land betwixt Dyvi and Aeron, which he gave to Maelgons' nephews the sons of Gruffyth ap Rees, and so returned home with great joy. Within a little after Rees Vachan son to prince Rees laid siege to the castle of Lhangadoc, and won it, not regarding his promise and league with the sons of his brother Gruffyth ap Rees, forgetting how worthily they had served him in his necessity. Therefore assoon as they herded of this, both Rees and Owen came before the said castle & won it by assault, & slay or took prisoners all the garrison, and then burned the castle to the earth.  
The year 1210. 
1210  king john made a voyage to Ireland, 
Matt. Paris. pag. 307.  with an army of great power, and wan the country of Conacht, and took Cathol their prince prisoner.  

Matt. Paris. page. 303.  In this voyage of King john towards Ireland, as he was in his journey in the borders of Wales, there was one taken and brought before him, who had killed a priest. The officer desired to understand the king's pleasure what he would have done to him; Let him go, says the king, for he hath slain mine enemy. The churchmen of those days persecuted king john with book, bell and candle, and therefore he little regarded the loss of some of them.  
Also he spoilt Hugh de Lacie Lord of Meth of his castles and lands, and took William de Bruse the younger, and Maud de Saint Valerike his mother, and brought them both to England with him, and caused them cruelly to be famished in the castle of windsor.  

Matt. Paris. pag. 303.  The cause of the king's displeasure taken against this William de Bruse, Lord of Brecknock, as Matthew Paris reporteth the same, was this. When the Pope had excommunicated the realm of England. The king fearing a further inconvenience, took pledges of such of his nobles as he suspected would make any stir against him, & sending his messengers to the said William de Bruse, demanded his sons for pledges. Then Maud the wife of the said William, (more malipart than mannerly, taking the word out of her husband's mouth) answered roundly, that the king, who had shamefully slain Arthur his nephew, whom he aught rather to have kept and preserved, should have none of her children. These words being by the messengers signified unto the king, put him in such a heat against the said Lord, that he sent certain soldiers to take him; whereupon he his wife and children were feign to fly into Ireland to save their lives; 
Idem. pa. 308  where the said Maud and her son were now taken: but the father escaped and fled into France, where he died afterward, as the same author says.  
This year the Earl of Chester re-edified the castle of Dyganwy, which stood upon the sea shore, East of the river Conwy, which prince Lhewelyn had before destroyed. Also he fortified the castle of Treffynnon or S. Winifred. Then prince Lhewelyn entered the Earl's land, and destroyed a great part thereof, and returned home with a great spoil. Also Rees Vachan son to prince Rees fearing prince Lhewelyn, who defended his nephews the sons of Gruffyth in their right, went to the king for succours, which he received with good will, and by their aid he laid siege to the castle of Lhanymdhyfry. Now when the garrison saw no hope of succours, they desired that they might departed bag & baggage, horses & all, and so they did. Likewise Gwenwynwyn, whom the king held in prison, was set at liberty, and the king fearing the prince's power, sent an army with him, by whose means he received all his country again in short space. Maelgon also, when he herded the same, came to the king's court, & become the king's man, who returning home with a great number of normans and Englishmen, joined to them all the power he could make in Wales; and contrary to the oath that he had made to his nephews Rees and Owen, began to spoil their country, and coming to Cantref Penwedic, encamped at Cilkennyn, and lay there all night consulting upon his voyage. In the mean time his nephews hearing this, having but a small power, not above 300. of choose men, came and lodged hard by, unknowing to their enemies. And when they understood by their spies that all was in quiet in Maelgons' camp, and how that his men mistrusting nothing behaved themselves carelessly, these two lords prosecuted boldly the enterprise which they had taken in hand, and peaceably entering the camp, did come where they thought Maelgon lay, & or ever they were espied they gave alarm, and slay a great number before they awoke: and the rest hearing the noise, half amazed, by means of the darkness escaped away, thinking some great power had been there. But Maelgons' men defended them manfully, until such time as their lord had got upon his feet, and escaped away by benefit of the night. Then his nephew Conan ap Howel and his chief counsellor Gruffyth ap Cadogan were both taken, and Eneon ap Caradoc with a great number more slain.  
About this time Gilbert Earl of Gloucester fortified the castle of Buelht, where a little before he had lost many of his men. This year also Maud de Bruse wife to Gruffyth ap Rees died, and was buried in a monks cowl in Stratflur by her husband.  

1211  The next year ensuing king john had many complaints made unto him by the Marchers, 
Matt. Paris. pag. 307. Matt. West. page. 89.  upon prince Lhewelyn, how he entering their country burned and spoilt all as he went, and slay their men. Wherefore the king gathered a great army through all England, and called to him such lords and princes of Wales as held of him, as Howel ap Gruffyth ap Conan ap Owen Gwyneth, whom Lhewelyn had banished: Madoc ap Gruffyth Maylor lord of Bromfield, Chirke and Yale: Meredyth ap Rotpert lord of Cydewen: Gwenwynwyn lord of Powys, Maelgon and Rees Vachan the sons of prince Rees, rulers of Southwales. With this great army he entered into North-wales by Chester, minding to destroy all that had life within that country. Then the prince hearing of all this preparation against him, aswell of his own countrymen as others, commanded all such as inhabited the Inland or Middle country (which is now part of Denbigh and Flynt shires) to remove all their goods and cattles to Snowden hills for a time. And so the king came along the sea coast to Ruthlan, and so passed over the river Clwyd, and came to the castle of Teganwy, and there remained a while: but Lhewelyn cut off his victuals behind him, so that he could have none from England, and there cold not a man scatter from the skirmishes unfought withal: where the North-wales men always, both for the advantage of the straits and knowledge of the places, had the upper hand. At the last the English soldiers were glad to taste horse flesh for pure need. Then, when the king see no remedy, he returned home in great rage, leaving the country full of dead bodies. 
1212  In August next ensuing he returned again with a great army, 
Matt. Paris, page. 309. Matth. West. page. 91.  and the lords before named with him, & entered into Wales, at Blanch-monasterie now Oswestree, whereof john the son of William Fitzalan was lord. At this time the king passing the river of Conwey, encamped there by the river side, and sent part of his army with guides of the country to burn Bangor: who did so, taking Rotpert the bishop prisoner, who was afterward ransomed for 200. hawks. Then the prince seeing all England and Wales against him, & a great part of his land wone from him, thought it best to entreat with the king. And thereupon he sent jone his wife the king's daughter to her father to make a peace, who (being a discreet woman) found the means that upon pledges given for safe conduct the prince came to the king, and made peace with him, and did him homage. Then giving him pledges, he promised unto him towards his charges 20000. heads of cattle and forty horses. Moreover he granted to the king the Inland for ever: whereupon the king returned to England with great triumph, after that he had brought all Wales under his subjection, saving Rees & Owen the sons of Gruffyth ap Rees. Therefore at his departure he gave strait commandment to Foulke Viscount of Caerdyff (called Warden of the Marches, a cruel tyrant, but yet well loved of the king) to take an army with him, that he joining with Maelgon and Rees Vachan, might compel the aforesaid sons of Gruffyth to obey him.  

Matt. 〈◊〉. pag. 311. Matt. West. page. 99  This Foulke or Falcasius de Breant, a Norman born and a bastard, being a cruel and a wicked man, was called by king john to his aid against the Barons, who used himself cruelly towards them, for which cause she said king gave him in marriage Margaret de Riparijs an inheritrice of great possessions.  
This Foulke calling unto him Maelgon and Rees came to the Cantref of Penwedic: then the young lords seeing no remedy, sent to him for peace and safeconduct to pass to the court, which he granted them. When they came to the court, upon their submission to the king, with the gift of all their lands betwixt Aeron and Dyvi, they were received of him very gently, and courteously entreated, and after they had done him homage, they returned home again. Then Foulke before his departure out of the country, fortified the castle of Aberystwyth, and manned it to the king's behoof. But within a while Maelgon (as he was very unconstant) and Rees Vachan repented them of the peace they had made with the king, and thereupon laid siege to the castle of Aberystwyth, & getting the same destroyed it. When their nephews Rees and Owen saw that their uncles had broken the king's peace, they made a road unto Maelgons' country, and slay a great number of his men, and returned with a rich booty.  
The next year prince Lhewelyn, being not able to abide the displeasures which the garrisons that the king left in his nephews castles in North-wales did to his people, called to him Gwenwynwyn from Powys, Maelgon ap Rees from Southwales, Madoc ap Gruffyth Maylor from Bromfield, Meredyth ap Rotpert from Cydewen, and opened to them this miserable case, how they which were wont to have a prince of their own nation, now (by their own wilfulness) were brought in subjection to a stranger, and declared also unto them, how that if they would agreed among themselves, they might defend their ancient estate still; which thing they all promised to do, & sworn fealty to prince Lhewelyn, & forthwith gathered an army, & won all the castles saving Ruthlan & Dyganwy: then coming to Powys, 
Casts Mathraval.  they laid siege to the castle which Robert Vepont had made at Mathraval. But when the king was informed of all this, he levied an army, and came thither to raise the siege, and after caused the castle to be razed, & then returned home, having greater matters in hand between him & his nobles. Then being at Nottingham, 
Matt. Paris. page. 309.  & hearing how the prince of Wales destroyed all the Marches, he caused the pledges which he had received the last year to be hanged, as Howel the son of Cadwalhon, Madoc the son of Maelgon, 
Hol. pag. 573.  and others, to the number of 28. striplings. Also Robert Vepont did hung at Shrewesburie, Rees the son of Maelgon not being yet seven years of age, and so cruelly murdered the innocent, to revenge the offences of others.  
In the mean while that the king remained at Nottingham, 
Hol. pag. 574. Matt. Paris. page. 309.  he received letters from the princess of North-wales his daughter, declaring that his nobles had conspired with the French king against him, and for proof thereof she alleged, that Robert Fitzwater, Eustace de Vescy, and Stephan Ridell were secretly fled into France, and that the French king prepared an army to come to England, under the colour that the king was a rebel from the church, for that he would not condescend to the bishop of Rome's requests.  
The year 1213. 
1213  Innocentius Pope of Rome did release prince Lhewelyn, Gwenwynwyn, and Maelgon, 
This is not evangelium pacis. Ex fructibus eorum cognosceuseos.  of those oaths that they had made to king john, and willed them under the pains of cursing to annoy and trouble him all that they could, as the enemy of the church. Whereupon forthwith Lhewelyn received all the Inland country, which to this time was in the king's hands. But within a little after, the king by the persuasion of Pandulph the legate, granted the Pope his request, and obtained absolution at his hands, and releasement of the interdiction upon performance of his promises. 
Matt. Paris. page. 318.  Then king john hearing how the French king was in Flanders, and had a great navy at Dam, purposing to bring the Earldom into his subjection, 
Annal. Fland jac. Meyri. lib. 8. Hol. pag. 578.  sent William de Longaspata Earl of Salisbury, Reginald Earl of Boleyn, and Hugh de Nova villa or Nevil thither with a great navy, who overthrew the Frenchmen, and returned home with great spoil. Shortly after king john sailed to Rochel, where the Earl of those marches, and Geffrey de Landanamo were reconciled to him.  

Hol. pag. 586.  The year following, king john made peace with the French king, for five years. Then Rees son to Gruffyth ap Rees, which was heir to prince Rees, seeing he could have no part of his father's lands, but that his uncles did keep all from him by force, made his complaint to the king. And the king pittieng his estate, sent to Foulke Viscount of Caerdyff (warden of the marches) and to the steward of Hereford, commanding them to take all Stratywy from Rees Vachan (whom other call Rees Gryc) unless he would let his nephews enjoy the castle of Lhavymdhyfry, with the territory belonging thereto. And they sent to Rees to know his mind, who answered them stoutly, that they should not have one foot of land of him. Therefore Foulke gathered a great army, and met with young Rees at Talhwynelgain, where he looked for him with a number of men, that he had got in Brechnock, and thence they marched in three battles towards Dynevowr, of which, young Rees lead the first, Foulke the second, and Owen brother to Rees the third. Then Rees Vachan came boldly and gave them battle, where in the end he was put to flight, with the loss of a great number of his men. Then he went strait, and manned the castle of Dinevowr, and burned the town of Lhandeilo vawr, keeping himself in the wild and rough places: then his enemies laid siege to the castle of Dynevowr, and at the first assault, they wan the first ward, so that they of the garrison were feign to take the Koxe for their defence, and defended the same manfully; but they without made engines to cast in great stones, and began to undermine the walls in such sort, that the captain fallen to that composition, that if he were not succoured by the next day at noon, he would deliver up the castle, upon condition that all his men might departed with their armour and weapons, and so they did, for they had no succours. Afterwards they brought the Cantref Mawr to their subjection. Then Rees Vachan removed his wife and children to his brother Maelgons' country, and left the castle of Lhavymdhyfry well fortified and manned. After the departure of Foulke, young Rees came with an army of Welshmen and normans to Lhavymdhyfry; but before they were encamped, the captain delivered up the castle, the garrison departing with their lives. And shortly after Rees Vachan was taken at Caermarthyn, and committed to the king's prison.  
The British book of the Abbeie of Stratflur doth in this place set down the earnest repentance of king john, of all the extremities that he had used against the churchmen, and how that he called home again such of them as were either expelled, or voluntarily went out of the realm, and restored to them all such things as his officers had taken from them. At what time also he made the kingdom of England tributary to the church of Rome, to be held of the Pope, yielding and paying unto him the sum of a thousand marks yearly for ever.  
At this time prince Lhewelyn laid siege to the castle of Dyganwy, and Ruthlan, and wan them both, so that he left the king neither hold nor castle within his land.  

1215  In the year 1215. king john with the Earls of Chester and Derbie took the cross, 
Matt. Paris. pag. 339.  but the rebellion of his barons stayed his journey; for they required of him certain ancient laws and customs to be kept, which he denied to do. Therefore they were confederate with Lhewelyn prince of Wales, that he should stir upon his part, and they would upon there's: 
Matt. Paris. pag. 340.  then gathering an army, they appointed Robert Fitzwater captain, and came to Bedford, where William Beauchamp received them into the castle, and from thence they went to London, and were there joyfully received. Then the king levied a power, with William marshal Earl of Pembroke, and laid siege to the castle of Rochester, which was manfully defended three months by William de Abbineto, but at the last it was taken by force. And at that time there were taken with the said William, William de Lancaster, William de Emmford, Thomas de Moletun, Quince Gyfford, Odinel Bobi, and Odinel de Albineto, whom the king sent to the castle of Corff to be imprisoned sure. At this time the Pope cursed all such as made war against king john.  
There is a bull of excommunication among the Records kept in the tower against Lhewelyn prince of Wales, and others, for making war against king john being under the protection of the church of Rome. Thus the Pope can blow hot and cold out of one mouth. A little before he released prince Lhewelyn, the Barons and all the commons of the realm from their oath of obedience and subjection to king john, commanding them upon pain of curse to make war against him: and now having brought his purpose to pass, he cursseth them for doing of that which he commanded. So the Pope setteth at variance kings and princes at his pleasure to work his own commodity, and when the same is brought about, he cursseth them with book, bell, and candle, if they without consideration of their own gréefs will not agree again when he will: whereas fire being kindled is not easily quenched, & hatred once stirred up between princes, and grown by displeasures to open war (wherein many are slain, other taken, & the most spoilt and undone) is not so soon put off with a Mandamus from Rome, and shaking of hands at the Pope's pleasure.  
Nevertheless prince Lhewelyn levied an army and came to Shrewesburie, which town and castle were delivered to him without any resistance, and there he remained a while. In the mean time Giles de Bruse bishop of Hereford (and chief of this conspiracy) son to William de Bruse, sent his brother Reynold to Brechnock, and all the people received him as their lord, and so he got all his castles without gaine-saieng of any man, to wit, Abergeuenny, Penkelhy, Castelh Gwyn (or the White castle) Grosmont & the isle of Cynuric. But when the bishop came thither himself, they delivered him the castles of Aberhodny, Hay, Bnelht, & Blaynlhyfny, and he to strengthen himself in that country promised castle pain, Clune with all Eluel, to Walter Vachan the son of Eneon Clyd. In the mean time of this, young Rees son to Gruffyth ap Rees and Maelgon his uncle were made friends, and went both to Dyvet, where they recovered all the land to themselves saving Cemais, and overthrew the castle of Arberth & Maynclochoc. Then Maelgon and Owen brother to Rees went to North-wales to prince Lhewelyn, and did to him homage: and young Rees gathered a great power and came to Cydwely, and brought it with all Carnwylheon to his subjection, and razed the castle there, and likewise the castle of Lhychwr. From thence he lead his army to the castle of Hugh de Miles at Talybont, and having taken the same by force, slay a great number of the garrison. Then the day after he took his journey to Senghennyth, where the garrison which lay there burned the town, and departed. Therefore Rees laying siege to the castle of Ystymlhwynarth, got the same the next day following, and burned it and the town also, and so he got all the castles of Gwyrland within three days after, and then returned home with victory and triumph. At this time Rees Vachan (or Rees Gryc) uncle to young Rees, and son to the lord Rees was set at liberty by the king, leaving his son and two other pledges for him. This year also two Abbots were consecrated bishops, jorwerth of S. David's, and Cadogan of Bangor. Giles de Bruse bishop of Hereford by the Pope's commandment went and made peace with the king, and died in his return homeward at Gloucester, whose inheritance descended to his brother Reginald, who married the daughter of prince Lhewelyn.  
Shortly after Lhewelyn prince of North-wales came with a great army to Caermardhyn, and laid siege to the castle, which was yielded unto him the fifth day after, which he razed to the ground, and so he did with the castles of Lhanstephan, S. Clear, & Talacharn. From thence he went to Caerdigan, and winning the new castle in Emlyn, he subdued Cemaes, and got the castle of Trefdraeth, (called in English Newport) and razed the same to the ground. Then the garrison, which kept the castle of Aberteivi delivered the same unto him upon S. Stephen's day: and the day after he had the castle of Cilgerran, from whence he returned to North-wales with great honour and triumph. In the which voyage these lords accompanied him, to wit, Howel ap Gruffyth ap Conan, Lhewelyn ap Meredyth, Gwenwynwyn lord of Powys, Meredyth ap Rotpert, Maelgon and Rees Vachan the sons of prince Rees, Rees and Owen the sons of Gruffyth ap Rees, and the power of Madoc ap Gruffyth Maylor lord of Bromfield. The winter after was the fairest winter that ever was seen.  
The year following the prince went to Aberteivi, to make an agreement betwixt Maelgon and Rees Vachan sons to prince Rees on the one side, and their nephews young Rees, and his brother Owen the sons of Gruffyth ap Rees on the other side: where he divided Southwales betwixt them after this manner: to Maelgon he gave three Cantrefs in Dyvet Gwarthaf, Penlhwynoc, Cemaes and Emlyn, with the castle of Cilgerran: two in Stratywy, Hiruryn and Malhaen and Maenor Bydvey, with the castle of Lhanymdhyfry, and two in Caerdigan Gwynionyth and Mabwyneon to young Rees and Owen his brother he gave the castle of Aberteivi, and the castle of Nant yr arian (or silver dale) and three Cantrefs in Caerdigan withal. And to Rees Vachan otherwise called Rees Gryc, the castle of Dynevowr, the Cantref Mawr, and the Cantref Bachan (except Hiruryn and Mydhuey & the Comotes of Cydwely and Carnwylhion) This division being accomplished, the prince returned homeward, to whom by the way it was signified that Gwenwynwyn (contrary to his oath and bonds in writing) had forsaken him, and become again the king's subject, which grieved the prince very much, and therefore he sent unto him bishops and Abbots to move him to remember his oath and promise, and his pledges given to the prince, and to show him his own hand, and thereupon to see if he would come again, and to promise' him the prince's favour; but he would in no case hear of reconciliation, wherefore the prince entered into Powys with fire and sword, and subdued the country to himself: whereupon Gwenwynwyn fled to the Earl of Chester for succours, and there remained for a while.  

Matt. Paris. page. 377.  At this time Lewis son to the French king being called by the Barons of England, landed at Tenet, who receiving to his hands all the holds by the way, came to London, and there received homage of the Barons, and from thence went towards Winchester where king john was, and by the way got the castles of Rygat, Guildford, and Fernam, then coming to Winchester received the same with the castle. Whereupon king john fled to Hereford in the Marches of Wales, and sent to Reynold Bruse and to prince Lhewelyn, desiring friendship; but they would not hear him. Therefore he destroyed the castle of Radnor and hay and came a long to Oswestree, which town being of the possessions of john Fitzalans, he burned to the earth, and departed from thence northward, leaving power as he went, in whose company were William de Albemarle the Earl of Gloucester, Philip de Albineto, john Martial, Foulke de Breant a noble good soldier, to whom the king gave in marriage the daughter of the Earl Rivers with the castle of Bedford, William Earl of Salisbury the king's brother, William Briwer, Walter Espec. Also he appointed governors of the North, Hugh Balliol, and Philip Halcots. He made governors of the city of York, Robert de Veipont, Geffrey Lucy, and Bryan de lisle. Upon the other part Lewis coming from Winchester, took the castle of Odyham and came to London with great triumph, where Geffrey Maundevile Earl of Essex was slain by misfortune running at the tilt. And the Lords that maintained the quarrel were these: William earl Waren, William Earl of Arundel, William earl of Salisbury, who forsook the king at the end, William Marshal the younger, William de Maundevile, Robert Fitzwater, William Huntingfield all southern men, and Robert de Rose, Peter de Bruse, and Richard Percy northern men. 
Matt. Paris. page. 383.  And all this while Hubert de Burgh kept the castle of Dover worthily to the behoof of the king. But as king john was making preparation at Newerke, he fallen sick and died, and lieth buried at Worcester.  

Matt. Paris, page. 386.  After the death of king john, Rondle Earl of Chester, William Martial earl of Pembroke, William Earl Ferrer, 
Matth. West. page. 104.  Philip de Albineto, and john Marshal crowned Henry his son king of England at Gloucester. In the mean while Lewis besieged the castle of Dover, but all in vain. Then returning to London, where the city was delivered him, he proceeded and won the castles of Hartford and Berkamstede. Whereupon there was a truce concluded betwixt both princes for a while, than Lewis returned to France. This year Howel ap Gruffyth ap Conan died, and lieth buried at Conwey.  

1217  The year 1217. many of the nobles of England forsook Lewis, whom they had called in before, and contrary to their oath came to king Henry, as William de Albineto lord of Bealwere besides Nottingham, who was imprisoned in Corff, & William Earl Warren, William de Albineto Earl of Arundel, William longa Spata Earl of Salisbury, William Marshal the younger, and William de Cantilupo. Then Lewis shortly after landed at Dover with a great army, and laid siege to the castle, but he could do no good: from thence he went and encamped before the castle of Windsor, and when he could not get it, 
Matt. Paris. pag. 395. Matt. West. page. 104.  he took his journey to Lincoln, whither the army of king Henry came against him, where a cruel battle was fought, wherein Lewis was put to flight, & a great number of his nobles taken, as Saere Quincy Earl of Winchester, Henry de Bohune Earl of Hereford, Gilbert de Gaunt Earl of Lincoln, Robert Fitzwater, Richard Montfytchet, Gilbert de Clare, William Mowbraye, William Beuchamp, William Mandit, Aemer Harcourt, Roger de Crescy, William de Coluile, William de Rosse, Robert Rippeley, and there were slain Simon de Vescy, Hugh de Roch, Reynald Crescy constable of Chester, 
Matt. Paris. page. 398.  Gerald de Furnevale, and many other. Also Hubert de Burgh captain of Dover, Henry de turbervile, and Richard Sward gave the French navy (whereof Eustace a monk was captain) an overthrow.  
In this mean time, Reynald de Bruse did agreed with the king, unknowing to prince Lhewelyn, and contrary to his promise. Wherefore young Rees and Owen his sister's sons (seeing that he in whom they trusted most deceived them) rose against him, and wan all Buelht from him saving the castle. But when the Prince herded of this agreement, he was sore offended withal, and coming with an army to Brechnock, 
Brecheinoc was the whole country or lordship of Brechnock: Aberhodny the chief town.  he laid siege to the town of Aberhodny, where the burgesses of the town came to him, and by means of young Rees, the Prince taking 100 marks and five pledges of them, raised his siege, and took his journey over the black mountains towards Gwyr, where he lost much of his carriages. And as he camped at Lhangruc, Reynald Bruse came to him with six knights in his company, and desired his father in law of pardon for his offence, who receiving him gently, did not only forgive him, but also gave him the castle of Senghennyth, and Reynald committed the same to the custody of Rees Vachan. Lhewelyn after he had set all things in good order in that country marched to Dyvet, and being at Cefn Cynwarchan, the Flemings sent to him to desire peace, but the Prince would not grant them their request. Then young Rees was the first that passed the river Cledheu to fight with them of the town. Whereupon jorwerth bishop of S. David's with all his clergy came to the Prince to desire peace to the Flemings, which after long debating was thus concluded.  

Articles of peace between prince Lhewelyn and the Flemings.  First, that all the inhabitants of Ros and the land of Pembroke should become the prince's subjects, and ever from thenceforth take him for their liege Lord secondarily, that they should pay him a 1000 marks towards his charges, before Michaelmas next coming. thirdly, that for the performance of these, they should deliver forthwith to the Prince twenty pledges of the best in all the country: which things they did. Then the prince, after he had brought all Wales to his subjection, returned to North-wales with much honour. Shortly after, there was a peace concluded betwixt the king and Lewis the French kings son. Whereupon the king promising the barons all their requests, Lewis returned toward France. 
The barons pacifying France and England, do conspire against Wales.  Then shortly after, William Martial Earl of Pembroke got the town of Caerlhêon, and made war against the Welshmen, whom contrary to their promise the barons left out of the conclusion of peace.  
The barons were very glad of the friendship and aid of the prince of Wales, to serve their turn. But now in the general conclusion of the peace, contrary to their oath and promise, they reserve out Wales to keep them play withal, hoping to get some more land thereby. Therefore let men take heed how they build upon Turne-seruing Friendship.  
Whereupon Rees Vachan razed the castle of Senghennyth, & all the castles he had in his custody in that country, and banished all the Englishmen that dwelled there with their wives and children for ever, and divided the country to the Welshmen, who have kept it unto this day.  
The year ensuing, prince Lhewelyn put his garrisons in the castles of Caermardhin and Aberteivi. Then young Rees (by the prince's consent) went to the king & did him homage for his lands. At this time William Earl of Arundel, rondel Earl of Chester, William Ferrer Earl of Derbie and Bryan Lisle took their voyage toward the holy land.  
In the year following, Rees Gryc son to prince Rees married the daughter of the Earl of Clare; and john de Bruse married Marret the daughter of prince Lhewelyn. At that time William Marshal the elder died, leaving after him five sons and five daughters, which daughters were thus married. Maud to Hugh Bygod, joane to Warren de Mount Chensey; Isabella to Gilbert de Clare; Sibyl to William Earl of Derbie; and Eva to William de Bruse, betwixt which five all his great inheritance was after divided, for all his sons died without issue, and were every one after another Earls of Pembroke.  
The year 1220. 
1220  Lhewelyn prince of Wales lead an army to Pembroke against the Flemings, who contrary to their oath and league had taken the castle of Aberteivi, which castle the Prince wan and destroyed, putting the garrison to the sword, razed the castle, & went thence to the land of Gwys, where he razed that castle, and burned the town. 
1221  Also he caused all Haverford to be burned to the castle gates, and destroyed all Ros and Daugledhau: and they which kept the castle sent to him for truce till May, which was concluded upon conditions, 
Hol. pag. 619. Matt. Paris. pag. 416. Matt. West. pag. 110. & 111. Caste●h Trefaldwyn.  and so he returned home. Also this year certain lords of Wales besieged the castle of Buelht, which was Reynalds de Bruse. Therefore the king came with an army to the marches, and raised the siege, and came as far as Mountgomerie, and built a new castle there. As William de Albineto Earl of Arundel, Henry de Bohune Earl of Hereford, and Sayer de Quincie Earl of Winchester were coming home from the holy land, they died by the way. The year following there fallen a great dissension betwixt prince Lhewelyn, and Gruffyth his son: for this Gruffyth enjoyed the Cantref of Merionyth without his father's consent, and therefore his father sent for him to come unto him, but he would not come: therefore the Prince swore that he would be revenged upon him and his complices for that dishonour, and then came with a great army to Merionyth: but his son fearing not the father, got his people in the field ready to abide the battle, but as they were in fight, there was a peace concluded, and Gruffyth yielded to his father, and cried him mercy. Then Lhewelyn although he forgave his son his offence, yet he took Merionyth and Ardydwy from him, & building a castle there, returned home again. At this time young Rees forsook prince Lhewelyn, because Aberteivi was not delivered him (as the promise was at the dividing of Southwales) and went to William Martial Earl of Pembroke: therefore Lhewelyn came to Aberystwyth, and seized the castle and all that territory to his own use. Then young Rees hearing this went unto the king to complain upon the Prince, and the king sent for the prince to Shrewesburie, and made him and Rees friends; the prince promising to deal with Rees for Aberteivi as he had done with Maelgon for Caermardhin. This winter john de Bruse by the consent of prince Lhewelyn fortified the castle of Senghennyth: at that time also Isabella the king's mother married the son of Hugh de Brune Earl of March, without making the king privy thereto.  
William de Fortibus Earl of Albemarle about this time made an insurrection in Lincolnshire, 
Matt. West. page. 111.  which was soon appeased: then the king seized into his hands certain honours and castles that diverse men kept in their possessions without just cause: as Foulke de Breant kept the Earldoms of Northampton, Oxford, Bedford and Buckingham, with the castles and holds. Peter de Malo lacu, the castles of Corff, and Shirburne with Somersetshire, and Dorcestershire, and the liberties and forests. Philip de Mark, the castles of Peke and Nottingham, Notinghamshire and Derbyshire. Gigelard de Siconia kept Windsor and Odhiam, which for the most part the king received to his hands. 
Hol. pag. 619.  Also Hubert de Burgh was created Earl of Kent, and chief justice of England, who took to wife the king of Scots sister. The year after, young Rees son to Gruffyth ap Rees departed out of this world, being a lusty gentleman, and endued with many notable virtues, and was buried at Stratflur, whose inheritance Lhewelyn divided between his brother Owen, and his uncle Maelgon.  
The year after Christ's incarnation 1223. 
1223  William Martial came from Ireland, 
Hol. pag. 622.  and landed at S. David's with a great army, and shortly after laid siege to Aberteivi and got it, and from thence marched to Caermardhin, and likewise got the same.  

Matt. Paris. pag. 423. Matt. West. page. 114.  Lhewelyn prince of Wales, at what time William Martial Earl of Pembroke prosecuted the wars in Ireland against the king's enemies there, took by force two castles in Wales belonging to the said Earl, putting all his men which kept the same to the sword, and fortifying the same with a garrison of his own men in either of them, departed home again: whereof when the said Earl was advertised, he returned from Ireland with all speed, and recovering his castles again, used the same courtesy towards Lhewelyns men that he had showed to his: and then entering further into the Prince's country, destroyed all before him as he went.  
These news coming to Lhewelyns ears did sore offend him: whereupon he sent Gruffyth his son with a power of men to stay the Earl for passing further. Then Gruffyth went to Cydweli, and understanding that the Burgesses of the town meant to betray him, burned the town, churches, 
Matt. Paris. pag. 423.  and all to the earth. Then William Marshal passed the river Tywy at Caermardhin, where Gruffyth met with him, 
Matt. Paris says, that the Earl had the victory, and that there were slain and taken of the Welshmen 9000. people.  & gave him battle, which was very doubtful and endured until night, and then either party withdrew themselves, and the river betwixt. And after they had lain so certain days, Gruffyth for lack of victuals (for his men which were about 9000. people) returned back, and the Earl went to Cilgerran, and began to build there a very strong castle. Then receiving letters from the king to come and speak with him, he went to the court by sea, and left his army to continued the work he had begun. Then the king and the archbishop of Canturburie being at Ludlowe sent for the Prince, and would feign have agreed him and the Earl: but it would not be, and so they departed. And when the Earl would have passed to Pembroke by land, with the strength of the Earl of Derby, and Henry Pygot lord of Ewyas, the Prince sent his son to keep the passage at Carnwylhion, & he himself came as far as Mabedryd. Which when the Earl understood he returned back to England, & the Prince went to North-wales. 
Matt. Paris. page. 425. &. 427. Matth. West. page. 115.  Certain of the barons also misliking the rule of Hubert de Burgh conspired against the king and him: as Randulph Earl of Chester, William de Fortibus Earl of Albemarle, john constable of Chester, Foulke de Breant, Hugh de Veteri ponte, Bryan lisle, Patrick de Malo lacu, Philip Mark, and William lord de Cantilupo. But the matter was appeased, 
Matt. Paris, page. 428. Matt. Paris, page. 439.  and the king got the castle of Bedford by long siege, wherein was William de Breant brother to Foulke. About this time died William de longa Spata Earl of Salisbury. The year following, Sarancus de malo Leone delivered Rochel to the French king. Also Foulke de Breant was at this time banished England, and came to such poverty that he begged from door to door. The year 1226. 
1226  Rees Vachan son to Rees Gryc did take his father prisoner, and would not set him at liberty till he had delivered him the castle of Lhanymdhyfri. At this time died Meredyth archdecon of Caerdigan, son to prince Rees, 
1228  and was buried by his father at S. David's. The year following king Henry came with a great army to Wales as far as Ceri, 
Matt. Paris, pag. 468.  and encamped there, & upon the other side prince Lhewelyn called to him all the power of Wales, and encamped not far off, and there were diverse great skirmishes, and chiefly upon one day the most part of both armies was in the field, and a great number slain of the king's men. At which time William de Bruse son to Reynald was taken prisoner, who offered for his ransom the country of Buelht, and a great sum of money beside: then there was a peace concluded between the king and the Prince, whereupon the Prince came to the king, and did honour him, but not as his king and lord, and every party returned home.  

Matt. Paris. page. 468.  This history is somewhat otherwise laid down by Matthew Paris, which I have thus translated out of the same author.  

Matt. West. page. 124.  About the same time, those soldiers which lay in garrison in the castle of Mountgomery, went out with some of their neighbours to amend a certain passage in the high way, leading through a great wood thereby, where the Welshmen were wont to rob and slay such as traveled that way: and coming to the place, with their axes and other weapons began to fell the trees, and to cut down the bushes; whereby the way might be enlarged. Which thing when the Welshmen understood, they came with a great power, and setting upon their enemies, compelled them to take the castle for their defence, (certain being slain on both sides) and then casting a trench about the same, laid siege unto it. This being quickly certified unto Hubert de Burgh chief justice of England, to whom a little before the same castle and honour was given: the king himself with convenient speed coming raised the siege, and when his whole army came to him, (for few soldiers came with him thither) he went to the said wood, which was very large, being five miles in length, and by reason of the thick growth of the same very hard to be stocked: howbeit the king caused the same with great diligence and travel to be asserted and consumed with fire. Then leading his army further into the country, he came to an abbeie of white monks called Cridia, being a refuge for the Welshmen to fly unto, which he caused to be burned to ashes; where Hubert de Burgh (to whom the place seemed very fit for fortification) having the assent of the king, caused a castle to be builded. But or ever the work was finished, many were slain on both sides: and William de Bruse a noble warrior, who went out to make provision for the army, was taken by the Welshmen, and cast in prison: and diverse other went out for the like purpose, whereof one being knighted a few days before, seeing some of his fellows in danger and like to be distressed, rushed boldly into the midst of his enemies, kill many about him, who in the end with many other of the king's men was there slain. Many also of the king's 〈◊〉 soldiers being confederate with prince Lhewelyn, did very faintly defend his cause with whom they came thither. Whereupon the king wanting necessary provision, and perceiving the double dealing of some of his own men, was constrained to conclude a dishonourable peace with the Welshmen, giving his assent that the castle, which with so great expenses of men and money was now almost finished, should be razed at his own charges, taking of prince Lhewelyn three thousand pounds towards the same. The peace being thus confirmed both parties departed homeward. So the king of England, after that he had bestowed three months in the building of the said castle, and disbursed an infinite sum of money in vain, leaving William de Bruse one of his nobles in the Prince's prison, returned home with great slain of his honour. The name also which Hubert the chief justice had given to the castle at the beginning of the building, calling it Hubert's folly, 
Stultitia Huberti.  did now move many to laugh at the thing, who seeing that costly and sumptuous building, to be made equal with the ground, said that Hubert was a prophet and more than a prophet. Thus far out of Matthew Paris.  
Shortly after this, there fallen a great variance between the king and Richard Earl of Cornwall his brother, where great partaking was on either side. These lords held with Richard, Randulph Earl of Chester, William Martial Earl of Pembroke, Gilbert Earl of Gloucester, William Earl Warren, Henry Earl of Hereford, William Earl Ferrer, and William Earl of Warwick. But this debate was soon taken up and finished, the king and his brother being made friends. In the year 1230. 
1230  Henry made a journey to France, to recover again that which his father had lost: 
Matt. Paris. pag. 485.  from whence he returned back again without doing any good. At this time Lhewelyn the son of Maelgon died in North-wales, and was buried at Conwey. Prince Lhewhelyn caused William Bruse to be hanged, 
Matt. Paris. pag. 488. Matt. West. pag. 128.  being (as it was reported) taken in adultery with his wife, who was the sister of king Henry. Also Gilbert of Clare Earl of Gloucester died, whose wife afterward married Richard Earl of Cornwall, and the king gave the wardship of his son to the Earl of Kent. Likewise Maelgon son to prince Rees died at this time, and was buried at Stratflur, whose patrimony young Maelgon his son inherited after his father. 
1231  The year ensuing, William Martial Earl of Pembroke died, and Richard his brother enjoyed his inheritance.  

Hol. pag. 638. Matt. Paris. pag. 492.  This year the king lead a great army to Wales, & after he had remained in the Marches a while, he returned to England, and left Hubert de Burgh Earl of Kent with his army to defend the Marches, & he by spies understood where certain Welshmen entered the Marches to spoil, and set upon them by Mountgomery, & slay a great number of them. 
Matt. West. page. 131.  Then the Prince being therewith sore offended gathered an army, and to revenge his men, entering the Marches with fire & sword, slay all that withstood him, and burned the castles with the garrisons without mercy: and first the castle of Mountgomery, for the Earl withdrew himself for fear. Then the castle of Radnor, Aberhodni, Rayader Gwy, & so he went through Gwentland to Caerlhêon, and after long fight and loss of many of his men, got the town, and left nothing therein but ashes. The like he did with the castles of Neth and Cydwely. 
Matt. Paris. pag. 492.  Therefore the king caused the Prince to be denounced accursed, and came to Hereford with a mighty army, and sent a great number of his nobles with the most part of his army to Wales, who using the direction of a friar of Cymer, met with a number of Welshmen, which at the first encounter fled, whom the Englishmen followed to the straits, where the ambushments lay, which fallen upon them and slay a great number of the best soldiers, and the rest escaped with fleeing. 
Matt. Paris. page, 493.  Therefore the king would have burned the house of Cymer, but the Prior paid 300. marks, and the king returned to England after he had built the castle of Mawd. In the mean time of this, Maelgon the son of Maelgon ap Rees laid siege do Aberteivi and got the town, and destroyed it to the castle gates, slaying all the inhabitants. And shortly after he returned with his cousin Owen son to Gruffyth ap Rees, with certain of the Prince's captains, and broke down the bridge upon the river Teivi, and laid siege to the castle, and with engines and mines threw down the same, and then returned home with much honour. 
Matt. Paris. pag. 502.  The next year to this, prince Lhewelyn entered into England, and returned with a rich spoil of goods, cattle, and men. Therefore the king feased a subsidy to subdue the Welshmen. Hubert de Burgh was at this time accused upon certain articles, 
Hol. pag. 640 Matt. Paris. pag. 507.  and committed to prison. Randulph Earl of Chester and Lincoln died the same year, and john his sister son (by the brother of the Scottish king) was Earl of Chester after him, 
Hol. pag. 622.  who took to wife the daughter of prince Lhewelyn: and an other of his nephews had the Earldom of Lincoln. Also Ephraim bishop of Lhanelwy died. About the same time john de Bruse falling off his horse, his foot sticking fast in the sturope and the horse tail, was drawn by his own horse till he died miserably. The summer following Richard Earl of Cornwall fortified the castle of Radnor, which the Prince had lately destroyed.  
Shortly after that, Prince Lhewelyn came with an army to Brechnock, and destroyed all the towns and castles in the country: and lay a month at the siege of the castle of Brechnock, but yet went without it, and burning the town, returned homeward with a great booty. In his journey by the way he burned the town of Clunn, and recovered all the country called Dyffryn Teveidiat (which was of the possession of john Fitzalan) but he could not get the castle. 
1233  After that he overthrew the Reddecastell in Powys, 
Matt. West. page. 134. Matt. Paris. page. 517.  and burned the town of Oswestree, and so came home. About this time Richard Martial Earl of Pembroke fallen at debate with the king, 
Matt. Paris. pag. 518.  who with Hubert de Burgh that broke out of the castle of devices came to Wales, and joined with the Prince against the king.  

Matt. West. page. 137.  Matthew of Westminster doth writ, that Hubert de Burgh then prisoner in the castle of devices, being admonished that Peter bishop of Winchester purposed to famish him in the said castle, escaped over the brickwall and took sanctuary; out of the which he was violently taken by the keepers of the castle: but by the means of the bishop of Sarum (within whose diocese the same was) he was restored again to the sanctuary, and within a while after fetched away by a power of armed men, being the friends of the Earl Martial, and brought into Wales, where he joined himself to the king's enemies.  
Then the Earl with Owen ap Gruffyth ap Rees came to Menevia or S. David's, and killed and spoilt all the king's servants and friends within the town. Also Maelgon & Rees Gryc, with the power of the prince joined with them, who in that voyage wan all these castles, Caerdyff, Abergevennie, Pencelhy, Blaynlhefyni, and Bwlch y Dinas, which they razed all, saving Caerdyff. Then the king gathered a wonderful great army aswell Flemings, normans, and Gascoines, as Englishmen, and entered Wales, thinking to destroy the whole country, and encamped at Grosmont, where the Earl with the power of Wales encamped hard by him. And as the king's men would have entered further they were met withal, and lost 500 horse, whereupon the king had advise to return home, and so he did. After whose departure the Earl with the power aforesaid lay before Caermardhyn three months; but it was so manfully defended that they could not come by it. And at last there came in the king's ships, and manned and victualled the town afresh, wherefore they raised the siege and departed. Within a while after Rees Gryc son to the lord or prince Rees died at Lhandeilo vawr, and was buried honourably besides his father at S. David's. Then Maelgon Vachan son to Maelgon ap Rees finished the castle of Trefilan which his father had begun.  

Matt. Paris. page. 518.  The Earl Martial understanding that the bishop of Winchester had with a thousand marks of money won from him to the kings part the Earls of Chester and Lincoln, made a firm league with Lhewelyn prince of Wales, and other nobles of that country, swearing among themselves, that none of them should grow to any agreement with the king without his confederates. Whereupon the king sent to Flanders and other countries beyond the sea for aid: to whom Baldwyn Earl of Gysnes came with a great army to Gloucester. Also many Poictovins came to him by the procurement of the said bishop, who was that countryman himself.  

1231  In the year of Christ 1234. john lord Monumetensis a noble warrior, captain of the king's army, being made Warden of the Marches of Wales, levied a power, and came against the Earl Martial and the Welshmen: but when he had once entered Wales he came back in post, leaving his men for the most part slain and taken behind him.  

Matt. Paris. pag. 526. Polydorus virg. lib. 16.  This history is laid down by Matthew Paris after this manner. About the feast of S. john Baptist, john of Monmouth a noble and expert warrior, who was with the king in his wars in Wales, gathered a great army, meaning to invade the Earl Martial at unawares; but he being certified of the same, hide himself in a certain wood, by the which lay the way of his enemies, 
Fallere fallentem non est fraus.  intending to deceive them, who went about to serve him after the same sort. When the enemies therefore came to the place where the ambush was, the Earl Marshal's army gave a great shout, and so set upon their enemies being unprovided, and suddenly put them all to flight, slaying an infinite number of them aswell Poictovins, as other. john of Monmouth himself escaped by flight, whose country with the villages, buildings, and all that he had therein the Earl Martial did spoil and destroy with fire and sword, and left him nothing at all, and then returned with rich spoils.  
Afterwards, 
Matt. Paris. pag. 527.  in the week after the epiphany, Lhewelyn prince of Wales together with the Earl Martial joining their powers, and entering the king's land, destroyed all with fire and sword, from the confines of Wales unto the town of Salop, which they also took, and burned a great part thereof, and then returned with great spoils. The king of England, being all this while with the bishop of Winchester at Gloucester, little regarding war, who for want of sufficient strength for the war, dared not meet his enemies in the field, but being ashamed of the matter, departed towards Winchester, leaving the Marches to be destroyed by the enemies, as any man might see.  
The same year Richard Earl of Pembroke, 
Matt. Paris. pag. 533.  by the counsel of Geffrey de Marisco went with an army to Ireland, where he was slain in fight by treason of his own men, after whom his brother Gilbert inherited his lands.  
In that time the king sent the Archbishop of Canturburie, 
Matt. Paris, page. 540.  with the bishops of Rochester and Chester, to entreat with prince Lhewelyn for to make peace with the king, but they returned without doing of any good.  

Matt. Paris.  Matthew Paris says this. The king at this time going to meet Edmond Archbishop of Canturburie, and the other Bishops which he had sent to conclude a peace with Lhewelyn prince of Wales, came to Woodstock, where being certified of the death of the Earl Martial (by certain messengers which came from Ireland) he fallen into great weeping and sorrow for the death of so valiant a knight: affirming withal, that he had not lest his peer behind him in the realm. 
A peace concluded betwixt Lhewelyn and king Henry.  From thence he went to Gloucester, where the said Archbishop and bishops coming to him, declared the treaty and form of peace taken between him and the said Lhewelyn: yet nevertheless upon this condition, that the noble men of England, which were confederates with the said Lhewelyn, and by evil counsel were exiled, should first be reconciled to the king, whereby the said peace might be more firm and stable. Moreover the Archbishop said, that with much a do they had brought the matter to that pass, adding sometimes threatenings on the king's behalf with his clergy, to the which threatenings the said Lhewelyn is reported to have answered, that he more regarded the king's almes-déeds, and his godly behaviour, than he did fear his war with all his clergy. 
The barons called home and pardoned.  Then the king (who wished peace with all his heart) caused by his letters all the nobles that were outlawed, to be called again unto him to Gloucester, the sunday before the Ascension day next following, to have their pardons, and to receive their inheritance which the king had seized into his own hands. Then Hubert de Burgh Earl of Kent came to the king and obtained his favour, whom the king reverently embraced and kissed.  
Prince Lhewelyn also this year set Gruffyth his son at liberty, whom he had kept in prison six years for his disobedience. At the same time died Robert Fitzwater, who as Matthew Paris says, 
H. Lhoyd. Matt. Paris.  had a stone about his neck of such virtue, that he could not die as long as it was there. Also Roger de Somerie died; and Cadwalhon ap Maelgon of Melienyth. The year after died Owen son to Gruffyth ap Rees, being a noble Gentleman, and very well beloved, and was buried by his brother Rees at Stratflur. King Henry about this time took to wife the second daughter of the Earl of Province called Elinor. And Fredrick the Emperor married Isabel sister to king Henry. The year after, Madoc the son of Gruffyth Maylor lord of the lower Powys or Bromfield, Chirke, and Yale, a man very just and merciful, died and was buried honourably at the abbey of Lhan Egwest, or Vale Crucis, which he had built, and left behind him a son named Gruffyth to inherit his lands. Also Owen ap Meredyth ap Rotpert of Cydewen departed out of this world. The same year Gilbert earl of Pembroke by treason got the castle of Morgan ap Howel, called Marchen, and fortified it very strong for fear of the Prince. Then the Earls of Cornwall and Pembroke took the cross. 
1237  The next spring died jone daughter to king john, princess of Wales, and was buried upon the sea shore within the isle of Anglesey, at Lhanuaes, as her pleasure was, where the Prince did build a house of barefoot Friars over her grave. Then also died john Scot Earl of Chester without issue, therefore the king seized that Earldom to his own hands.  

Because the Earls of Chester were men of great possessions in Wales, and had much war with the princes of North-wales, I think it convenient for the better understanding of this history, to lay down a brief Catalogue of the descents of the same Earls in order, from the conquest to this john Scot which was the last of them.  
HVgh Lupus the son of Richard Earl of Auranges' Uicount of Abonica, and of Margaret the daughter of Harlowine a noble man in Normandy, who married Arlet the daughter of a burgess in Falois, which was also mother to William Conqueror, came to England with the said Conqueror, and was by him created Earl of Chester, and sword-bearer of England, with these words: Habendum & tenendum dictum comitatum Caestriae sibi & haeredibus suis, ita liberè ad gladium sicut ipse rex totam tenebat Angliam ad coronam; that is, To have and to hold the said county of Chester to him and his heirs by right of the sword, so freely as the king held the realm of England in the right of the crown. Hugh being established in the possession of the Earldom, with most large privileges and fréedoms, ordained under him (for the better government of the said county) four Barons, 
Four barons  to wit: The first, 
1 Halton.  Nigell or Neal his cousin Baron of Halton, Constable and Marshal of Chester, by condition of service to lead the Uauntgard of the Earl's army when he should make any journey into Wales; so as the said Baron should be the foremost in marching into the enemies country, and the last in coming back: of him the Lacies Earls of Lincoln descended. The second, 
2 Nantwich.  Piers Malebanke Baron of Nantwich. The Third, 
3 Malpas.  Eustace Baron of Malpas. The fourth, Warren Vernoun Baron of Shipbrooke. 
4 Shipbroke.  This Hugh Lupus converted the church of S. Werburgh to an Abbeie: and died An 1102. after he had ruled that Earldom forty years leaving issue behind him Richard, Robert Abbot of Bury, and Otuell tutor to the children of king Henry the first.  
Richard Lupus the son of Hugh Lupus, being the second Earl of Chester after the Conquest, was but seven year old when he was Earl, he married Maud the daughter of Stephen Earl of Bloys Charters and champaign, being the sister of king Stephen; he with his brother Otuell after he had been Earl of Chester xvij. years was drowned at Godwin-sands coming from Normandy with the children of king Henry the first, in the year of Christ. 1120.  
Randulph Meschines alias de Bohun, the son of john de Bohun, and of Margaret the sister of Hugh Lupus, succeeded Richard in the Earldom of Chester as cousin & next heir of blood to him, being the third earl of Chester after the conquest: he married Maud the daughter of Aubrey de Vere Earl of Gisnes, by whom he had issue Randulph surnamed Vernounes (because he was born at Vernoune castle) and died An. 1130. after that he had been Earl about eight years.  
Randulph Bohun his son succeeded his father being the fourth Earl of Chester after the Conquest, who married Alicia the daughter of Robert Earl of Gloucester base son to king Henry the first, by whom he had issue Hugh Cyvelioc (so called of that country of Powys wherein he was born) and died An. 1158. When he had been Earl nine and twenty years.  
Hugh Bohun alias Kevelock or rather Cyvelioc, being the fift Earl of Chester after the Conquest, married Beatrice the daughter of Richard Lucy lord chief justice of England, by whom he had issue Randulph, and four daughters; Maud married to David Earl of Anguis and Huntingdon lord of Galloway: mabil married to William Daubney Earl of Arundel: Agnes married to William Ferrer Earl of Derby, and Hawys married to Robert Quincy a Baron of great honour, who was in her right after her brother's death Earl of Lincoln, and after him she was married to sir Warren Bostock. This Hugh was Earl of Chester 28. years, & died about the year 1182.  
Randulph Bohun alias Blandevill, so called, because he was born in Powys, in a town named Album monasterium, succéded his father being the sixt Earl of Chester after the Conquest: who was also Earl of Lincoln, as cousin and next heir unto William Romare Earl of Lincoln, the second brother of Randulph Meschines the third Earl of Chester after the Conquest. He was thrice married, first to Constance the daughter and heir of Conan earl of Britain and Richmond, being the widow of Geffrey the third son of king Henry the second, and the mother of Arthur earl of Britain: from whom afterward he was divorced, and then married a lady named Clemence daughter to the Earl Ferrer: after whose decease he took to his third wife Margaret daughter to Humphrey de Bohun Earl of Hereford, Essex, and Constable of England. Nuerthelesse he never had issue by any of those his wives, and therefore the Earldom of Chester and his lands in North-wales after his death descended to john surnamed Scot, his sister Maud's son by David Earl of Anguis and Huntingdon. The manor of Barrow with 500 pound lands came to mabil: the Earldom of Lincoln to Hawyse: the castle and manor of Chartley and (as I think) his possessions in Powys to Agnes. This Randulph achieved many enterprises against Lhewelyn prince of Wales, but one time meeting with the said Prince, and being too weak to encounter with him, he was driven to retire back to the castle of Ruthlan, wherein the said Prince besieged him: whereupon he was feign to sand to Roger Lacie Constable of Chester, to come to his succours in that extremity. Lacie calling his friends unto him, requested them to make as many men as they could, and to go with him, to deliver the Earl out of the danger of his enemies: at whose request Ralph Dutton his son in law, being a lusty youth, assembled together all the players, musicians, and merry companions within the city (being then the Fair time) and came to the Constable, who forthwith went to Ruthlan, raised the siege, and delivered the Earl from danger. In recompense of which service, the Earl gave unto his Constable diverse fréedoms and privileges, and granted unto the said Dutton the ruling and ordering of all the players and musicians within that county, which his heir enjoyeth even to this day. This Earl builded the castles of Charteley and Beeston, & the abbey of Dalacrosse. He died about the year of Christ 1232. when he had been Earl 51. years.  
john Scot was in the right of Maud his mother the elder sister, and one of the heirs of Randulph Blandevile, the seventh Earl of Chester, he had great wars with Lhewelyn ap jorwerth prince of Wales; but in the end peace being made betwixt them, the Earl for further confirmation of the same, married jane the Prince's daughter, nevertheless he died without issue, leaving four sisters his heirs. Margaret married to Alan de Galawey, by whom she had a daughter named Derngold, the mother of john Balliol king of Scotland: Isabel married to Robert Breux: Maud, who died without issue, and Alicia married to Henry Hastings; to the which sisters the king gave other lands, and took the said Earldom into his own hands, Quia noluit tam praeclaram dominationem dividi inter colos.  
In the year 1237. 
1237  Lhewelyn prince of Wales, called all the Lords and Barons of Wales before him to Stratflur, and there every one of them sworn to be faithful subjects, and did homage to David Lhewelyns son.  

Matt. Paris. page. 584. Matt. West. page. 154.  At this time Lhewelyn prince of Wales, being impotent (by reason of a palsy which had taken him) and sore vexed and disquieted by his son Gruffyth, sent Ambassadors to the king, to signify unto him, that for as much as his years were now well-nigh spent, he was desirous to lead the rest of his days in peace and quietness: and therefore purposed now to submit himself to the government and protection of the king of England, and that he would hold his lands of him: promising withal, that when soever the king should stand in need of his aid, he would be ready to help him with men and money, to the uttermost of his power. There were sent as mediators in this behalf, the bishops of Hereford & Chester, who traveled about the same, with the good liking of many of the nobles of Wales, although some openly gainsaid them, & in no case would accept any such peace.  

Matt. Paris, page. 584.  Then the said David took from his brother Gruffyth, Arustly, Ceri, Cyvelioc, Mowthwy, Mochnant, and Caereneon, 
H. Lhoyd. Matth. West. page. 154.  and let him only enjoy the Cantref of Lhyyn. This Gruffyth was the elder brother and a lusty gentleman, but yet base born. The summer following, the Earl of Cornwall, and William de longa Spata the younger took their voyage towards the holy land, & Simon de Monteforti fled from France to England, to whom the king gave the Stewardship of England, with the earldom of Leicester. 
Matt. Paris. page 703. Matt. West. page. 154.  This time David son to prince Lhewelyn did contrary to his oath, take his brother Gruffyth (being in safeconduct with the bishop of Bangor) upon whose promise he was content to speak with his brother, and imprisoned him in the castle of Crickieth. The year after Christ's incarnation 1240. 
1240  Lhewelyn ap jorwerth the most valiant and noble prince, which brought all Wales to his subjection, and had so often put his enemies to flight, and defended his country, enlarging the meres thereof further than they had been many years before, passed out of this transitory life, and was honourably buried at the Abbeie of Conwey, after he had governed Wales well and worthily fifty and six years. This prince left behind him one son called David begotten upon his wife jone daughter to king john of England, by whom also he had a daughter called Gladys married to six Ralph Mortimer. Also he had another son called Gruffyth, whom his brother wrongfully kept in close prison as long as he lived, as shallbe hereafter declared.    


David ap Lhewelyn.  David the son of Lhewelyn.  

Matt. Paris. pag. 764.  When Richard bishop of Bangor saw that David dealt so hardly with his brother Gruffyth, contrary to his faithful promise made unto the said bishop, he excommunicated him, and then withdrawing himself out of Wales, made a grievous complaint to the king upon David, most instantly requesting the king to deliver Gruffyth out of prison, lest the rumour of that fact being notified in the court of Rome, and other countries out of the realm, should be some stain of the king's honour, if he should not withstand such outrageous and wilful dealings. The king therefore greatly blaming David his nephew for the abusing of his brother in such sort as he did: requested him with most pithy persuasions to set his brother at liberty, as well for the saving of his own credit and fame, as also for the avoiding of the said excommunication, and other imminent dangers which might ensue of that matter. To the which request of the king, David answered plainly that he would not deliver his brother out of prison: affirming constantly, that if his brother were enlarged, the country of Wales would be in great disquietness. Whereof when Gruffyth was certified, he sendeth privily to the king, promising that if he would forcibly deliver him out of his brother's prison, he would hold his lands of him, and pay him two hundredth marks yearly: offering not only to be sworn upon this, and to deliver pledges for performance thereof, but also to aid the king to bring the rest of the Welshmen to his subjection. Further, Gruffyth Lord of Bromfield did assure the king of aid, if he would come to Wales with an army, to chastise David for his falsehood and injury used towards his brother. Moreover, the bishop of Bangor (being more desirous to be revenged upon David in an other man's matter, than careful to feed his flock in discharge of his own duty) sent to Rome, and there followed the matter so hard, that the Pope excommunicated David: which excommunication was denounced accordingly, and his land interdicted. Now king Henry being alured with these promises on Gruffyths behalf, levied a puissant army to go into Wales; straightly commanding by his writs all such as aught him service in time of war, to give their attendance upon him ready with horse and armour at Gloucester the first day of August following, to set forward against his enemies. Wither the king came at the day appointed, and from thence went to Salop, and remained there fifteen days.  
During the king's abode at Salop, 
Matt. Paris. page, 841.  divers noble men were great suitors unto him in the behalf of Gruffyth, as Ralph lord Mortimer of Wigmore, Walter Clifford, Roger de Monte Alto steward of Chester, Maelgon the son of Maelgon, Meredyth ap Rotpert lord of Cydewen, Gruffyth ap Madoc lord of Bromfield, Howel and Meredyth the sons of Conan ap Owen Gwyneth, and Gruffyth the son of Gwenwynwyn lord of Powys. These wrought so with the king, that there was a league concluded between him and Senena the wife of the said Gruffyth, in the behalf of her husband lying then in his brother's prison, according to the articles comprised in this charter following.  
Conuenit inter dominum Henricum tertium regem Anglorum illustrem ex una part, 
Articles agreed upon between the king, & the wife of Gruffyth.  & Senenam uxorem Gryffini, filij Leolini, quondàm principis Northwalliae, quem David frater eius tenet carceri mancipatum, cum Owino filio suo, nomine eiusdem Gryffini ex altera, etc.  
Articles of agreement between Henry the third of that name, king of England of the one party, and Senena the wife of Gruffyth, the son of Lhewelyn, sometimes Prince of North-wales, whom David his brother deteineth in prison, with Owen his son, in the name of the said Gruffyth of the other party.  
IN primis, the said Senena undertaketh, that the said Gruffyth her husband will give unto the king six hundredth marks, upon condition that the king do 'cause the said Gruffyth and Owen his son to be delivered from the prison wherein they are kept, and will stand to the judgement of the king's court, whether by law he aught to be imprisoned or no.  
Item the said Gruffyth and his heirs will stand to the judgement of the king's court, for and concerning that portion of the inheritance of the said Lhewelyn his father, which of right aught to appertain unto him.  
Item the said Senena undertaketh for the said Gruffyth and his heirs, that the said Gruffyth and his heirs shall yield and pay yearly to the king for the same lands, the sum of three hundredth marks. Whereof the first third part to be paid in money, the second in cows, and the third in horses, by the estimation of indifferent men, and the same to be paid yearly at Michaelmas and Easter by even portions, by the hands of the Sheriff of the county of Salop for the time being.  
Item the said Senena undertaketh further for the said Gruffyth and his heirs, that they and every of them shall observe the peace against the said David, and suffer him quietly to enjoy such portion of his father's inheritance as to him shall be found to be due.  
Item the said Senena doth further undertake for the said Gruffyth her husband and his heirs, that in case any Welshman hereafter shall happen to rebel against the king, they at their own costs and charges shall compel the said offender to make satisfaction to the king for his disobedience.  
Item for the performance of the premises, the said Senena will deliver unto the lord the king, David and Roderike her sons for pledges, with proviso that if the said Gruffyth and Owen or either of them shall happen to die before their delivery out of the said prison, it shall be lawful for the said Senena to have one of her sons released, the other remaining with the king for pledge.  
Item the said Senena hath sworn upon the holy Evangelist, that the said Gruffyth her husband and his heirs, and every of them shall accomplish and perform all the premises on their behalf; & further undertaketh that the said Gruffyth her husband, upon his delivery out of prison, shall take the same oath.  
Item the said Senena in the name of the said Gruffyth her husband, submitteth herself concerning the observation of the premises unto the jurisdiction of the reverend fathers the bishops of Hereford and Lichfield, so that the said bishops or either of them at the king's request shall compel the said Gruffyth and his heirs to observe all and singular the premises on their behalf, by sentence of excommunication upon their people, and interdiction upon their lands.  
lastly, the said Senena both undertake and promise' (bona fide) to see and procure the full performance of all the premises, and that the said Gruffyth her husband and his heirs shall allow and perform the same, and thereof shall deliver his instrument in writing to the king in form aforesaid. To this charter both parties put their seals, Gruffyth and Senena to that part which remained with the king, and the king to that part which remained with Senena.  
Moreover, for the sure performance of these articles, the said Senena, for and in the name of her husband, put in for pledges the aforenamed noble men, to wit, Ralph Mortimer, Walter Clifford, Roger de monte alto, etc. Who bond themselves by their several writings obligatory to the king, in manner and form following.  

Omnibus hoc scriptum visuris Rogerus de monte alto Senescallus Cestriae Salutem: Sciatis quòd ego me constitui plegium, etc.  
TO all and singular to whom this writing shall come, Roger de monte alto Steward of Chester sendeth greeting: Know ye that I have constituted myself pledge for Senena the wife of Gruffyth the son of Lhewelyn, sometimes prince of North-wales, and have undertaken for her to our sovereign lord Henry king of England, that the said Senena shall accomplish and perform all and singular those covenants and articles, agreed upon between our said sovereign Lord and the said Senena, for and concerning the deliverance of the said Gruffyth her husband and Owen his son out of the prison of David his brother, & the portion of inheritance due unto the said Gruffyth, which the said David keepeth from him by force. In witness whereof to this present writing I have put my seal, Dated at Salop, the munday before the feast of the Assumption of the blessed virgin Marie, in the 25. year of the reign of the said King.  
The like charters were made by every one of the other noble men pledges, who bond themselves with the like words. Further, such of the said lords which favoured Gruffyths cause, as were out among themselves were now made friends, as Morgan ap Howel lord of Kery, & Sir Ralph Mortimer which before were at variance. 
Matt. Paris. page. 842.  Whereupon David being driven to extremities, having most of the nobilities of Wales against him: 
David in great perplexity being overmatched.  especially Gruffyth ap Madoc lord of Bromfield, favoured him not, who being a man of great wisdom and power was entirely loved of the king. Again, the sentence of excommunication & the interdiction of his land did not a little vex him. But the king's presence with so puissant an army did so move his spirits, that he could not be quiet, till he had sent to the king to desire peace, with this submission following.   

The Charter of the Articles of David's submission to the King.  
Omnibus Christi fidelibus ad quos praesentes literae pervenerint David filius Leolini salutem. Sciatis quòd concessi domino meo Henrico regi Angliae illustri, etc.  
TO all Christian people to whom these present letters shall come, David the son of Lhewelyn sendeth greeting. Know ye that I have granted and promised to deliver unto the lord Henry the noble king of England, Gruffyth my brother with his son and heir whom I keep in prison, and all other prisoners, who by occasion of the said Gruffyth lie in durance.  
Item I shall stand to the judgement of the king's court, aswell in that case, whether the said Gruffyth aught to be detained prisoner or not, as also for and concerning the part of the inheritance of the said Lhewelyn my father, claimed by the said Gruffyth according to the custom of Wales: so that the peace be maintained between me and the said Gruffyth.  
Item I and the said Gruffyth, and either of us shall hold our portions of land, of our said sovereign Lord the king in Capite, acknowledging him chief lord thereof.  
Item I shall restore unto Roger de monte alto Steward of Chester, his land of Montalt or Mould, with the appurtenances.  
Item I shall likewise restore to all other Barons, all such lands, lordships and castles, as were taken from them since the beginning of the wars between the lord john king of England, and the said Lhewelyn prince of Wales my father, saving the right of all covenants and grants by writing, to be reserved unto the judgement and determination of the king's court.  
Item I shall give and restore unto our sovereign lord the king all his charges in this present usage laid out.  
Item I shall make satisfaction for all damages and injuries done by me, or any of my subjects unto the king or his, according to the consideration of the king's court, and shall deliver such as shallbe malefactors in that behalf.  
Item I shall restore unto the said lord the king all the homages, which the late king john his father had, & which the said lord the king of right aught to have, especially of all the noble men of Wales: and if the king shall set at liberty any of his captives, the possessions of that man shall remain to the king.  
Item the land of Elsiner with the appurtenances shall remain to the lord the king and his heirs for ever.  
Item I shall not receive or suffer to be received within my country of Wales, any of the subjects of England, outlawed or banished by the said lord the king, or his barons of Mercia.  
Item for confirmation and performance of all and singular the premises on my behalf, I shall provide by bonds and pledges, and by all other ways and means as the said lord the king shall award, and will accomplish the commandment of the said king, and will obey his laws.  
In witness whereof to this present writing I have put my seal: Dated at Alnet by the river of Elwey, in the feast of the decollation of S. john Baptist, in the 25. year of the reign of the said king.  
For the observations of these articles, the said prince David and Ednyvet Vachan were sworn. Also the said prince David submitted himself to the jurisdiction of the Archbishop of Canturburie, and of the bishops of London, Hereford, and Coventrie, for the time being. That all, or one of them whom the king shall appoint, may excommunicate him, and interdict his land upon breach of any the said articles. And thereupon he procured the bishops of S. Bangor, and S. Asaph to make their charters to the lord the king, whereby they granted to execute and denounce all sentences, aswell of excommunication as of interdiction sent from the foresaid Archbishop, bishops or any of them.  
The said David also sent privily to the king, to desire him that he would suffer him being his nephew, and the lawful heir of Lhewelyn his father, to enjoy the principality of Wales rather than Gruffyth, which was but a bastard, and no kin unto the king. Giving him withal to understand, that in case he did set Gruffyth at liberty, he should be sure to have the war renewed. Whereupon the king knowing these things to be true, and understanding also that Gruffyth was a valiant stout man, and had many friends and favourers of his cause, inclined rather to assent unto David's request than otherwise to be in danger of further troubles, and therefore willingly granted the same.  
Shortly after David sendeth his brother Gruffyth unto the king, and other pledges for himself, for performance of the said articles, which the king sent forthwith to the tower of London, there to be safely kept, allowing to Gruffyth a noble a day for his finding. 
Man. Paris. page. 765.  And within few days after Michaelmas, prince David came to the king's court and did his homage, and sworn fealty, who for so doing, & in that he was the king's nephew, was sent home again in peace. When Gruffyth see how allthings went, & that he was not like to be set at liberty, he began to devise ways and means to escape out of prison.  
Wherefore deceiving the watch one night, he made a long line of hangings, 
Matt. Paris. page. 830.  coverings, and sheeets, and having got out at a window, let down himself by the same from the top of the tower: but by reason that he was a mighty parsonage and full of flesh, the line broke with the weight of his body, and so falling down headlong of a great height, his neck and head was driven into his body with the fall: whose miserable carcase being found the morrow after, was a pitiful sight to the beholders. The king being certified thereof, commanded Gruffyths son to be better looked unto, and punished the officers for their negligence.  
Then the king fortified the castle of Dyserth in Flyntshire. Also the king gave to Gruffyth son to Gwenwynwyn lord of Powys his inheritance: and to the sons of Conan ap Owen Gwyneth their lands in Merionyth. Then shortly after, Gilbert Martial Earl of Pembroke was slain by misfortune fight at the Turnay at Hereford. The bishop of Bangor came to the court to sue for the deliverance of Gruffyth son to prince Lhewelyn, but the king knowing him to be a man of great courage, would in no wise grant him liberty.  
The year after, king Henry went to France with an army to succour Hugh de Brune his father in law, meaning also to recover some of that which his father had lost: but all in vain, for the people favoured the French king, therefore having lost a great number of his men, amongst whom was Gilbert de Clare, he returned home again. Maelgon Vachan about this time fortified the castle of Garthgrugyn, john de Mynoc also fortified the castle of Buelht, & Roger Mortimer the castle of Melyenyth. The summer following, the king began to trouble the Welshmen very sore, and to take their lands by force without just title or rightful cause. This year died Hugh de Albineto Earl of Arundel, whose inheritance was divided betwixt his four sisters. Whereof Isabel the elder had married john Fitzalan lord of Oswalstree and Clun, whose son named also john Fitzalan was in the right of the said Isabel his mother created Earl of the Earldom of Arundel, in the which house it remained to our time. Within a while after, Rees Mechylh son to Rees Gryc of Southwales died. This year prince David sent to Rome to complain to the Pope, how the king of England compelled him unjustly to hold his lands of him. Therefore the Pope sent to the abbots of Aberconwy and Cymer a commission to inquire of this matter.  

Records, An. 29. Henry. 3.  After the death of Gruffyth, king Henry in the 29. year of his reign (as appeareth by the records in the tower) entitled his elder son Edward to the principality of Wales: which thing when David understood, he put himself in armour to defend his inheritance and right, 
Matt. Paris. pag. 880.  and knowing himself not able to withstand the king's force, he sent to Rome with great gifts to the Pope, complaining as is here mentioned; and declaring withal, that Lhewelyn his father had lest him and the principality of Wales under the protection of the church of Rome. His suit therefore to the Pope was, that he would accept of the same, and that David and his heirs might hold it of the church of Rome, yielding and paying yearly out of the same the sum of five hundredth marks, for payment of which sum he bond himself and his successors by solemn oath and writing executed accordingly. Which offer Pope Innocentius (ex super abundanti gratia) accepted: Quia ecclesia Romana nunquam claudit gremium talia offerentibus, and thereupon granted his letters of commission to the abbots aforesaid, to release David from his oath of allegiance to the king of England, and to inquire of the whole estate of the matter, and to certify him of the same. These commissioners taking upon them the authority, directed their Mandate to the king of England, commanding him to appear before them at Creythyn in the church of Lhangustenyn in the vigil of S. Agnes next coming, to answer in the premises. Whereupon the king laughing at the presumption of these abbots, being greatly offended with the Pope for his unsatiable greediness, 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Rom. Curiae.  sent to Rome, and with greater sums of money quieted all things again: so that the Pope made his gain at both hands. See Matthew Paris, page. 840.  
Then prince David gathered all his strength to be revenged of the wrongs which the Earls of Clare and Hereford, with john de Monmouth, and Roger de Monte Alto, and other Marchers did to his people. Whom all the lords in Wales obeyed, and took for their sovereign, saving Gruffyth son to Gwenwynwyn and Morgan ap Howel: which two shortly were compelled to obey also. Wherefore the prince entered the land of March; spoiling and destroying a great part thereof, with whom the said Earls fought diverse times: and sometimes the one and sometimes the other had the victory. The year ensuing the Marchers and the Welshmen met, 
Matt. Paris. page. 884.  not far from Mountgomery where was a cruel fight, and 300. of the Welshmen slain, and a great number of Englishmen, among whom there was slain a noble knight called Hubert Fitzmatthew. Whereupon the king being weary of these domestical troubles, 
Matt. Paris. page, 891.  gathered a huge army of Englishmen and Gascoynes, and entered North-wales, intending to destroy the country: but the Prince met with his people in a straight, & fought with them, and put them to flight. There the king lost a great number of his most worthy soldiers and nobility, 
Matt. Paris. pag. 927.  & the most part of all his Gascoynes, therefore seeing he could do no good, he sent for the Irishmen, which landed at the isle of Môn or Anglesey, and spoilt a great part thereof, till the inhabitants of the isle gathered themselves together and met with them, being laden with spoil, whom they chased to their ships: then the king manned and victualled his castles, and returned to England.  
Of this voyage a certain noble man, being then in the king's camp, written thus to his friends about the end of September, 1245.  
The king with his army lieth at Gannock, 
Matt. Paris. pag. 924.  fortifying of that strong castle, & we lie in our tents thereby, watching, fasting, praying, & fréezing with cold: we watch for fear of the Welshmen, who are wont to invade and come upon us in the night time. We fast for want of meat, for the halfpenny loaf is worth five pennies. We pray to God to sand us home again speedily, we starve for cold wanting our winter garments, and having no more but a thin linen clothe betwixt us and the wound. There is an arm of the sea under the castle where we lie, whereto the tide cometh, and many ships come up the haven thither, which bring victuals to the camp from Ireland and Chester. This arm of the sea lieth betwixt us and Snowdon, where the Welshmen abide now, and is about a slight shoot over when the tide is in. There came to the mouth of that haven a certain ship from Ireland with victuals to be sold, upon monday before Michaelinas day, which being negligently looked unto, was set on dry ground at the low ebb on the further side of the water, over against the castle: which thing when the Welshmen see, they came down from the hills and laid siege to the ship being now upon dry ground: whereupon we on the other side beholding the same, 
The lords of Bromfield and Powys held with the king in all these wars.  sent over by boats three hundredth Welshmen of the borders of Cheshire and Shropshire, with certain archers and armed men to the rescue of the said ship. Then the Welshmen withdrew themselves to their accustomed places in the rocks and woods, whom our men followed as far as two miles, being a foot, because they brought no horses over with them, and slay many of them. But our men in their return being overgréedie and covetous, spoilt the abbey of Aberconwey, and burned all the houses of offices belonging to the same. Which doings caused the Welshmen to come together, who like desperate men set upon our soldiers being laden with spoils, and slay a great number of them, following the rest to the waterside, of whom some got to the boats and so escaped, and some cast themselves into the water, and were drowned, and such as they took they hanged or headed every one. In this conflict we lost many of our men, specially of those that were under the conduct of Richard Earl of Cornewal, as Sir Alan Buscell, Sir Adam de Maio, Sir Geffrey Estuemy, and one Ramond a Gascoine, whom the king greatly fancied, and divers other, beside a hundredth of common soldiers. In the mean time Sir Walter Bisset worthily defended the said ship, until the tide came, and then came away with the same manfully, wherein there were threescore tons of wine beside other provision, etc. Many other things are contained in the said writing, of the hard shifts that were made in the king's camp for victuals, and the great dearth of all things that were to be eaten.  
This year died Walter marshal Earl of Pembroke and Anselme his brother without issue, whose inheritance descended to their five sisters.  
To the intent the reader may understand to whom the lands and lordships in Wales of the Earl Martial and Pembroke came: I thought it convenient here so lay down how these five sisters were bestowed.  

1 jone the elder married Warren Mounchensey, whose daughter and heir named also jone was married to William de Valence, half brother to king Henry the third, who in her right was Earl of Pembroke, whose two daughters (after the death of Aymenr de Valence) were his heirs, to wit: Isabel married unto john lord Hastings and Abergevenny, whose daughter named Elizabeth married Reynold lord Gray of Ruthyn, to the which family afterwards the inheritance fallen: and jone married to john lord common, who had issue Elizabeth married to Richard lord Talbot: and jone married to David Earl of Athell.  
2 Maud the second daughter of the Earl Martial and Pembroke was married to Hugh Bygod Earl of Norfolk, father of Ralph Bygod, whose daughter and heir Isabel was married to Sir Gilbert Lacie, who had issue Margery and Maud his daughters and heirs: Margery married to john L. Verdon, of whom the Earl of Shrewesburie and the Earl of Essex are descended. Maud married Geffrey Genivill father to Peter Genivill, whose daughter and heir was married to Roger Mortimer lord of Wigmor, and the first Earl of March.  
3 Isabel the third daughter of the Earl Martial & Pembroke was married to Gilbert de Clare Earl of Gloucester, of whose issue mention is made before pag. 129. and after his death she was married to Richard Earl of Cornwall, and king of the Romans.  
4 Sibylla the fourth daughter was married to William Ferrer Earl of Ferrer and Derby.  
5 Eva the fift daughter was married to William Bruse, lord Bruse of Gower.   
Likewise many nobles died without issue male at this time, 
Matt. Paris. page. 930.  as the Earl of Arundel, the Earl of Chester, the Earl of Essex, the Earl of Huntingdon, and diverse others.  
In the beginning of the year 1246. 
1246.  David prince of Wales, 
Matt. Paris. pag. 933.  after he had got the love of his subjects, and achieved many notable victories, passed out of this life, and was buried at Conwey by his father, after he had ruled Wales five years, leaving no issue of his body, to the great discomfort of the land.    



Lhewelyn ap nn.  Lhewelyn and Owen the sons of Gruffyth ap Lhewelyn.  
The Prince of North-wales was the superior Prince of all Wales, to whom the other princes of Southwales and Powys did pay a certain tribute yearly, as appeareth by the laws of Howel Dha, and in divers places of this history: and was the right heir of Cadwallader, as is evident by all writers, whose line of the heir male from Roderi Mawr endeth in this David the son of Lhewelyn, the son of jorwerth, the son of Owen Gwyneth, the son of Gruffyth, the son of Conan, the son of jago, the son of Edwal, the son of Meyric the son of Edwal Voel, the son of Anarawd, the son of Roderi Mawr, the son of Esylht, the daughter and sole heir of Conan Tindaythwy, the son of Roderike Molwynoc, the son of Edwal Ywrch, the son of Cadwallader the last king of the Britons.  
Lhewelyn ap jorwerth, Prince of North-wales, father to David married two wives, whereof the first was jone, the daughter of king john, by whom he had issue David and Gladys. His second wife was Eva the daughter of Foulke de Breant, by whom he had no issue. David succeeded his father in the principality of Wales, and died without issue: after whose decease the right of the inheritance descended and fallen to his sister of the whole blood Gladys, the wife of Ralph lord Mortimer of Wigmor, who had issue Roger Mortimer, of whom mention is made in this place, Peter john a Friar preacher, and Hugh lord of Chilmersh ..  
Roger Mortimer lord of Wigmor (and by right of inheritance Prince of Wales) married Maud de Bruse daughter of William de Bruse lord of Brechnocke, by whom he had issue Edmond, Roger lord of Chirkeland, William and Geffrey: and two daughters, Margaret married to the son of the Earl of Oxenford, and Isabel married to john Fitzalen Earl of Arundel. This Roger died An. 1282. and was buried in the abbey of Wigmor.  
Edmond Mortimer lord of Wigmor married Margaret Fendles, and had issue Roger, john slain in a Turnie at Worcester, Edmond, Hugh and Walter; and two daughters, Maud married to Theobald lord Verdon, of whom the Earl of Sherewsburie and the Earl of Essex are descended: and jone who died without issue. He lieth buried in the said abbey at Wigmor.  
Roger Mortimer lord of Wigmor married jone the daughter and heir of Sir Peter Genivill, and had issue Edmond Mortimer lord of Wigmor, Sir Roger Mortimer, and Geffrey lord of Cowich, called in stories Comes jubinensis; and seven daughters: Catharine married to Thomas Beauchamp Earl of Warwick: jone married to james lord Audely: Agnes countess of Pembroke: Margaret married to Thomas lord Berkeley: Maud married to john Charleton lord Powys: Blanch married to Sir Peter Graunson knight: and Beatrice married to Edward son & heir of Thomas Brotherton Earl Martial, and after his death to Thomas de Bruse. This Roger Mortimer escaped out of the Tower, and fled into France, and afterward returned again with Queen Isabel the wife of king Edward the second, and Edward the prince her son, by whom (after the putting down of the said king) he was created Earl of March, and was afterward attainted.  
Edmond Mortimer lord of Wigmor, 
This Elinor had issue by the Earl Bohune, who inherited her part afterward.  married Elinor late widow of William de Bohune Earl of Northampton one of the daughters and heirs of Bartholomew Badelsmer, lord of Leedes in Kent, and by her had issue Roger, and john who died without issue. He died in the castle of Ludlowe, and lieth buried in the said abbey of Wigmor.  
Roger Mortimer lord of Wigmor was by king Edward the third An. Regni sui. 29. restored to the Earldom of March, and all his grandfathers inheritance, honours and possessions, the said attainder being repealed and made voided. He had issue by Philippe his wife, the daughter of William Montague Earl of Sarum, Edmond Earl of March, and died at Roveraie in Burgundy, the 26. of February, Anno. 1359. whose bones were afterward translated to the abbey of Wigmor.  
Edmond Mortimer Earl of March and lord of Wigmor married Philippe the daughter & sole heir of leonel duke of Clarence, in whose right he was Earl of Ulster, he had issue Roger, and Edmond that was taken by Owen Glyndoure; and two daughters, Elizabeth married to Sir Henry Percy knight son and heir to Henry Percy Earl of Northumberland; & Philippe married first to john Hastings Earl of Pembroke, and after his death to Richard Earl of Arundel, and last to john lord S. john. He died in the city of Cork in Ireland, An. 1381. and lieth buried in the said abbey of Wigmor.  
Roger Mortimer Earl of March and Ulster lord of Wigmor, Trim, Clare, and Conaght, married Elinor the elder daughter and one of the heirs of Thomas Holland Earl of Kent, by whom he had issue Roger and Edmond, who both died without issue; and two daughters, Anne married to Richard Plantagenet Earl of Cambridge; and Elinor Countess of Devon, who died without issue.  
The said Richard and Anne had issue Richard duke of York, and Isabel married to Henry Bourchier Earl of Essex, of whom the Earl of Essex now living is descended.  

This Earl of Rutland was slain in the battle of Wakefield by the lord Clyfford.  Richard Plantagenet duke of York married Cicilie the daughter of Ralph Nevil Earl of Westmoreland, and had issue Edward the fourth king of England, Edmond earl of Rutland, George duke of Clarence, & Richard duke of Gloucester, afterward king of England by the name of Richard the third; and three daughters, Margaret married to Charles duke of Burgundy, Elizabeth married to john de lapoole duke of Suffolk, and Anne married to Henry Holland duke of Excester, and after to Sir Thomas Saintleger knight.  
Edward the fourth king of England married Elizabeth the daughter and one of the heirs of Richard Wooduile Earl Rivers, and had issue king Edward the fift, who died without issue, and Elizabeth married to king Henry the seventh, and mother to king Henry the eight of famous memory, father to the QVEENES' Majesty that now is: who by lineal descent is the right inheritrice of the Principality of Wales.  
By these Petegrées it is evident, that the title which Owen Glyndoure pretended to the principality of Wales was altogether frivolous: for he was not descended of the house of North-wales by his father, 
See before, page. 213.  but of a younger brother of the house of Powys: whose portion by inheritance is laid down by me in the description of the lordship of Powys before, page 213. which was but a very small thing. There be diverse gentlemen even at this date in Wales, which are come of the house of North-wales lineally: but I know none which are lawfully descended of Lhewelyn ap jorwerth, called by Matthew Paris, Leolinus Magnus, but such are come out of the house of Mortimer, in the which house by order of descent the right of the inheritance lieth.  

Matt. Paris. pag. 938.  About this time Harold king of Man came to the court and did homage to king Henry, and he dubbed him knight. The summer following, Rees Vachan son to Rees Mechyl got the castle of Carrec Cynnen, which his mother of mere hatred conceived against him, had delivered to the Englishmen. The Abbots of Conwey and Stratflur made suit to the king for the body of Gruffyth ap Lhewelyn, which he granted unto them, and they conveyed it to Conwey, where he was honourably buried. Then also William Ferrer Earl of Derbie and his wife died, being either of them a hundredth years of age. Not long after, William de longa Spata Earl of Salisbury was slain in the holy land, leaving one daughter behind him, married to Henry Lacie Earl of Lyncolne. The same time likewise died Gladys daughter to prince Lhewelyn, and wife to Sir Ralph Mortimer in the castle of Wyndsore. The year next following was so dry, that there fallen no rain from the eleventh day of March, to the Assumption of our lady. In the year 1254. 
1254  there arose a great debate between the princes of Wales: for Owen could not be content with half the principality, but got his younger brother David to him, and they two levied a great power to disinherit Lhewelyn, who with his men met with them in the field, and after a long fight gave them an overthrow, where he took them both prisoners, & then seized all their lands into his own hands, enjoying alone the whole principality of Wales.  
The year ensuing, all the lords of Wales came to prince Lhewelyn, and made their complaints to him with weeping eyes, how cruelly they were handled by prince Edward and others of the nobles of England, their lands being taken from them by force: and if at any time they did offend, they were punished with extremity, but where they were wronged they found no remedy. Therefore they protested before God and him, that they would rather die in the field in defence of their right, than to be made slaves to strangers: whereupon the Prince pitying his estate and there's, determined together with them, utterly to refuse the rule of the Englishmen, and rather to die in liberty than to live in thraldom, shame and opprobry. And gathering all his power, first recovered again all the Inland country of North-wales, and afterward all Merionyth, and such lands as Edward had usurped in Caerdigan, which he gave to Meredyth the son of Owen ap Gruffyth, and Buelht he gave to Meredyth ap Rees, chase away Rees Vachan out of the same, and so honourably divided all that he won amongst his Barons, that he kept nothing to himself but the perpetual fame of his liberality. Then also he recovered Gwerthryneon from Sir Roger Mortimer. The summer following prince Lhewelyn made war against Gruffyth ap Gwenwynwyn (who served the king) and won all Powys from him save the castle of Pole, and a little of Caereneon and the land by Severn side.  
Rees Vachan ap Rees Mechylh meaning to recover his lands again, obtained of the king a great army, where of one Stephen Bacon was captain, and came to Caermardhyn by sea, and marching from thence towards Dynevowr, laid siege to the castle: but the prince's power came with his coosins to raise the siege; where there was fought a bloody battle as ever was fought in Wales of so many men, and in the end the Englishmen were put to flight, and lost of their men above 2000 soldiers, from thence the prince's army went to Dyvet, and burned all the country, and destroyed the castles of Abercorran, Lhanstephan, Maenclochoc, & Arberth, and then returned home with much spoil. 
1256  And forthwith not being able to abide the wrongs that Geffrey Langley Lieutenant to the Earl of Chester) did to them, 
Matt. Paris. page. 1251.  the Prince entered the Earl's lands, 
Ibid. 1252. Tho. Walsh. Hypodigma pag. 61.  and destroyed all to the gates of Chester on either side the water. Whereupon Edward the Earl fled to his uncle, (who was then choose king of Romans) for succour, and returning back with an army, dared not fight with the Prince, 
Matt. Paris. page. 1253.  who had 10000 armed men, every one sworn to die in the field (if need required) in the defence of their country, yet Gruffyth ap Madoc Maelor, commonly surnamed lord of Dinas Brân (which is a castle standing upon a very high mountain, of situation impregnable in the lordship of Chirke) forsook the Prince, and served the Earl with all his power, 
Matth. West. page. 277.  which Earl was counted a cruel and unjust man, having no regard to right, promise, or oath.  
The next year prince Lhewelyn seizing to his hands Cemeys, and making peace betwixt Rees Gryc and Rees Vachan his brother's son, got the castle of Trefdraeth or Newport, with all Ros saving Haverford. Then destroying the country in his way towards Glamorgan, he razed the castle of Lhangymwch, and returning to North-wales, met with Edward Earl of Chester by the way, 
Matt. Paris. pag. 1260.  whom he caused to retire back, and then destroyed the lands of the said Gruffyth lord of Bromfield. Therefore the kings of England & Almain written to him gently, to departed home, which he refused to do; but dividing his army into two battles, in every of the which (as Matthew Paris says) there were 1500. footmen, and 500 horsemen well appointed. Whereupon Edward sent to the Irishmen to come to his succours: 
Matt. Paris. page. 1268.  whereof the Prince being certified, made ready his ships, and sending them to the sea, with sufficient power, to resist the coming of his enemies that way, prevented him: so that the Irishmen were overcome and sent home with great loss. 
Matt. Paris. page. 1271.  Wherefore the king with his son (being in a great rage) gathered all the strength of England, from S. Michaëls' Mount to Twede, & came to North-wales as far as Teganwy: but the Prince caused all the victuals to be removed over the river of Conwey, and kept all the straictes and passages so narrowly that the king was compelled to retire to England with great loss.  
Then prince Lhewelyn calling to him all the power of Southwales, came to the marches, where Gruffyth Lord of Bromfield yielded himself to him, (because the king could not defend his lands) & seizing to his own hands all the lands in Powys, 
Matt. Paris. pag. 1272.  he banished the lord Gruffyth ap Gwenwynwyn, and wan the castles of Gilbert de Clare Earl of Gloucester, where also he gave the Englishmen an overthrow, and slay a great number of the worthiest soldiers and such as the king loved well. Therefore the king called his strength to him, and sent to Gascoine and Ireland for succours, 
Matt. Paris, page. 1275. & 1276.  and then coming to Wales in harvest time, destroyed all the corn that was in his way: yet he went not far beyond Chester, but returned back without doing any notable act, for God (as Matthew Paris says) defended the poor people, 
Matt. Paris. page. 1274. Matt. Paris. page. 1279.  that put their whole confidence in him. The lord james Audeley (whose daughter Gruffyth lord of Bromfield had married) brought a great number of horsemen from Almain, to serve against the Welshmen, who with their great horses and unaccustomed kind of fight overthrew the Welshmen at the first encounter. Wherefore the Welshmen shortly after minding to revenge that displeasure, made road into the said lord Audley's lands, where the Almains set upon them, pursuing hard such as fled to the straits, who (using that flight for a policy) returned again so suddenly and so fearslie upon the Almains, that they being not able to retire upon the sudden were almost all slain. At this time there was great scarcity in England of beeves and horses, whereof they were wont to have many thousands yearly out of Wales, and all the marches were made as a desolate and desert place. The next spring all the nobles of Wales came together, and swore to defend their country to the death, and never to forsake one another, and that upon pain of cursing; but shortly after Meredyth ap Rees of Southwales not regarding his oath served the king. 
Matt. Paris, page. 1287.  Then the king called a Parliament for a subsidy to conquer Wales, when he had so many losses, and of late all the country of Pembroke burned and spoilt, 
1258  where the Welshmen had found salt plentifully which they lacked. 
Matt. Paris. page. 1288.  In the which Parliament William de Valentia accused the Earls of Leycester and Gloucester, as the workers of all this mischief: whereupon the Parliament broken without the grant of any subsidy.  

Ibidem, page, 1294 & 1297. Matt. West. page. 277.  Again shortly after, the same Parliament by prorogation was held at Oxford, where the king and Edward his son were sworn solemnly to obey the laws and statutes of the realm, but the king's brethren Gwy and William with Henry son to the king of Almain, and john Earl Warren forsook the oath, and departed away. And there the lords of Wales offered to be tried by the law for any offence they had committed against the king unjustly: 
Matt. Paris. pag. 1301. To this Patrick the lordship of Cydweli was given, if he could win the same and keep it. Matt. Paris. pag. 1307.  but Edward would not hear of it, but sent one Patrick de Canton as Lieutenant for the king to Caermardhin, and with him Meredyth ap Rees, and this Patrick desired to speak (upon peace) with the prince's council. Whereupon the prince meaning good faith, sent his brother David whom he had set at liberty, with Meredyth ap Owen and Rees ap Rees to Emlyn to entreat with them of peace, but Patrick meaning to entrap them, laid an ambushment of armed men by the way, and as they should have met, these men fallen upon the Welshmen, and slay a great number of them, but the lords which escaped raised the country forthwith, 
Matt. West. pag. 278.  and followed Patrick and slew him and the most part of all his men. And after this, the Prince desirous of peace and quietness to redeem the same, and to end all troubles and to purchase the kings good will, offered the king 4000 marks, and to his son 300. and to the Queen 200. to have peace, but the king answered; What is this to our losses? and refused it.  
It appeareth by the Records in the Tower, that about this time, to wit, An. 43. H. 3. There was a commission to William bishop of Worcester, john Mansel treasurer of York the king's Chaplain, and Peter de Montfort: to conclude a peace with the Welshmen: but it is like that there was nothing done to any effect in that behalf, for the war continued still. 
Matt. West. page 284.  Notwithstanding, I found by Matthew Westminster that there was a certain truce agreed upon between the king and the Welshmen for a year. 
pag. 287.  I read also in the same author, that the bishop of Bangor was this year about Michaelmas sent from Lhewelyn the prince, and all the Barons of Wales, to the king to desire peace at his hands, & to offer unto him the sum of 16000 pound for the same, so that he would grant the Welshmen to have all their matters herded and determined at Chester, as they were wont to have, and to suffer them to enjoy the laws and customs of their own country: but what answer the bishop brought again, the said author maketh no mention.  
The year 1260. 
1260  prince Lhewelyn destroyed the lands of Sir Roger Mortimer, because he contrary to his oath maintained the king's quarrel, and took from him all Buelht, saving the castle which the Prince's men got by night without bloodshed, and therein much munition, and so after the Prince had passed through all Southwales, he returned to his house at Aber, betwixt Conwey and Bangor. The year following died Owen ap Meredyth lord of Cydewen. And this summer certain of the Prince's men took upon a sudden the castle of Sir Roger Mortimer in Melienyth, and slay the garrison, taking Howel ap Meyric the captain thereof, with his wife and children, and the prince's Lieutenant came and destroyed it: then Sir Roger Mortimer hearing this came with a great strength of lords and knights to Melienyth, where the Prince came also, and Sir Roger kept himself within the walls of the broken castle, & sent to the prince for licence to departed without hurt. Then the prince having his enemy within his danger, took compassion upon him, because he was his cousin, and suffered him to departed with his people without hurt. From thence the prince went to Brechnocke at the request of the people of that country, which sworn fidelity unto him, and so returned to North-wales.  

Matt. Paris. pag. 1333. Tho. Wals. Hypodig. page. 63.  Prince Lhewelyn being confederate with the Barons against the king, destroyed the Earldom of Chester, and razed two of Edward's castles, Tygannwy and Diserth, and thither came Edward and did nothing to speak of. This year john Strange the younger being Constable of Montgomery came with a great number of Marchers by night, through Ceri to Cydewen: which thing when the country men understood, they gathered themselves together, and slay 200. of his men, but he escaped with the rest back again. Shortly after, the Marchers and the Welshmen met besides Clun, where the Englishmen had the victory, and slay a great number of Welshmen. At this time David the prince's brother (whom he had set at liberty) forsook him, and succoured his foes with all his power. Then Gruffyth ap Gwenwynwyn got the castle of Mould and razed it. At this time died Meredyth ap Owen the defender of Southwales The year ensuing king Henry lead a great army towards Wales, 
1268  and by means of Orobonus the Popes legate, 
Matt. Paris. pag. 1341. Matt. West. page. 347.  there was a peace concluded betwixt the king and the Prince at the castle of Montgomery upon Calixtus day, for which peace the prince gave the king 30000. marks, and the king granted the prince a Charter, to receive from thenceforth homage and fealty of all the nobility and Barons of Wales saving one: so that all the foresaid Barons should ever after hold of the prince, as their liege lord; and he to be called and written from thenceforth prince of Wales. And in witness of this, the king put his seal and hand to the said Charter, which was likewise confirmed by the authority of the Pope. The year after this died Grono ap Ednyvet Vachan, a noble man and chief of the prince's council. In the year 1270. 
1270  died Gruffyth lord of Bromfield, and was buried at Vale Crucis.  
Here endeth the British copy.   

That which followeth unto the death of this Prince was collected by Humphrey Lhoyd Gentleman.  
AT this place leaveth the British book, 
H. Lhoyd.  and writeth no further of the end of this prince, but leaveth him at the highest and most honourable stay that any prince of Wales was in, of many years before: the writer (peradventure) being abashed or rather ashamed to declare the utter fall and ruin of his country men, whereunto their own pride and discord did bring them, as it doth evidently appear to him that searcheth out their histories. But I intending to finish the history during the government of the Britons, have sought out in other Chronicles written in the Latin tongue, specially in the Chronicle of Nicholas Trivet (who written from the beginning of the reign of king Stephen, to the coronation of Edward the second) and such other, as much as I could found touching this matter. The year 1270. 
1270  john Earl Waren slay Alan Le Souch lord chief justice in Westminster hall. The year following Edward with his brother Edmund went to the holy land, where at Acon he was in danger to be slain by a villain (under the colour of delivering of a letter) who gave him five wounds with a knife.  

1272  And the year 1272. died Henry king of England, and Edward his son coming from the holy land, two years after was crowned at Westminster king of England, 
1274  to which coronation the prince of Wales refused to come, 
Tho. Walsh.  although he was sent for, laying for his excuse that he had offended many noble men of England, and therefore would not come in their danger, without he had for pledges the king's brother, with the Earl of Gloucester, and Robert Burnell chief justice of England, wherewith the king was sore offended, but he dissembled his displeasure for that time.  
King Edward could never brook prince Lhewelyn, sithence the time that he was driven to slight by him, at their meeting in the marches, whereof mention is made before, page 321. On the other side, Lhewelyn liked no better of the king than the king did of him. Again those noble men, which for their disobedience were disinherited by Lhewelyn, were received and entertained of king Edward: which things caused the Prince to fear some evil practice by those and other such as hated him, if he should have been at the king's coronation to do his homage and fealty, according to the written directed unto him in that behalf: as appeareth by an instrument sent by the said Prince to Robert Kilwarby, Archbishop of Canturburie, the Archbishop of York, and other bishops sitting then at their convocation in the new Temple at London, Anno. 1275. Wherein the causes of this war are contained: which instrument itself (as it was then sent) is extant at this day, written in parchment with the Princes great seal thereunto appendent, which I have seen and copied out of the original verbatim, being then in the custody of Thomas Yale doctor of law, of late Dean of the arches (a great searcher and preserver of the antiquities of Wales) which I thought convenient here to lay down for the fuller understanding of this history.   

Reverendissimis in Christo patribus ac D.D. Roberto Dei gratia Archiepiscopo Cantuar. totius Angliae Primati, & Archiepiscopo Eborum, ac eorum Suffraganeis, etc.  
TO the most reverend fathers in Christ and Lords, Robert by the grace of God Archbishop of Canturburie, primate of England, and the Archbishop of York, and their Suffragans, being now together at London in council: their devout son Lhewelyn Prince of Wales and lord of Snoudon, greeting with due obedience, reverence, and honour in all things. Be it known to your reverend Fatherhoods, that where heretofore contention and discord (whereof war followed and long continued) arose betwixt the king of noble memory Henry king of England of the one party, and us of the other party: the same contentions and strife were at the last appeased by authority of the sea apostolic, and means of the reverend father lord Otobonus, Deacon and Cardinal of S. Adrian Legate into England: as it appeareth in the form of treaty and peace betwixt the said king, and Edward his first begotten son, lord Edward now king of England, and their successors on the one party: and us and our successors on the other party, by the corporal oaths of both parties assured. Which form of peace was committed to writing by the said Legate, with the seal of the said king, and the seal of the said lord Edward now king, and with our seal also. In the which peace it is contained amongst other things (which you do well know as we believe) that we and our successors should hold of the king and his successors the principality of Wales. So that all Welsh Barons should hold their Baronies and lands of us and our successors in Capite, and should do homage and fealty to us and to our heirs (one Baron excepted) for the which we and our successors should do homage and fealty to the lord the king and his successors. It is further contained in the same peace, that neither the said king nor his successors, should receive any of our enemies, nor any running away from us, or our successors, nor should help or maintain any such against us or our successors. The which all are contained in the form of peace, the tenor whereof the reverend Fathers of Strata Florida, and Aberconwey bearers hereof can show you.  
But see reverend Fathers, the lord Edward now noble king of England, after the said peace taketh into his hands certain Barons lands of Wales, of which they and their ancestors have been long possessed, and keepeth a Barony in his hands which should be ours by the form of peace: other Barons of our land being from us fugitives, running to him, he keepeth, helpeth and maintaineth; as David ap Gruffyth, and Gruffyth ap Gwenwynwyn, who purposed our death and destruction. Notwithstanding that since their departure they have rob within our land, committed slaughter, and burning of houses, and do still daily commit the like against the peace aforesaid: & although we have often sent our griefs & complaints by our solemn messengers, to the said noble lord Edward, as well before he was king, as since, yet unto this day he never did any redress therein. Also that which is more perilous, he called us unto a place (not to us safe) amongst our deadly enemies, our fugitives and felons and their spies and murderers, to do him homage and fealty: to the which place we can no ways come without danger of our body: especially seeing our enemies above said be in that place at the king's table, and sometime in counsel, and openly brag themselves. And though lawful and reasonable excuses were alleged by our messengers, before the king and his council, why the place was not safe nor indifferent, yet he refused to allow or appoint any other place indifferent for us to do our homage and fealty: which we were and are ready to do unto him, in any safe place by him to be appointed, if he will appoint any: and to perform the other articles of the peace concluded and sworn. And for that it pleased him not to come to any place, where we could with safety do him homage, we were suitors to him, to sand any from him to receive our oath and homage, until it pleased him to appoint a place, where we shall do our homage to him personally, the which thing he utterly denied to do.  
We therefore beseech your Fatherhoods earnestly, that it please you to consider what danger should happen to the people both of England and of Wales, by reason of the breach of the covenants of peace above said: if now wars and discord should follow, which God forbidden: attending and calling to remembrance the prohibition of the holy father the Pope lately in the council at Lions, that no war should be moved amongst Christians: lest thereby the affairs of the holy land should be neglected: that it would please you also to help with your counsel with the lord and king, that he would use us and order us according to the peace agreed upon, the which we will no way infringe. And if he will not hearken to your counsel therein (which God forbidden) that you will hold us excused, for we will no ways as much as in us lieth procure the trouble or disquietness of the Realm. And if it may please you to give credit to our messengers (which we do sand to the king at the day by him unto us appointed) to allege our lawful excuses in those things, which they by mouth shall on our part show unto you: resting to do your will and pleasure, if it please you to writ again. Dated at Talybont the 6. day of October, An. 1275.  
Shortly after, the king came to Chester, willing the Prince to come thither and do him homage, which when the Prince detracted to do, the king gathered an army to compel him thereto.  
The year following, the countess of Leycester, 
1277  wife to Simon Montfort (which remained at a Nunnery in Montargis in France) sent her daughter to Wales to marry the Prince, 
Tho. Walsh. page. 6. Matt. West. pag. 364.  as it was agreed betwixt them in her father's time, and with her came her brother Aemerike, and a goodly company: who fearing the coast of England, kept their course to the Isles of Sylle, where by chance they met with four ships of Bristol, which set upon them and took them, and brought them to the king, who entertained the lady honourably, sending her brother to be kept prisoner in the castle of Corff, from whence he was removed to the castle of Shirburne. 
Tho. Wals. page. 6.  Then the king prepared two armies, whereof he lead one himself to North-wales, as far as Ruthlan, and fortified that castle. And the other he sent with Paganus de Camurtijs a worthy soldier to Westwales, who burned and destroyed a great part of the country. And this year it reigned blood in divers places in Wales. The year ensuing the lords of Southwales came to the king's peace, and did him homage, and delivered the castle in Stratywy unto the king's lieutenant Paganus de Camurtijs. 
Matt. West. page, 365. Tho. Walls. page. 7.  Then the prince understanding this, and seeing that his own people had forsaken him, sent to the king for peace, which was agreed upon these conditions. First, that all those which the Prince kept prisoners of the king's friends, and for his cause, should be set at liberty. Item that the Prince should pay to the king for his favour and good will 50000. marks, to be paid at the king's pleasure. Item that four Cantreds should remain to the king and his heirs for ever, which Cantreds I think were these: Cantref Ros, where the king's castle of Teganwy stood: Cantref Ryvonioc where Denbigh is: Cantref Tegengl where Ruthlan standeth: and Cantref Dyffryn Clwyd where Ruthyn is. Item that the lords Marchers should quietly enjoy all the lands that they had conquered within Wales. 
N. Trivet.  Item that the prince should pay yearly for the isle of Môn or Anglesey 1000 marks, which payment should begin at Michaelmas than next ensuing, & that also he should pay 5000. marks out of hand, and if the Prince died without issue the isle should remain to the king and his heirs. Item that the Prince should come to England every Christmas to do the king homage for his lands. Item that all the Barons in Wales should hold their lands of the king saving five in Snowdon, who should acknowledge the Prince to be their lord. Item that he should for his life enjoy the name of Prince, and none of his heirs after him: so that after his death the foresaid five Barons should hold of the king and of none other. Item that for the performance of these articles the Prince should deliver for hostages ten of the best in Wales, without imprisoning, disinheriting, or time of deliverance determined; & also the king to choose twenty within North-wales, which should take their oaths with the Prince to perform all these articles: and if the Prince should serve from any of them, and being thereof admonished would not amend and redress the same, they should forsake him and become his enemies. The Prince was also bond, to let his brethren enjoy their lands in Wales: of whom David had long served the king, 
N. Trivet. Tho. Walls. page. 7.  whom the king had made knight contrary to the manner of Wales, and had given him in marriage the daughter of the Earl of Derby, whose first husband was lately deceased: to whom the king gave Denbigh in North-wales, and a 1000 pound lands therewith. His other brother Roderike was lately fled to England out of prison: and Owen the third was delivered at this composition.  

N. Trivet. Hol. pag. 787.  This peace was concluded in the king's absence, who appointed one of his Commissioners, to wit, the lord Robert Tiptoft to take an oath for him, and authorised the said Robert, Anthony Beke, and William de Southampton Prior provincial of the friars preachers, Commissioners nominated on his behalf, to receive the like oath of the said Lhewelyn: for whose part Theodor or Tuder ap Ednyvet and Grono ap Heilyn were Commissioners.  

N. Trivet. Tho. Walsh. page. 8.  At this time the king builded a castle at Aberystwyth, and returned to England with much honour: unto whom the people granted a subsidy of the twenty part of their goods towards his charges in this war. 
1278  The year following, the marriage was celebrated at Worcester betwixt Elinor daughter to Simon Montfort and prince Lhewelyn, 
Matt. West. page. 367. Tho. Walsh. pag. 8.  where the King & the Queen, and the most part of the nobility of England were present. Also the year after, Roger Mortimer set up at Killingworth a round table for a hundredth knights, to be exercised in the feats of arms, and thither resorted many knights from diverse countries. 
N. Trivet.  At this time the king of Scots did his homage to king Edward, and obtained the king's letters that his succours in the last wars of Wales were not done by the name of service, 
N. Trivet. Polydo. li. 17.  but of good will. And at this time a general inquisition was made, how and by what title every man held his lands and liberties, and the first that was called was the Earl Waren, who drawing out an old sword said, By this warrant mine ancestors wan their lands, and by this I do and will hold mine. And all the Barons applied to this answer, and the Quo warranto was no more talked of.  
The peace concluded between the prince of Wales and the king of England did not long continued, by reason of the severe and strict dealing of such officers as the king appointed rulers in the Marches and the Inland country of Wales: who hunting after their own gains oppressed the inhabitants, burdening them with new exactions contrary to the customs of the country; and also showing themselves too much affectionate in matters of controversy between party and party, especially when any Englishman had to do in the matter: which poling and partiality did altogether alienate the hearts of the people from the king of England, so that they had rather die than live in such thraldom. Whereupon assembling themselves together, they so moved David lord of Denbigh to be at unity with prince Lhewelyn, and to take pity upon their affliction and misery, that he being agreed with his brother, become their captain.  
Not long after David lord of Denbigh being reconciled to his brother the Prince, 
1281  upon condition he should never after serve the king of England as he had done before, but become his utter enemy, laid siege to the castle of Hawarden, and took Roger Clifford (a noble knight) slaying all that resisted, and after spoiling all the country, he with his brother the Prince laid siege to the castle of Ruthlan, the king hearing of this hasted thither with a great army to raise the siege, than the Prince retired back with his army. Also the same time Rees the son of Maelgon, and Gruffyth ap Meredyth ap Owen, with other noble men of Southwales, took the castle of Aberystwyth, and diverse other castles in that country, spoiling all the king's people that inhabited there abouts. Therefore the king sent the Archbishop of Canturburie to talk with the Prince and his brethren, which returned without doing any good; and by the king's commandment denounced them and all their complices accursed.  
This Archbishop here mentioned was john Peckham, who was sent from king Edward to prince Lhewelyn, as this author thinketh: but he himself affirmeth, that he took that enterprise in hand of his own motion, contrary or beside the king's mind: to the which assertion of his Nicholas Trivet and Thomas Walsingham seem to agree. His whole doings in this matter are to be found in the records of Canturburie, the copy of the which records being collected, and for the most part translated out of Latin into English by Doctor Thomas Yale, chancellor to that worthy prelate of reverend memory Matthew Parker Archbishop of Canturburie (whose careful search, painful travel, and chargeable setting out of the antiquities of this land, every man that loveth his country cannot choose but commend and thankfully accept and take in good part) I thought necessary here to set down for the laying open of the truth to the view of all men, which▪ heretofore was either maliciously concealed, or negligently omitted by all the writers of this history.   


1281  Articles sent from the Archbishop of Canturburie, to be intimated to Lhewelyn, Prince of Wales, and the people of the same country.  
Because we came to those parts for the spiritual and temporal health of them whom we have ever loved well, as divers of them have known.  
2. That we come contrary to the will of our Lord the king, whom our said coming (as it is said) doth much offend.  
3 That we desire and beseech them▪ for the blood of our lord jesus Christ, that they would come to an unity with the English people, and to the peace of our lord the king, which we intent to procure them so well as we can.  
4 We will them to understand, that we cannot long tarry in these quarters.  
5 We would they considered, that after our parting out of the country, they shall not perhaps found any that will so tender the preferring of their cause, as we would do, if it pleased God (with our mortal life) we might procure them an honest, stable and firm peace.  
6 That if they do contemn our petition & labour, we intent forthwith to signify their stubbornness to the high bishop, and the court of Rome: for the enormity that many ways happeneth by occasion of this discord this day.  
7 Let them know, that unless they do quickly agree to a peace, that war shall be aggravated against them, which they shall not be able to sustain, for the king's power increaseth daily.  
8 Let them understand that the realm of England is under the special protection of the sea of Rome: 
The greater cause the more love.  that the sea of Rome loveth it better than any other kingdom.  
9 That the said sea of Rome will not in any wise see the state of the realm of England quail, being under special protection.  
10 That we much lament to hear that the Welshmen be more cruel than Saracens: for Saracens, when they take christians they keep them to be redeemed for money. But (they say) that the Welshmen by and by do kill all that they take, and are only delighted with blood, and sometime cause to be killed them whose ransom they have received.  
11 That whereas they were ever wont to be esteemed, and to reverence God & Ecclesiastical people, they seem much to revolt from that devotion: moving sedition and war, and committing slaughter, and burning in the holy time. Which is great injury to God, wherein no man can excuse them.  
12 We desire, that as true christians they would repent, for they cannot long continued their begun discord, if they had sworn it.  
13 We will that they signify unto us, how they will or can amend the trouble of the king's peace, and the hurt of the common wealth.  
14 That they signify unto us how peace and concord may be established: for in vain were it to form peace, to be daily violated.  
15 If they say that their laws or covenants be not observed, that they do signify unto us which those be.  
16 That granting it that they were injured, as they say, (which we no ways do know) they which were judges in the cause might so have signified to the king's maiestrie.  
17 That unless they will now come to peace, they shall be resisted by decree and censure of the church, besides war of the people.   

¶ The answer of the Prince Lhewelyn, to the above written Articles. Reverendissimo in CHRISTO Patri Domino johanni, dei gratia Cantuar. Archiepiscopo, totius Angliae Primati, suus humilis & devotus filius Lhewelyn Princeps Walliae & Dominus Snowden, salutem & filialem dilectionaem, etc.  
cum omnimoda reverentia, submissione, & honore, sanctae paternitati vestrae, pro vestro labore quem intollerabilem assum sistis ad praesens pro dilectione quam erga nos & gentem nostram geritis, omni qua possumus devotione regratiantes vobis assurgimus: & eò ampliùs, quòd contra domini Regis voluntatem venistis. Caeterùm, quod nos rogastis, ut ad pacem domini Regis veniamus, scire debet vestra sanctitas, quòd ad hoc prompti sumus, dummodo idem dominus Rex pacem debitam & veram nobis & nostris velit observare. Adhaec, licet gauderemus de mora vestra in Wallia, tamen per nos non eritis impediti, quin pax fiat, quam in nobis optamus per vestram industriam magis quàm alterius alicuius roborari, & speramus: necper Dei gratiam erit oportunum propter nostram pertinaciam aliquid scribere domino Papae. Net vestras paternas preces ac graves labores spernimus, sed ea amplectimur omni cordis affectu, ut tenemur: nec erit opus, quòd dominus Rex aggravet contra nos manum, cùm promptisimus sibi obedire, iuribus nostris & legibus (ut praemittitur) reseruatis. Et licèt regnum Angliae sit curiae Romanae specialiter subiectum & dilectum, tamen cùm dominus Papa necnon & curia Romana audierint, quanta nobis per Anglos mala sint illata: viz. Quòd pax priùs firmata, non fuit nobis seruata, nec pacta: deinde Ecclesiarum vastationes, combustiones, & Ecclesiasticarum personarum interfectiones, Sacerdotum, viz. & inclusorum & aliarum religiosarum personarum passim, mulierum & infantium ubera sugentium, & in utero portantium, combustiones etiam hospitalium & aliarum domorum religiosarum, homicidiorum in coemiterijs, Ecclesijs & super altaria, sicut expressiùs eadem in alijs rotulis conscripta vobis transmittimus inspicienda. Speramus in primis quòd vestra pia & sancta paternitas clementer nobis compatietur, necnon & curia supradicta. Nec per nos regnum Angliae vacillabit, dum (ut praemissum est) pax debita nobis fiat, & servetur. Qui verò sanguinis effusione delectantur, manifestum est ex factis: nam Angli nulli hactenus sexui vel aetati seu languori pepercerunt, nulla Ecclesiae, vel loco sacro, detulerunt, qualia, vel similia Wallenses nunquam fecerunt. Super omnia autem, quòd unus redemptus fuit interfectus, multùm dolemus, nec occisorem manutenemus, sed in syluis ut latro vagatur. De eo quòd incoeperunt guerram aliqui tempore indebito, illud ignoravimus usque ad praesens factum: & tamen ipsi asserunt, quòd nisi in eo tempore hoc fecissent, mortes & captiones eye imminebant, nec audebant in domibus se fidere, nec nisi armati incedere, & sic praetimore tali tempore id fecerunt. De eis verò quae facimus contra dominum, ut verè Christiani per Dei gratiam poenitebimus; nec erit ex part nostra, quòd bellum continuetur, dum simus indemnes, ut debemus: ne tamen exhaeredemur, & passim occidamur, oportet nos defendere ut valeamus. Cùm verò iniuria & damna hinc inde considerentur, & ponderentur, parati sumus emendare pro viribus quae ex part nostra sunt commissa; dum de praedictis iniurijs & damnis nobis factis & alijs emenda nobis fiat. Et ad pacem firmandam & stabiliendam similiter sumus prompti: quando tamen Regalis charta & pacta inita nobis non seruantur, sicut nec hucùsque sunt obseruata, non potest pax stabiliri: nec quando novae & inauditae exactiones contra nos & nostros quotidie adinueniuntur: vobis autem transmittimus in rotulis damna & iniurias nobis illatas, non secundum formam pacis priùs factam. Quòd autem guerravimus, necessitas nos cogebat: nam nos & omnes Wallenses eramus adeo oppressi, suppeditati, spoliati, & in servitutem redacti per regales justiciarios & Ballivos, contra formam pacis & omnem justitiam, non aliter quàm si Sarraceni essemus vel judaei. Et saepe domino Regi denunciavimus haec, sed nullam emendam habere potuimus, sed semper mittebantur justiciarij & Ballivi ferociores, & crudeliores. Et quando illi erant satiati per suas iniustas exactiones, alij de novo mittebantur, ad populum excoriandum, ita, quòd populus malebat mori quàm vivere: nec oportet contra nos militiam ampliorem convocare, nec contra nos moveri sacerdotium, dummodo nobis fiat pax & servetur modis debitis, ut superiùs est expressum. Nec debetis sancte pater omnibus verbis credere adversariorum nostrorum, sicut enim nos factis oppresserunt & opprimunt, ita & verbis defamant, nobis imponentes quae volunt; ipsi vobis saepe sunt praesentes & nos absentes, ipsi opprimentes & nos oppressi, & ideo, propter dominum, fidem eye in omnibus non adhibeatis, sed facta potiùs examinetis. Valeat Sanctitas vestra ad regimen Ecclesiae per tempora longa. Data apud Garth Celyn in festo Sancti Martini.   

To the most reverend Father in Christ, the lord john by god's grace Archbishop of Canturburie, Primate of all England, his humble and devout son Lhewelyn prince of Wales and lord of Snowdonsendeth greeting.  
WIth all reverent submission and honour we yield our most humble and hearty thanks unto your fatherhood, for the great and grievous pains which at this present for the love of us and our nation you have sustained: and so much the more we are beholden unto you, for that besides the king's pleasure you would venture to come unto us. In that you request us to come to the king's peace, we would have your holiness to know that we are most ready and willing to the same, so that our lord the king will duly and truly observe and keep the peace towards us and ours. Moreover, although we would be glad of your continuance in Wales, yet we hope there shall not be any delay in us but that peace (which of all things we most desire and wish for) may be forthwith established, and rather by your travel and procurement than by any other man's: so that it shall not be needful to complain unto the Pope of our wilfulness: neither do we despise your fatherhoods requests and painful travel, but with all hearty reverence according to our duty do accept the same. Neither yet shall it be needful for the lord the king to use any force against us, seeing we are ready to obey him in all things, our rights and laws (as aforesaid) reserved. And although the kingdom of England be under the special protection of the sea of Rome, and with special love regarded of the same: yet, when the lord the Pope and the court of Rome shall understand of the great damages which are done unto us by the Englishmen, to wit, the articles of the peace concluded and sworn unto, violated and broken, the robbing and burning of churches, the murdering of ecclesiastical people, aswell religious as secular; the slaughter of women great with child, and children sucking their mother's breasts: the destroying of hospitals, and houses of religion, kill the men and women professed in the holy places, and even before the altars: we hope that your fatherhood, and the said court of Rome will rather with pity lament our case, than with rigour of punishment augment our sorrow. Neither shall the kingdom of England be in any wise disquieted or molested by our means (as is affirmed) so that we may have the peace duly kept and observed towards us and our people. Who they be, which are delighted with bloodshed and war, is manifestly apparent by their deeds and behaviour: for we would live quietly upon our own if we might be suffered, but the Englishmen coming to our country did put all to the sword, neither sparing sex, age or sickness, nor any thing regarding churches or sacred places, the like whereof the Welshmen never committed. That one having paid his ransom was afterward slain, we are right sorry to hear of it, neither do we maintain the offender, who escaping our hands keepeth himself as an outlaw in the woods and unknown places. That some began the war in a time not meet and convenient, that understood not we of until now: and yet they which did the same do affirm, that in case they had not done as they did at that time, they had been slain or taken themselves, being not in safety in their own houses, and forced continually for safeguard of their lives to keep themselves in armour: and therefore to deliver themselves from that fear, they took that enterprise in hand. Concerning those things which we commit against God: with the assistance of his grace, we will (as it becometh Christians) repent and turn unto him. Neither shall the war on our part be continued, so that we be saved harmless and may live as we aught: but before we be disinherited or slain we must defend ourselves as well as we may. Of all injuries and wrongs done by us, we are most willing and ready (upon due examination and trial of all trespasses and wrongs committed on both sides) to make amendss to the uttermost of our power: so that the like on the king's side be performed in like manner towards us and our people: and to conclude and establish a peace we are most ready: but what peace can be established when as the king's charter so solemnly confirmed, is not kept and performed? Our people are daily oppressed with new exactions: we sand unto you also a note in writing of the wrongs and injuries which are done unto us contrary to the form of the peace before made. We have put ourselves in armour, being driven thereunto by necessity: for we and our people were so oppressed, trodden underfoot, spoilt, and brought to slavery by the king's officers, contrary to the form of the peace concluded against justice, none otherwise than if we were Saracens or jews: whereof we have often times complained unto the king, and never could get any redress: but always those officers were afterwards more fierce and cruel against us. And when those officers through their ravin and extortion were enriched, other more hungry than they were sent afresh to slay those whom the other had shorn before: so that the people wished rather to die than live in such oppression. And now it shall not be needful to levy any army to war upon us, or to move the prelates of the church against us, so that the peace may be observed duly and truly, as before is expressed. Neither aught your holy fatherhood to give credit to all that our adversaries do allege against us: for even as in their deeds they have and do oppress us, so in their words they will not stick to slander us, laying to our charge what liketh them best. Therefore, for as much as they are always present with you, and we absent from you, they oppressing, and we oppressed, we are to desire you even for his sake from whom nothing is hide, not to credit men's words but to examine their deeds. Thus we bid your holiness farewell. Dated at Garth Celyn, in the feast of S. Martin.   

Certain griefs sent from Lhewelyn, to the Archbishop: translated word by word out of the records of the said Archbishop.  
WHere that it is contained in the form of the peace, concluded as followeth.  
1 If the said Lhewelyn will claim any right in any lands occupied by any other than by the lord the king, without the said four Cantreds, the said lord the king shall do him full justice, according to the laws and customs of those quarters or parts, where the said lands do lie. Which article was not observed in the lands in Arustly, and betwixt the waters of Dyvi and Dulas, for that when the said Lhewelyn claimed the said lands before the lord the king at Ruthlan, and the king granted him the cause to be examined according to the laws and customs of Wales, and the advocates of the parties were brought in, and the judges which vulgarly they call Ynnayd, before the king, to judge of the said lands according to the laws of Wales. And the defendant appeared and answered so, that the same day the cause aught to have been fully determined according to the appointment of our lord the king. Who at his being at Gloucester, had assigned the parties the said day: and though the same cause was in divers places often herded and examined before the justice, and that the lands were in North-wales, and never judged but by the laws of Wales, neither was it lawful for the king but according to the laws of Wales to prorogue the cause; all that notwithstanding he prorogued the day (of his own motion) contrary to the said laws. And at the last the said Lhewelyn was called to divers places, whither he aught not to have been called: neither could he obtain justice, nor any judgement, unless it were according to the laws of England, contrary to the said article of the peace. And the same was done at Montgomery, when the parties were present in judgement, and a day appointed to hear sentence, they prorogued the said day contrary to the foresaid laws: and at the last the king himself at London denied him justice, unless he would be judged according to the English laws in the said matter.  
2 All injuries, trespasses and faults on either part done, be clearly remitted unto this present day. This article was not kept; for that as soon as the lord Reginald Gray was made justice, he moved divers and innumerable accusations against the men of Tegengl & Ros, for trespasses done in the time of king Henry: when they bore rule in those parties, whereby the said men dare not for fear keep their own houses.  
3 Where as it was agreed that Rees Vachan ap Rees ap Maelgon shall enjoy his possessions, with all the land which he now holdeth, etc. After the peace concluded he was spoilt of his lands of Geneu'rglyn which he then held, with the men and cattle of the same.  
4 Also our lord the king granteth, that all tenants holding lands in the four Cantreds, and in other places which the king holdeth in his own hands, shall hold and enjoy the same, as freely as they did before the time of the wars, and shall use the same liberties & customs, which they used before. Contrary to this article, the lord Reginald Gray hath brought many new customs against the form of peace aforesaid.  
5 All controversies moved, or to be moved betwixt the Prince and any other, shall be decided after the law of the marches (if they have their beginning in the marches) and after the laws of Wales, such as in Wales have their beginning. Contrary to this article, the king doth and sendeth justices to Anglesey, who presume to judge there the men and subjects of the Prince: setting fines upon them, contrary to the laws of Wales, seeing neither this nor any like was ever herded in times past; imprisoning some, outlawing others, when the Prince is at all times ready to do justice to all men that complain upon any of his men.  
6 Where it is in the peace, that Gruffyth Vachan should do homage to the king for the land in Yale, & to the Prince for the land in Ederneon, the king's justices brought the lady of Maylor, into all the said lands of Edeyrneon. The knowledge of which cause only pertained to the Prince, and not to the said justices: and yet for peace sake, the Prince did tolerate all this, being at all times ready to minister justice to the said Lady.  
7 And though the said Prince submitted himself unto us and our will, yet we nevertheless will and grant, that our will in no case go further, than is contained in those articles. Contrary to this article, gold was exacted for the queens works at every payment made to the King: which gold was never demanded in time of king Henry, or any other king of England. Which gold yet for quietness sake the Prince paid, though it were not spoken of or mentioned in the peace. And now further it is exacted for the old Queen the king's mother that now is (for the peace concluded with king Henry) 2000 marks and a half: and unless it be paid, the king threateneth to occupy the goods and lands of Lhewelyn and his people, which he could found in his realm; and cell men and beasts until the said sum were paid.  
8 Item when the king invited the Prince to his feast at Worcester, promising with very fair words, that he would give his kinswoman to him to wife, and enrich him with much honour: nevertheless when he came thither, the self same day they should be married before Mass, the king required a bill to be sealed by the Prince; containing amongst other things that he would never keep man against the kings will, nor never maintain any, whereby it might come to pass, that all the Prince's force should be called from him. The which letter sealed, he delivered the king by just fear, which might move any constant man; yet was not this contained in the peace, whereas the conclusion of the peace was, that the king should require nothing that was not contained in the same.  
9 Item where in the said peace all customs be confirmed to the said Prince, as his ancestors of long and daily observed custom have received to their own use, all wrecks happening upon his own lands: the justice of Chester took a distress of the Prince for goods of shipwreck received by him before the wars, contrary to the form of the said peace. By the which all trespasses of either side were remitted; and contrary to the customs before said: and if in case it were forfeited, yet he took such a distress, fifteen pounds of honey, and many horses, and imprisoned his men. And this he took of the Princes own proper goods, and further took booties of Bagiers which came to Lyrpoole with merchandise, and never redelivered the same, until he had taken so much money for the same, as it pleased him.  
10 Item when certain men of Geneurglyn had taken certain goods of some of their neighbours of Geneurglyn, when they were in the dominion of the prince in Meyreon, the king's men of Lhanbadarn did take away the said goods out of the said dominion of the Prince: and when the Prince his men came thither, and asked the cause why they took the said prey: the king's men killed one of them, and wounded other, and the rest they did imprison, neither could the prince get any justice for the said goods to this day.  
11 And where it is contained in the peace, that all things committed in the Marches, should be redressed in the Marches; yet the king's men would nowhere hear the prince's men, but put them in the castle of Lhanbadarn: which is against the peace afore said. In these articles and divers others, the king standeth sworn to the prince, and to his people. And although the prince as well by himself as by his people, have often requested the king to 'cause the said peace to be kept, yet was it in no point kept, but daily the king's justices do more and more heap injuries and griefs upon the people of those parts. So that it cannot be blamed, if the Prince did assent to them that first began the wars, seeing the oath which the lord Robert Typtost swore for the king, was kept in no point: and chiefly seeing the Prince was forewarned, that he should be taken so soon as the king came to Ruthlan, as he had been in deed if the king had come thither after Christmas, as he purposed.   

These griefs following were done by the king and his officers, to the lord David ap nn.  
WHen the said David came to the lord Edward then Earl of Chester, and did him homage, the said lord Edward did give by his letters patents to the said David, two Cantreds, Dyffryncluyd, and Ceinmeyrch, with all the appurtenances: afterward when he was made king he confirmed the said gift to the said David, and gave him possession of them. Then afterward Guenlhian Lacie died, who held some towns in the said Cantreds for term of life: which after her decease appertained to David, by force of the foresaid grant, which towns yet the king took from him, contrary to his letters patents.  
2 Item, when the said David did hold of the lord the king the villages of Hope and Eston in Wales, of the which he aught to answer no man, but according to the laws of Wales, yet the justice of Chester caused the said David to be called to Chester, at the suit of one William Vanable an English man: to answer for the title of the said villages. And although the said David did often & instantly desire him the said justice not to proceed against him injuriously in the county of Chester, where he was not bond to answer by the form of the peace: yet he plainly denied him to be judged either in Wales or after the laws of Wales.  
3 Item, the said justice of Chester to the injury of the said David, did cut down his wood of Lhyweny, and his woods at Hope, as well by the dwellers of Ruthlan, as others: and yet the said justice had no jurisdiction in those parts. And not being contented to get timber there, for building, as well for Ruthlan as other places in the country, but also destroyed the said woods, sold it, and carried it into Ireland.  
4 Item, where the said David took certain outlaws and rovers in the woods, and caused them to be hanged: yet the said justice accused David to the king, for succouring and maintaining the thieves aforesaid: which was not like to be true seeing he caused them to be hanged.  
5 Item, it is provided in the peace, that all Welshmen in their causes should be judged after the laws of Wales. This was in no point observed with the said David and his people. Of these foresaid gréefs the said David required often amendss, either according to the laws and customs of Wales, or of special favour: but he could never obtain any of them both at his hands. Further, the said David was warned in the king's court, that assoon as Reginald Gray should come from the court, the said David should be taken and spoilt of his castle of Hope, his woods should be cut down, and his children taken for pledges: who seeing he had taken much pains and peril for the king in all his wars as well himself as his people, both in England and in Wales, and had lost thereby the most part of the nobility of his country, and yet nevertheless could obtain neither justice, amendss, nor favour at his hands, having such great wrongs offered unto him, and fearing his own life and his children's, or else perpetual prison, being enforced, as it were against his will, began to defend himself and his people.   

Griefs and injuries offered by the king and his officers to the men of Ros.  
THis is the form of peace, which the king of England did promise' the men of Ros before they did him homage, which he promised them to observe inviolably. That is to say, the king should grant to every of them their right and jurisdiction, as they had in time of king Henry, according as the said men do report that they had in the time of king Henry.  
2 Item the lord the king did promise' the said men, that they should have justice in their suits: after granting of the which articles, the said men did homage to the king. And then the king promised them with his own mouth faithfully to observe the said articles. This notwithstanding, a certain noble man passing by the king's high way, with his wife in the king's peace, met certain English labourers and Masons going to Ruthlan where they did then work: who attempted by force to take away his wife from him, and while he defended her as well as he could, one of them killed the wife, and he who killed her with his fellows were taken: and when the kindred of her which was slain required law at the justice of Chester's hands (for their kinswoman) they were put in prison, and the murderers were delivered.  
3 Item, a certain man killed a Gentleman who had killed the son of Grono ap Heilyn and was taken: but when certain of the kindred required justice before the justice of Chester, certain of them were imprisoned, the offender set at liberty, and justice denied to the kindred.  
4 Item, certain Gentlemen claimed some lands, and offered the king a great piece of money, to have justice by the verdict of good & lawful men of the country (than the lands being adjudged to the claimers) Reginald Gray took the same lands, corn, goods, and all upon the ground, so that they lost their lands, money, corn and cattle.  
5 Item, it is our right that no stranger should cut our woods without our leave: yet this notwithstanding there was a proclamation at Ruthlan, that it should be lawful for all other men to cut down our woods, but to us it was forbidden.  
6 Item, where diverse honest men had lands of the gift of the said David, the justice taketh the said men's lands away.  
7 Item, when any cometh to Ruthlan with merchandise, if he refuse whatsoever any English man offereth, he is forthwith sent to the castle to prison, and the buyer hath the thing, and the king hath the price: then the soldiers of the castle first spoil and beat the party, and then 'cause him to pay the porter, and let him go.  
8 Item, if any Welshmen buy any thing in Ruthlan, and any English man do meet him, he will take it from him, and give him less than he paid for it.  
9 Item, the king contrary to his promise made to the men of Ros, hath given the territory of Maynan, Penmayn and Lhysuayn.  
10 Item, certain Gentlemen of the Cantred of Ros bought certain offices, and paid their money for the same: yet the justice of Chester took the said offices from them without cause.  
11 Item, Grono ap Heilyn took to farm of Godfrey Marliney, 
See this article again pag. 359.  the territory of Maynan and Lhysuayn, for the term of four years: yet Robert de Cruquer with horses and arms and four and twenty horsemen, came to vex the said Grono, so that he had no safe going, neither to Ruthlan nor Chester, without a great garrison of his kindred and friends.  
12 Item, certain Gentlemen were arrested for trespasses done before the wars and imprisoned, and could not be delivered until they had paid xuj. marks, which was contrary to the peace concluded.  
13 Item, our causes aught to be decided after the custom of our laws; but our men be compelled to swear against their consciences, else they be not suffered to swear: furthermore we spent three hundredth marks in going to the king for justice in the foresaid articles. And when we believed to recover full justice, the king sent to our parties the lord Reginald Gray, to whom the king hath set all the lands to farm, to handle the men of the said Cantreds as it pleaseth him: who compelled us to 
* To swear by his hand whereas we should swear by the hand of the king.  swear in his name, whereas we should swear in the king's name. And where the kings cross aught to be erected, he caused his cross to be erected, in token that he is the very true lord: and the said lord Reginald at his first coming to those parts of Wales, sold to certain servants of the king, offices for lx. marks, which the said servants bought before of the king for xxiv. marks: which offices aught not to be sold at the choice of the lord.  
14 Item, the king gave Meredyth ap Madoc a captainship for his service, Reginald Gray took it from him: neither could he get any remedy at the king's hands for the same.  
15 Item, one of the council of the said Reginald, Cynwrie Vachan told us by mouth, that as soon as the said Reginald Gray returned to Wales, he would take xxiv. men of every Cantered, and either behead them or imprison them perpetually.  
16 Item, whereas we paid our taxes and rents in old money half a year before the coming of new money, they enforced us to pay new money for the old.  
These griefs and the like, the said Reginald offered us, and threatened that if we would sand any to the king to complain he would behead them: and when we sent any to the king, he could never speak with the king, but spent us much money in vain. For which griefs we believe ourselves free before God, from the oath which we have made to the king.   

These griefs following, the king and his justices offered to Rees Vachan of Stratywy.  
AFter that the said Rees gave the king his castle of Dynevowr, sithence the last peace, the said Rees then being in the tent of the lord pain de Gadersey, at the same time there were slain six Gentlemen of the said Reeses men, for whom they never had amendss, which was to him great grief and loss.  
2 Item, john Gifford claimed the said Reeses inheritance at Hiruryn, and the said Rees requested the law of his country of the king, or the law of the county of Caermardhen, in the which county the ancestors of the said Rees were wont to have law; when they were of the peace of the Englishmen, and under their regiment: but the said Rees could have no law, but lost all his lands. They would have had him to answer in the county of Hereford, where none of his ancestors ever answered. Further in the lands of the said Rees were such enormities committed, which do most appertain to the state ecclesiastical: that is to say in the church of S. David, which they call Lhangadoc, they made stables, and played the harlots, and took away all the goods of the said church, and burning all the houses, wounded the priest of the said church before the high altar, and left him there as dead.  
3 Item, in the same country they spoilt and burned the churches of Dyngad, Lhantredaff, and other churches in other parts: they spoilt their chalices, books, and all other ornaments and goods.   

These be the griefs which the king and his justice gave to Lhewelyn ap Rees and Howelap Rees.  
AFter that a form of peace was concluded betwixt Henry then king of England, and the prince of Wales, the said king granted & confirmed by his charter to the said Prince the homage of the said noble men, so long as they stood friends with the prince, according to the said gift & confirmation: but Edward now king disherited the said Gentlemen of their lands, so that they could not have their own lands, neither by law nor by favour.   

These be the griefs done by the Englishmen, to the sons of Meredyth ap Owen,  
AFter that the King had granted the Gentlemen their own inheritance of Geneurglyn and Creuthyn, he contrary to the peace disherited the said Gentlemen: denying them all laws and customs of Wales, and of the county of Caermardhyn.  
2 The said king in his county of Caerdigan by his said justices compelled the said Gentlemen to give judgement upon themselves: where their predecessors never suffered the like of Englishmen.  
3 The said justices of the king have taken away the courts of the noblemen in Wales, and compelled the people to satisfy before them for trespasses: when as they aught to have satisfied by the said nobles.  
4 When a wreck happeneth upon any of the grounds of the noble men, whose ancestors had wreck, they should have the same: yet the king forbiddeth them, and the said king by colour of that shipwreck contrary to their custom and law did condemn them in eight marks, and took away all the goods of the shipwreck.  
5 That none of our men of the county of Caerdigan dare come amongst the Englishmen, for fear of imprisonment: and if it had not been for fear of hurt, the nobles would never have stirred.   

The complaints of the noble men of Stratalyn, of the wrongs and griefs done to them, by Roger Clifford, and Roger Scrochill deputy to the said Roger Clifford: contrary to the privilege, justice and custom of the said noble men, as they say and prove.  
WHen the said Rogers compelled the said men of Stratalyn to give them (to have their customs and privileges) twenty marks starling, and after the payment of the money, they broke by and by after this sort, to put upon twelve men according to the laws of England, which was never the manner nor custom of the said country.  
2 Item, Madoc ap Blethyn was condemned in four marks unjustly, contrary to the laws and use of the country.  
3 Item, Grono Goch was likewise condemned in five marks and twelve beasts, contrary to the custom of the country.  
4 Item, the said Rogers took the lands of the men of the country as forfeit: and for one foot of a stag found in a dog's mouth, three men were spoilt of all that they had.  
5 Item, Ithel ap Gwysty was condemned in a great sum of money, for the fact of his father done forty years before.  
6 Item, the said Rogers laid upon us the finding of all the English soldiers, whereof before there was but one half.  
7 Item, we were given to master Maurice de Cruny, and were sold to Roger Clifford: which was never seen in our parent's time.  
8 Item, the widow of Robert of the Mould asked of the king the third part of the land in the Mould in ward: whereas it was judged before the king, that the said lands were never given in ward.   

These be the Articles of griefs done to the men of Penlhyn, by the constable of Henry Chambers of the white Abbey, and his men.  
CYnwric ap Madoc was spoilt by them in time of peace, of eight pound, four oxen, corn the work of one plough for two years, and to the value of three pound, of three of his men, and they had the worth of xuj. pound for the said eight pound, and did beat him besides: which was more wrong, for than he was the prince's constable at Penlhyn. And all the cause that they pretended to make this spoil, was only that they said they had found four and twenty sheaves of tithe in the house of a servant of the said Cynwric.  
2 Item, Adam Criwr was condemned in eight shillings eight pennies, and a mare, price twenty shillings, and was taken and beaten, for that he had taken the stealer of that mare, and brought him bond with him, the which thief was forthwith delivered.  
3 Item, jorwerth ap Gurgeneu was condemned in four pound, for that he had scaped out of their prison in time of the wars, and was found in the said town in the time of peace, and this is directly against the peace concluded betwixt the king and the Prince.  
4 Item, Caduan Dhu servant to the constable of Penlhyn was condemned, because he would not receive the old money for new.  
5 Item, Gruffyth ap Grono the Prince's man was spoilt of an ox, price eleven shillings eight pennies, and after that the constable had ploughed with the said ox seven months, he paid to the said Gruffyth for the said ox, three shillings four pennies.  
6 Item, two servants of one named Y Bongam were spoilt of two pounds, for that they took a thief that rob them by night, and yet the thief was delivered.  
7 Item, Eneon ap Ithel was taken, beaten, and spoilt of two oxen, price four & twenty shillings & two pennies, for this cause only, that the said oxen went from one street to an other in the town.  
8 Item, Guyan Maystran was spoilt of his money, because a certain merchant of Ardudwy owed them certain things, and yet the said merchant was not of their bailiwicke.   

The griefs of Grono ap Heilyn.  
A Tenant of Grono ap Heilyn was called to the king's court without any cause: then Grono came at the day appointed to defend his tenant, & demanded justice for him, or the law which the men of his country did use: all this being denied, the said tenant was condemned in seven and twenty pound, j.d. ob. Then the said Grono went to London for justice, which was promised him, but he could never have any, where he spent in his journey fifteen marks.  
2 A certain Gentleman was slain, who had fostered the son of Grono ap Heilyn, and he that killed him was taken and brought to Ruthlan castle: then the said Grono and the kindred of him that was slain asked justice, but some of them were imprisoned, and the killer discharged. Then Grono went again to London for justice which the king did promise' him, but he never had any, but spent twenty marks.  
3 The third time Grono was feign to go to London for justice in the premises: where he spent xviij. marks, uj.s. viij. d. And then likewise the king promised him that he should have justice: but when he certainly believed to have justice, than Reginald Gray came to the country and said openly, that he had all doings in that country by the king's charters: and took away all Bailiwicks, which the king had given the said Grono and sold them at his pleasure: then the said Grono asked justice of the said Reginald, but he could not be herded.  
4 The said Grono took to farm for four years of Godfrey Marliney, Maynan and Lhysfayn, than Robert Cruquer came with his horses, and arms to get the said lands by force, and for that Grono would not suffer him to have the said lands before his years came out, he was called to the law, and then the said Reginald Gray came with xxiv. horsemen, to take the said Grono. And for that they could not that day have their purpose, they called Grono the next day to Ruthlan: and then Grono had counsel not to go to Ruthlan. Then they called him again to answer at Caerwys, but the said Grono dared not go thither, but by the conduct of the bishop of S. Asaph, for that Reginald Gray was there and his men in harness.  
5 For these griefs for the which he could get no justice, but labour and expenses of liiij. marks and more, and for that he dared not in his own person go to the court, he sent letters, one to the king, an other to his brother Lhewelyn, to signify to the king that he should lose all the favour of the country, if he kept no promise with them, and so it came to pass, because the men of Ros and Englefild could get no justice, the king neglecting the correction of these things, lost the whole country.   

Humbly showeth to your holiness, lord Archbishop of Canturburie, primate of all England, the noble men of Tegengl: that when the said noble men did their homage to the lord Edward, king of England, the said king promised them to defend them and their goods; and that they should use all kind of right, privilege, and jurisdiction, which they did use in time of king Henry, of the grant of the said king, whereof they were after spoilt.  
FIrst they were spoilt of their right and privileges and customs of the country: and were compelled to be judged by the laws of England, whereas the tenor of that their privilege was to be judged according to the laws of Wales at Tref Edwin, at Ruthlan, and at Caerwys, and the best men of the country were taken, because they desired to be judged at Tref Edwin, according to the tenor of their privileges, by the laws of Wales.  
2 Whatsoever one justice doth, his successor doth reverse the same: for in David's cause Reginald Gray revoked that, which his predecessor confirmed and allowed.  
3 If he do take any Gentleman of the country, he will not let him go upon surety, which he aught to do.  
4 If any Gentleman be brought to the castle of the Flynt, upon small accusation, and his cattle withal; they can neither be delivered, nor have delay, until they give the constable an ox, and until they pay three pound fees to Cynwric for the having of the delay.  
5 Reginald Gray gave the lands of the men of Merton to the Abbot and covent of Basingwerke, against the laws of Wales and the custom of the country, and contrary to the form of the peace betwixt prince Lhewelyn and the king; that is to say, xuj. Caratatasterrae.  
6 The noble and best of the country be injured for that the king builded the castle of Flynt upon their ground: and the king commanded the justices to give the men as much and as good ground or the price. But they are spoilt of their lands, and have neither other lands nor money.  
7 Reginald Gray will not suffer men to cut their own wood, until he have both money and reward, and until they pay for it also; but permitteth others to cut it down freely, which they aught not to do by the laws and customs of Wales.  
8 Where the men of Cyrchynan covenant with the king to give the king half a meadow, of condition the king should not suffer the woods to be cut down, Howel ap Gruffyth being present: yet Reginald Gray hath broken the same, permitting every man to cut their woods, and spoil them also of their meadow.  
9 The son of Cynwric ap Grono was taken at Ruthlan, and put in prison without any cause at all: neither would the king's officers deliver him, unless he would redeem the gage of a certain woman, for the which he was constrained to pay much more than the pawn lay for.  
10 When the bailiff of Ruthlan was at a feast, Hicken le Mail wounded a Gentleman cruelly in the presence of the said bailiff: by the occasion of which wound, Hicken was condemned in eight pound, and when he which was hurt would have demanded the said eight pound, he was put in prison with Hicken.  
11 The messengers of Reginald Gray attempted an absurdity not herded of, requiring the people of the country to blow his ground, and sow the same: and the messengers were Cynwric Sesse and Hicken Lemayl, and the said Cynwric swore openly before the whole company, that unless all men should blow Reginald Gray's ground, they should shortly repent it: then the people feared much, as in that case any constant man would fear.  
12 The heirs of Tegengl bought their offices for thirty. marks of the king. But afterward Reginald Gray spoilt them of their offices and money, against the laws and customs of England.  
13 Seven Gentlemen were wrongfully killed by the Englishmen, but as yet the parents of the Gentlemen can have no amendss: and though the offenders were taken, yet the said constable let them go without punishment.  
14 The constable of Ruthlan kept two of the king's soldiers in prison, for that they took an Englishman, who had wounded a man.  
All these things contained in these articles are contrary to the privilege, liberty and right of the said men, and contrary to the laws and customs of Wales: neither dare the inhabitants sand their complaints to the king for fear of Reginald Gray (which fear any constant man might have) because the said Reginald Gray said openly, that if he could come by any such their messengers, he would cut off their heads, as it is certainly told us by one of his counsel: further neither tongue can express, nor pen can writ, how evil the men of Tegengl have been ordered.  
Humbly complaineth unto your lordship, my lord Archbishop of Canturburie Primate of all England, 
Lhewelyn ap Gruffyth ap Madoc.  Lhewelyn ap Gruffyth ap Madoc, of the constable of Oswaldes Cross, the king and of the men of that town, who have spoilt the said Lhewelyn of the third part of a town called Lhedrot, and his father's house without any law, or right, or custom of the country. Further the said Constable and his complices have against the laws and the custom of the country spoilt the said Lhewelyn of the common and pasturage, which he and his predecessors have had and used time out of mind: and further condemned the said Lhewelyn for the said pasture in lxx. marks. And further the king of England granted certain letters to a bastard called Gruffyth Vachan of Cynlhaeth, to law with the said Lhewelyn for his whole lordship and possessions; by the occasion of the which letters, the said Lhewelyn hath spent two hundredth pound of good money.  
Also the said Constable compelled the said Lhewelyn to sand two of his Gentlemen to him, whom when they came to him he caused to be hanged, which Gentlemen aught not by right to have been hanged, whose parents had rather have given him three hundredth pound.  
Afterwards the said Constable imprisoned threescore of the men of the said Lhewelyn (no cause alleged) but that a certain Page spoke a word: who could not be delivered out of prison, until every of them paid ten shillings.  
When the men of the said Lhewelyn came to the said town to cell their oxen, the said Constable would 'cause the beasts to be driven to the castle: neither would he restore the beasts nor money for them. Further, the said Constable and his men took away the cattle of the said Lhewelyn from his own ground, and did their will with them.  
Further the king's justices compelled the said Lhewelyn, contrary to the law and custom of Wales, to deliver to the sons of Encon ap Gruffyth, a certain town which both he and his ancestors ever had held. The said Constable took the horse of Lhewelyns Bailiff: when the said Bailiff owed him nothing, who could never get his horse again, nor any satisfaction for it.  
Furthermore when the said Lhewelyn should have go to a town called Caerlhêon to appear there as he was appointed, the sons of Gruffyth ap Gwenwynwyn, and the soldiers of Roger Straying, by the counsel of the said Roger, took the said Lhewelyn and his men, and imprisoned them, to their great damage; which the said Lhewelyn would not for 300. pound starling, who could by no means be delivered, until they had found sufficient sureties.  
The Archbishop receiving these and other articles, came to the king, and requested him to consider these wrongs, and to cause amendss to be made, or at the lest excuse the Welshmen having so just cause of grief. Who answered that the Welshmen were to be excused: yet he said he was ever ready to do justice to all them that complained. Whereupon the Archbishop besought the king again, that the Welshmen might have free access to his Grace to declare their griefs, and to seek remedy: the king answered they should freely come and departed, if it should seem that by justice they deserved to departed.  
The Archbishop hearing this, went and came to the Prince of Wales in Snowdon, that he might move him and his brother David, and the other company to submit themselves: whereby he might incline the king to admit them. Which after much talk and conference with the Archbishop, the Prince answered that he was ready to submit himself to the king, reserving two things: that is to say, his conscience, which he aught to have for the rule and safeguard of his people: 
Conscientia de salute populi.  and also the decency of his state and calling. Which answer the Archbishop brought, 
2. Decorum.  and reported to the king. At the which the king said, that he would not any other treaty of peace, than that the Prince and his people should simply submit themselves. But the Archbishop (knowing well that the Welshmen would not submit themselves but in the form aforesaid, or in other form to them tolerable and of them liked) requested the king, that he might have conference in this matter with all the noble Englishmen than present: who after such conference agreed all to these articles following. The which articles the Archbishop did sand in writing to the Prince, by john Wallensis.   

These are to be said to the Prince before his council.  
FIrst that of the four Cantreds and the lands by the king given to his nobles, and the Isle of Anglesey, he will have no treaty of.  
2 Item, of the tenants of the four Cantreds if they will submit themselves, he purposeth to do as becometh a king's majesty: and we verily believe he will deal with them mercifully, and to that end we will labour and trust to obtain.  
3 As touching the lord Lhewelyn we can have none other answer, but that he shall submit himself simply to the king: and we believe certainly he will deal mercifully with him, and to that end we travel all we can, and verily believe to be herded.   

These following are to be said to the Prince in secret.  
FIrst, that the nobility of England have conceived this form of favourable peace, that the lord Lhewelyn should submit himself to the king: and the king should honourably provide for him a thousand pound starling, and some honourable county in England. So that the said Lhewelyn would put the king in quiet possession of Snowdon: and the king will provide honourably for the daughter of Lhewelyn, according to the state and condecencie of his own blood, and to these they hope to persuade the king.  
2 Item, if it happen that Lhewelyn marry a wife, and to have by her any heir male, they trust to entreat the king, that the same heir male and his heirs for ever shall have the same thousand pound and county.  
3 Item, to the people subject to the said Lhewelyn the king will provide, as becometh their estates and condition, and to that the king is well inclined.   

These are to be said to David brother to Lhewelyn in secret.  
FIrst, that if for the honour of God (juxta debitum crucis assumptae) he will go to the holy land, he shall be provided for according to his degree; so that he do not return, unless he be called by the king: and we trust to entreat the king, to provide for his child.  
2 And these things we tell ourselves to the Welshmen, that a great deal greater peril doth hung over them, than we told them by mouth when we were with them: these things which we writ seem grievous, but it is a great deal more grievous to be oppressed with arms, and finally to be rooted out, because every day more and more their danger doth increase.  
3 Item, it is more hard to be always in war, in anguish of mind, and danger of body, always sought & besieged, and so to die in deadly sin, and continual rancour and malice.  
4 Item, we fear (whereof we be sorry) unless you do agree to peace, we most certainly will aggravate the sentence Ecclesiastical against you for your faults: of the which you can not excuse yourselves, whereas ye shall found both grace and mercy, if you will come to peace.  
And sand us your answer of these in writing.   

Reverendissimo in CHRISTO Patri ac Domino johanni, dei gratia Archiepiscopo Cantuar. ac totius Angliae Primati, suus in Christo debitus filius, Lhewelinus Princeps Walliae, Dominus Snowdon, salutem.  
cum desiderijs benevolentiae filialis, ac reverentijs multimodis, & honoribus Sancte Pater, sicut vosmet consuluistis, ad gratiam Regiam parati sumus venire: sub forma tamen nobis secura & honesta. Sed quia forma consenta in articulis and nos missis, nec secura est, nec honesta, prout nobis & concilio nostro videtur, & de quamultùm admirantur omnes: quòd plùs tendit ad ruinam & destructionem nostram, & populi nostri, quàm ad nostram securitatem & honestatem, nùllo modo possumus consensum nostrum in eam praebere; sivellemus, alúque nobiles & populus nobis subiectus nullo modo consentirent, ob indubitatam destructionem & dissipationem, quae inde eis possit evenire. Tamen supplicamus vestram sanctam paternitatem, quatenus ad reformationem pacis debitae, honestae, & securae (ob quam tot labores assumpsistis) providè laboretis: collationem habentes ad articulos quos vobis mittimus, in scriptis. Honorabilius est & magis rationi consentaneum ut de domino Rege teneamus terras in quibus nos habitamus, quàm nos exhaeredari, & eas tradere alijs. Datae apud Garth Celyn.   

To the most reverend Father in Christ, the lord john by god's grace Archbishop of Canturburie, and Primate of all England, his obedient son Lhewelyn prince of Wales and lord of Snowdon sendeth greeting.  
MOst heartily with all reverence and honour we are content and ready holy father as you have counseled us, to submit ourselves unto the king's Grace, so it be in that form that shall be safe and honest for us: but because that form of submission contained in the articles which were sent unto us, is neither safe, nor honest, as we and our council do think (at the which articles all men do marvel:) tending rather to the destruction of us and our people, than any security and honest dealing, we may in no wise yield our assent unto it, and if we should so do, our nobles and people would not agreed to the same, knowing the mischief and inconvenience that is like to ensue thereof. Nevertheless, we beseech your holy fatherhood, that for the reformation of a decent, honest and firm peace (for the which you have taken so great pains) you do circumspectly provide, having respect unto the articles which we sand unto you in writing. It is more honourable for the king more agreeable to reason that we should hold our lands in the country where we devil, than that we should be disinherited, and our lands given to other men. Dated at Garth Celyn.   

The Answers of the Welshmen.  
FIrst, though the lord the king will have no treaty of the four Cantreds the lands that he gave his nobles, nor the Isle of Anglesey: yet the Prince's council will no peace to be made, unless treaty be had of them. For that the four Cantreds be of the more tenure of the Prince, where always the Princes of Wales had more right, since the time of Camber the son of Brutus: so that they be of the principality of Wales. The confirmation of the which the Prince obtained by Octobonus the Popes legate in England, by the consent of the king and his father: as it doth appear by the letters patents. And more just and equal it is, that our heirs do hold the said Cantreds of the king for money and used service, than the same to be given to strangers, which abuse the people by force and power.  
2 All the tenants of all the Cantreds of Wales altogether do say, that they dare not submit themselves to the king, to do his pleasure. First, for that the king kept neither covenant, nor oath, nor grant by charter from the beginning, to the Prince or his people. secondly, for that the king's men do cruelly exercise tyranny towards the Church and Churchmen. thirdly, that they be not bond to any such matter, seeing they be the Prince's tenants: who is ready to do used and accustomed service, and to obey the king, with and by the said service.  
3 To that which is said, that the Prince should simply commit himself to the kings will, it is answered, that none of us all dare come to the king, for the causes aforesaid, we altogether will not suffer our Prince to come in that manner.  
4 Item, where the great men of England would procure a provision of a thousand pounds a year in England: let it be answered, that such provision is not to be accepted, for that it is procured by them, who go about to disinherit the Prince to have his lands in Wales.  
5 Item, the Prince aught not to dismiss his inheritance, and his predecessors in Wales, since the time of Brutus, and confirmed by the sea apostolic, as is aforesaid, and to take lands in England, where he knoweth neither tongue, manners, laws nor customs, wherein he shall be soon trapped by his neighbours the Englishmen, his old malicious enemies, whereby he should loose the land too.  
6 Item, seeing the king goeth about to deprive him of his ancient inheritance, it is not like that he would suffer him to possess lands in England, where he claimeth no right; seeing that the Prince's lands in Wales of his own inheritance is but barren and untilled, it is less like the king would suffer him to enjoy good fertile ground in England.  
7 Item, the Prince should give the king possession of Snowdon for ever. Let it be answered, that seeing that Snowdon is of the appurtenances of the principality of Wales, which the Prince and his predecessors held since the time of Brutus (as it is before said) his council will not suffer him to renounce that place, and to take in England a place less due unto him.  
8 Item, the people of Snowdon do say, that although the Prince would give the king possession of it, yet they would never do homage to strangers: of whose tongue, manners, and laws they should be ignorant. For so they should be for ever captived and cruelly handled, as the Cantreds have been by the king's bailiffs and other the king's men handled more cruelly than Sarracens, as it doth well appear by the notes of their griefs, which the men of the Cantreds sent to you holy father.   

These are to be answered for David, the Prince's brother.  
WHen he is disposed to see the holy land, he will do it for God's sake voluntarily, not by such enforcement against his will: for he intends not to go on pilgrimage after that sort. Because he knoweth enforced service not to please God; and if he hereafter shall for devotion see the holy land, that is no cause for ever to disinherit his offspring, but rather to reward them.  
And for that neither the Prince nor his people, for country nor for gains, did move war, invading no man's lands, but defending their own lands, laws, and liberties; and that the king and his people of inveterate hatred, and for covetousness to get our lands invading the same, moved war: we therefore see our defence is just and lawful, and herein we trust God will help us, and will turn his revenge upon destroyers of churches; who have rooted up and burned churches, and taken out both all sacraments and sacred things from them, kill priests, clerks, religious, lame, dumb, deaf, younglings sucking their mother's paps, weak & impotent, both man and woman, and committing all other enormities, as partly it appeareth to your holiness. Wherefore God forbidden that your holiness should fulminate sentence against any, but such as hath done such things. We who have suffered all these things at the king's officers hands, do hope at your hands remedy and comfort: and that you will punish such church robbers and killers, who can defend themselves no ways, lest their impunity because and example for others to do the like. Very many in our country do much marvel that you counseled us to leave our own land, and to go to an other man's lands among our enemies to live: for seeing we cannot have peace in our own land, which is our own right, much less should we be quiet in an other man's, amongst our enemies. And though it be hard to live in war and peril, harder it is to be utterly destroyed and brought to nothing: especially for christians, seeking else nothing but to defend our own, being by necessity driven thereunto, & the greedy ambition of our enemies.  
And your holiness told us, that you had fulminated sentence against all that for hatred or gains do hinder the peace. And it appeareth evidently who do war for these causes, the fear of death, the fear of imprisonment, the fear of perpetual prison, the fear of disinheriting, no keeping of promise, covenant, grant, nor charter, tyrannical dominion, and many more like compel us to be in war, and this we show to God and to your lordship, desiring your godly and charitable help.  
Furthermore, if any in England have offended the king (as many do offend him) yet none of them be disinherited: so if any of us have offended the king, let him be punished and make satisfaction, as he may, without exhereditating. As we trust in you, we pray you holy Father to labour to this end. If they lay to us that we break the peace, it appeareth evidently that they and not we break the same, who never kept promise, nor covenant, nor order, made any amendss for trespasses, nor remedy for our complaints.   

Thus far out of the records of john Peckam Archbishop of Cant. written about three hundredth years past, which are extant this day to be seen.  
When the Archbishop could not conclude a peace, 
N. Trivet.  he denounced the prince & his complices accursed: then the king sent his army by sea to the isle of Môn or Anglesey, 
Hol. pag. 791.  which they man, & slay such as resisted them, for the chiefest men served the king, as their oath was, so they came over against Bangor, where the arm of the sea called Mênay (which divideth the isle from the main land) is narowest, and the place called Moel y donn, and there made a bridge of boats and planks over the water, 
Cor. Tacitus in vita Agricolae.  where before julius Agricola did the like, when he subdued the isle to the Romans, and not betwixt Man and Britain, as Polydore Virgil ignorantly affirmeth. This bridge accomplished, so that threescore men might well pass over in a front, William Latimer with a great number of the best soldiers, and Lucas Thany steward of Gascoyn with his Gascoynes and Spaniards (whereof a great number were to come to serve the king) passed over the bridge, and there see no stir of enemies: but assoon as the sea began to flow, down came the Welshmen from the hills, and set upon them fiercely, and either slay or chased them to the sea to drown themselves: for the water was to high, that they could not attain the bridge, saving William Latimer alone, whose horse carried him to the bridge, and so he escaped.  

Hol. pag. 791.  There were slain and drowned at this time many worthy soldiers: and amongst other this famous knight Sir Lucas de Thany (here named) Robert Clifford, 
Tho. Wals. page. 11.  Sir William Lindsey, and two Gentlemen of good account, that were brethren to Robert Burnell then bishop of Bath. There perished in all thirteen knights, 
Chro. Dunst.  seventeen young Gentlemen, and to the number of two hundredth footmen, which happened upon S. Leonards day. Thomas Walsingham writeth, that the king lost in this voyage a little before this, 
Tho. Walls. ibidem.  fourteen ensigns, at which time the lord William de Audeley, and the lord Roger Clifford the younger, and many other were slain, and the king himself was driven to take the castle of Hope for his safeguard.  
In the mean time was the Earl of Gloucester & Sir Edmund Mortimer with an army in Southwales, where were many that served the king, and there fought with the prince's friends at Lhandeilo Vawr, and gave them an overthrow, wherein on the king's side young William de Valence his cousin german, and four knights more were slain. And all this while the Prince destroyed the country of Caerdigan, and all the lands of Rees ap Meredyth, who served the king in all these wars. But afterward the prince separated himself from his army with a few, and came to Buelht, thinking to remain there quietly for a while, and by chance as he came by the water Why, 
Matt. West. page. 370. N. Trivet. Tho. Walls. page. 10.  there were Edmund Mortimer, and john Gifford with a great number of soldiers, and either party were abashed of other. Edmund Mortimer's men were of that country, for his father was lord thereof. Then the prince departed from his men, and went to the valley with his esquire alone, to talk with certain lords of the country, who had promised to meet him there.  
Then some of his men seeing their enemies come down from the hill, kept the bridge called Pont Orewyn, & defended the passage manfully, till one declared to the Englishmen where a ford was a little beneath, through the which they sent a number of their men with Helias Walwyn, who suddenly fallen upon them that defended the bridge in their backs, and put them to flight. The prince's esquire told the Prince (as he stood secretly abiding the coming of such as promised to meet him in a little grove) that he herded a great noise and cry at the bridge: and the prince asked whether his men had taken the bridge, and he said, Yes. Then (said the Prince) I pass not if all the power of England were upon the other side. But suddenly behold, the horsemen about the grove, and as he would have escaped to his men, they pursued him so hard that one Adam Francton ran him through with a staff being unarmed, 
Prince Lhewelyn slain.  and known him not, and his men being but a few stood and fought boldly, ever looking for their Prince, till the Englishmen by force of archers mixed with the horsemen wan the hill and put them to flight. And as they returned, Francton went to spoil him whom he had slain, and when he see his face, he known him very well, and struck off his head, and sent it to the king at the Abbey of Conwey, who received it with great joy, and caused it to be set upon one of the highest turrets of the Tower of London.  
This was the end of Lhewelyn, beetraied by the men of Buelht, who was the last Prince of Britain's blood; who bore dominion and rule in Wales. So that the rule and government of the Britons ever continued in some place of Britain, from the first coming of Brutus, which was in the year before Christ's incarnation 1136. to the year after Christ 1282. by the space of 2418. years.  
Shortly after that the King had brought all the country to his subjection, the country men themselves brought to him David the Prince's brother, 
Thom. Wals. pag. 12.  whom he kept in Ruthlan castle, and after put him to death at Shrewesburie. Then the king builded two strong holds in North-wales, the one at Conwey, and the other at Caernaruan. When Rees Vachan hard how all things went, he yielded himself to the Earl of Hereford, who at the king's commandment sent him to the Tower of London, to be imprisoned there. And so the king passed through all Wales, and brought all the country in subjection to the crown of England to this day.   
Thus endeth the History of the British Princes.   

The Princes of Wales of the blood royal of England: collected for the most part out of the Records in the Tower.  

Edward of Caernaruon.  
Then the king having the country at his will, gave whole lordships and towns in the midst of Wales unto English lords: as the lordship of Denbigh, to Henry Lacie Earl of Lincoln: the lordship of Ruthyn, to the lord Reginald Gray second son to john lord Gray of Wilton: and other lands to many of his nobility.  
This Henry Lacie lord of Denbigh was the son of Edmund Lacie, 
The lordship of Denbigh.  the son of john Lacie lord of Halton Pomfret, and Constable of Chester, who married Margaret the elder daughter and one of the heirs of Robert Quincy Earl of Lincoln, the said Henry married Margaret the daughter and sole heir of William Longspee Earl of Sarum, and had issue Edmund and john which both died young, of whom the one perished by a fall into a very deep well within the castle of Denbigh, and a daughter named Alicia married unto Thomas Plantagenet Earl of Lancaster, who was in the right of his said wife Earl of Lincoln and Sarum, lord of Denbigh, Halton, Pomfret, and constable of Chester. After the death of the said Thomas, king Edward the second gave the lordship of Denbigh to Hugh lord Spencer, Earl of Winchester: after whose death the same lordship was given by king Edward the third, Anno Regni sui primo, as appeareth of Record to Roger Mortimer Earl of March, with diverse other lordships in the Marches, in performance of the kings promise' while he remained in France with his mother, for the provision of a thousand pound lands of a reasonable extent for the said Roger, assoon as by God's grace he should come to the possession of the crown and kingdom of England. Within few years after, the Earl of March being attainted, the said lordship of Denbigh was given by the same king to the lord Montagu Earl of Sarum: but shortly after An. 29. Ed. 3. it was restored again with the Earldom of March to the Mortimers, in the which house the same remained until the whole inheritance of the Mortimers came with a daughter to the house of York, and so to the crown: as appeareth before, pag. 317. And now of late it was given by the queens Majesty that now is, An. Regni sui. 6. to the right honourable Robert Earl of Leycester, who was then created Baron of Denbigh: 
H. Lhoyd.  it is counted now one of the greatest and best lordships in England.  
The lordship of Ruthyn continued in the possession of the Gray's, until in the time of king Henry the seventh, George Gray Earl of Kent and lord of Ruthyn passed the same upon some bargain to the king, and now it is of the possession of the right honourable the Earl of Warwick.  
There came the same time with king Edward to North-wales diverse Gentlemen, who grew afterward to be men of great possessions in the country, whose posterity do enjoy the same to this day.  
Rees ap Meredyth served the king in all these wars, who did the Prince most hurt of all men: and was in great hope of goodly preferments at the king's hands: whom after the overthrow of the Prince the king made knight, and fed with many fair and good words. After that, he and all other his countrymen and neighbours had submitted themselves to the government of the king of England: 
Hol. pag. 796.  it happened that the lord pain Tiptoft, warden of the king's castles nigh unto Reeses country, and the Lord Alan Plucknet the king's steward in Wales, called the said Rees, as they did all other of the country to the king's court, whither he refused to come, alleging his ancient privileges and liberties with the king's promises: but the said officers proceeded according to the law against him: 
1289  whereupon a great variance arose between the said pain Tiptoft, and the said Sir Rees ap Meredyth, so that sundry skirmishes were fought betwixt them, and men slain on both sides, to the great disturbance of the country. The king hearing of these things (being then beyond the seas) written unto Rees ap Meredyth, requiring him to keep the peace till his return: at what time he promised to reform all things in due and reasonable order: but Rees would not give over the enterprise which he had begun. Whereupon the king sent to the Earl of Cornwall, 
Tho. Wals. page. 15.  whom he had left his lieutenant in the realm during his absence, to sand an army of men into Wales, to withstand the disordered attempts of the said Rees. Who went into Wales himself, and overthrew Reeses castle of Drofolan: but by undermining and reversing the walls of the said castle, with the fall thereof, the Baron of Stafford & the lord William de Monchency, with many other knights and Esquires, were oppressed and bruised to death. Afterwards Robert Tiptoft lord deputy of Wales gathered an army, and meeting the said Rees after the slaughter of 4000 of his people, 
Tho. Wals. pag. 20.  discomfited and took him. Who about Michaelmas following, at the kings going into Scotland, was had to York, and there condemned and executed.  
Not long after, 
1293  the king wanting money, there was a great subsidy granted towards the maintenance of the wars in France, about levying of the which there was much ado in diverse places: but especially the Welshmen, which were never wont to be acquainted with such contribution, stormed against it: 
Matt. West. page. 395.  so that they took one of their own captains named Roger de Puelesdon, who at the king's commandment gathered the said subsidy, and hanged him with divers other, and afterward headed the said Roger. Whereupon the king being sore offended for the death of the said Roger, whom he greatly favoured, and hearing that the Welshmen began to stir against him in divers places: for the Westwales men had choose Maelgon Vachan for their captain, and destroyed all Caerdigan and Pembroke, and returned with rich spoils: they of Glamorgan and the South parts, took one named Morgan for their leader, and driving the Earl of Gloucester out of the country, they restored to the said Morgan again those possessions which the ancestors of the said Earl by force and great wrong had taken from the said Morgan's predecessors. The North-wales men had set up one Madoc being of the kindred of the last Lhewelyn slain at Buelht, who gathering a great power came to Caernaruon, and slay a great number of Englishmen which were come thither to the Fair, and spoilt the whole town: then (I say) the king called back his brother Edmond Earl of Lancaster, and Henry Lacie Earl of Lincoln and lord of Denbigh, who had an army ready to pass into Gascoyn. 
Hol. pag. 810.  These Earls came towards North-wales, and as they approached near unto the castle of Denbigh upon S. Martyns' day, the Welshmen with great force encountered them, and giving them battle, drove them back, and discomfited their people.  
Then the king himself came to Wales, and kept his Christmas at Aberconwey, where Robert Wynchelsey archbishop of Canturburie came unto him and did his homage, and then returned home. The king as he passed further into the country, lost much of his carriages, which the Welshmen took, being laden with victual and provision for the army: so that the king and his people endured great penury, and was constrained to drink water mixed with honey, and eat very gross and coarse meat, where he was very like to have been distressed, had not the other part of his army come unto him in time.  
While the king remained in Snowdon, 
N. Trivet. Tho. Wals. page. 27.  the Earl of Warwick hearing that a great number of Welshmen were assembled together, and lodged in a valley betwixt two woods, chose out a company of horsemen, with certain crossbows and archers, and coming upon the Welshmen in the night, compassed them round about, who pitching the ends of their spears, and turning the points against their enemies, stood at defence so to keep off the horsemen. But the Earl having placed his battle so, that ever betwixt two horsemen there stood a crossbow, a great part of the Welshmen, who stood at defence in manner aforesaid with their spears, were overthrown and broken with the shot of the quarrels, and then the Earl charged the residue with a troop of horsemen, and bore them down with such slaughter, as they had not sustained the like loss of people (as was thought) at any time before.  
After this the king builded a strong castle within the isle of Anglesey, and called the same Buemarish: 
Beumarish built.  and so putting all things in quietness, and punishing such as had put to death Roger de Puelesdon, he returned home with his army. But Madoc within a while after leavieng an army of men came to Oswestrie, where the people yielded unto him: and meeting with the lord Strange with a company of Marchers not far from Knookine, overthrew him, and spoilt his country miserably, and shortly after he gave the Marchers another overthrow. But for all that the lord Marchers nothing dismayed at this mischance, gathered a great power anew, & met Madoc as he was coming towards Shrewesburie upon the hills of Cefn Digolh not far from Caurs castle, where after a long fight the said Madoc was taken, and his men discomfited and put to flight. Then he was sent to the Tower of London, there to remain in perpetual prison. There be some which affirm, that Madoc was not taken, but rather after many adventures and sundry conflicts, when the Welshmen were brought into an issue of great extremity, the said Madoc came in, and submitted himself to the king's peace, and was received upon condition, that he should pursue Morgan till he had taken him and brought him to the king's prison: which was done, and so all things in those parties were set in rest and peace, and many hostages of the chiefest of the nobility of Wales were delivered to the king, who sent them to diverse castles in England, where they were safely kept almost to the end of the wars that followed with Scotland.  
In the 29. year of king Edward the first, Edward prince of Wales came to Chester, where he received the homage of the fréeholders of Wales, as: 

Henry Earl of Lancaster did homage and fealty for Monmouth.  
Reginald Gray for Ruthyn.  
Fulke Fitzwarren for his lands in Wales.  
The lord William Martin for his lands in Cemaes.  
Roger Mortimer for his lands in Wales.  
Henry Lacie Earl of Lincoln for the land of Ros and Ryvoneoc in Wales. 
The Homage done to Edward Prince of Wales, out of the Records.   
Robert lord Mount alt for his land in Wales.  
Gruffyth lord of Pool for the lordship of Powys.  
Sir Gruffyth Lhoyd knight.  
Tuder ap Grono of Anglesey.  
Madoc ap Tuder Archdeacon of Anglesey.  
Encon ap Howel of Caernaruon.  
Tuder ap Gruffyth.  
Lhewelyn ap Ednyvet.  
Gruffyth Vachan the son of Gruffyth ap jorwerth.  
Madoc Vachan Denglfield.  
Lhewelyn bishop of S. Asaph.  

Flint. Engl.  Master Richard de Puelesdon. This man (as appeareth by the Records in the Tower) was made Sheriff of Caernaruon shire during his life, with the stipend of forty pound starling yearly, An. 12. Ed. 1.    
Gruffyth ap Tuder.  
Ithel Vachan.  
Ithel ap Blethyn, etc.  
The lord Richard de Sutton Baron of Malpas did homage and fealty to Edward Prince of Wales and Earl of Chester for the said Barony of Malpas, Apud Ruthlan 27. Die Aprilis, An. supra dicto.  
Anianus or Eneon bishop of Bangor, and David Abbot of Maynan, did homage and fealty to the said Edward Prince of Wales, Apud Conwey 28. Aprilis An. supra dicto.  
Lewis de Felton the son of Richard de Felton did homage and fealty to Edward Prince of Wales, for the lands which the said Richard held of the prince in Maelor Saesneg.  
john earl Warren did homage & fealty to Edward prince of Wales, in the chapel of the lord john de Kirkbie, sometime bishop of Elie, at London 25. die julij, An. 30. E. 1. for the lordships of Bromfield and Yal.  
The same john Earl Warren sworn fealty unto the said Prince for the lands in Hopdale.  
The lord Edmund Mortimer the first day of November, An. 30. Ed. 1. in the house of the bishop of Elie at London, did homage and fealty to Edward prince of Wales before his council, for his lands of Cery and Cydewen.  
About the year 1322. 
1322  one Sir Gruffyth Lhoyd knight gathered a great number of Welshmen, 
Hol. pag. 863.  and took divers castles in Wales, which were kept by the people of the lord Mortimer the elder. He took also the castles of Mould, Chirk, etc. The keepers whereof (coming to Prince Edward at Shrewesburie who then was king of England) submitted themselves to him, and were shortly after sent to the Tower of London.   

Edward of Windsor.  
THe same year being the fifteenth of the reign of king Edward the second, 
Hol. pag. 869.  Edward de Windsor the king's elder son was in a parliament held at York created prince of Wales and Duke of Aquitane.   

Edward of Woodstoke surnamed the black Prince.  
EDward born at Woodstoke, son and heir to king Edward the third, was created Prince of Wales the twelve day of May, in the xvij. year of his father's reign, when he was fourteen years of age, who in time grew to be the flower of chivalry of all Europe. He took john the French king prisoner, at the battle of poitiers, and died, his father yet living, the eight of julie, in the xluj. year of his age, and the fifty of his father's reign: a prince of such excellent demeanour, so valiant, wife, and politic in his doings, that the very and perfect representation of knighthood appeared most lively in his person: for such was his towardness, or rather perfection in princely government, that if he had lived and attained the crown, every man judged that he would surely have exceeded the glorious renown of all his ancestors.   

Richard of Burdeuxe.  
RIchard the son of Edward, Prince of Wales, was after the death of his father created Prince of Wales, at Havering at Bower, the 20. day of November in the 50. year of king Edward the third his Grandfather, he was after the death of his said Grandfather, king of England, by the name of king Richard the second.   

Henry of Monmouth.  
In the time of king Richard the second there was one Owen ap Gruffyth Vachan descended of a younger son of Gruffyth ap Madoc lord of Bromfield. This Owen was first a student at the laws of the Realm, and become an utter barrister, or an apprentice of the law (as they term him) and served king Richard in great credit and favour; between whom and the lord Gray of Ruthyn happened some discord about a piece of commons, lying between the lordship of Ruthyn, and the lordship of Glyndourdwy, whereof Owen was owner, and thereof took his surname of Glyndour. During the reign of king Richard, Owen was too hard for the lord Gray, being then a servitor in court with king Richard, (with whom he was at the time of his taking by the duke of Lancaster in the castle of Flynt) but after that king Richard was put down, the lord Gray being now better fréended than Owen, entered upon the said commons: whereupon Owen having many friends and followers in his country (as those that be great with Princes commonly have) put himself in armour against the lord Gray, whom he meeting in the field overcame and took prisoner. This was the very beginning and the cause of Owen's rising and attempts. Upon the taking of the lord Gray, and spoiling of his lordship of Ruthyn, many resorted to Owen from all parts of Wales, some thinking that he was aswell in favour now as he was in king Richard's days: some other putting in his head, that now the time was come wherein the Britons through his means might recover again the honour and liberties of their ancestors. These things being laid before Owen by such as were very cunning in Merlin's prophecies and the interpretations of the same (for there were in those days, as I fear there be now, some singular men which are deeply overseen in those mysteries, and hope one day to meet velvet upon London bridge with their bows) brought him into such a fools paradise, that he never weighing what title he might pretend nor what right he had, proceeded and made war upon the Earl of March, who was the right inheritor aswell to the Principality of Wales, as appeareth before pag. 315. as to the kingdom of England, after the death of king Richard being descended of the elder brother next to Edward prince of Wales father to king Richard. Of which stir and rebellion there ensued much mischief to the Welshmen. For the king conceiving great hatred against them, 
The unreasonable laws of K. Henry 4. against the inhabitants of Wales. See the books of statutes.  showed himself a manifest oppressor of all that nation, making rigorous laws against them, whereby he took in a manner all the liberties of subjects from them, prohibiting all Welshmen to purchase lands, or to be choose or received to be citizens or burgesses in any city, borough, or market town, or be received or accepted to any office of Mayor, Bailiff, Chamberlain, constable, or keeper of the gates, or of the jail, or to be of the counsel of any city, borough or town, or to bear any manner armour within any city, borough, or market town. And if any suit happened between a Welshman and any Englishman, it was by law ordained that the Englishman should not be convict, unless it were by the judgement of English justices, and by the verdict of whole English burgesses, or by inquests of English boroughs and towns of the signiories where the said suit lay: also that all English burgesses that married Welshwomen should be disfranchised of their liberties. Not congregations or meetings in counsel was permitted to the Welshmen but by licence of the chief officers of the same Signiory, and in the presence of the same officers. That no victuals or armour should be brought into Wales without the special licence of the king or his counsel. That no Welshman should have any castle, fortress, or house defensive of his own or of any other man to keep. Not Welshman to be made justice, Chamberlain, Chancellor, Treasurer, Sheriff, Steward, Constable of castle, receiver, escheator, coroner, nor chief forester, nor other officer, nor keeper of the records, nor lieutenant in any of the said offices in no part of Wales, nor of the counsel of any English lord, notwithstanding any patent or licence made to the contrary. That no Englishman, which in time to come shall marry any Welshwoman, be put in any office in Wales, or in the Marches of the same.  
These with other laws both unreasonable and unconcionable (such as no prince among the heathen ever offered to his subjects) were ordained and severely executed against them. Neither was it any reason that for the offence of one man and his complices, all the whole nation should be so persecuted, whereby not only they that lived in that time, but also their children and posterity should be brought to perpetual thraldom and misery: for these laws were not ordained for their reformation, but of mere purpose to work their utter ruin and destruction. Which doth evidently appear, in that they were forbidden to keep their children at learning, or to put them to be apprentices to any occupation in any town or borough of this realm. Let any indifferent man therefore judge and consider whether this extremity of law, where justice itself is mere injury and cruelty, be not a cause and matter sufficient to withdraw any people from civility to barbarism.   

Edward of Westminster.  
EDward the only son, and heir of king Henry the sixt born at Westminster the thirtieth day of October in the 31. year of the reign of his father, was created prince of Wales, and Earl of Chester, by authority of parliament at Westminster the 15. day of March in the 32. year of the said king his father. This prince was afterwards of such towardness, that he become skilful in the knowledge aswell of martial affairs, as of matters of government and laws of the realm, he was murdered at Teukesburie.   

Edward of Westminster.  
john bishop of Worcester (as appeareth by records of the town Hall of Salop, 
joh. Bishop of Worcester.  bearing date the tenth day of April in the 18. year of king Edward the fourth) was precedent of the L. Prince's counsel of the Marches of Wales: who together with the lord Anthony Earl Rivers, uncle and governor to the said Prince, sat in the town hall aforesaid, and made certain ordinances for the weal and tranquility of the said town.  
King Edward the fourth using much the faithful service of the Welshmen, meant the reformation of the estate of Wales, and the establishing of a court within that Principality, and therefore he sent the bishop of Worcester, and the Earl Rivers, with the prince of Wales to the country, to the end he might understand how to proceed in his purposed reformation. But the troubles and disquietness of his own subjects, and the shortness of his time suffered him to do little or nothing in that behalf.   

Edward.  
EDward the only son of king Richard the third, being a child of ten years of age, was the four and twentieth day of August, in the first year of the reign of the same king created prince of Wales.   

Arthur.  
Besides all this, there was a commission at this time directed from king Henry the seventh, to the Abbot of Lhan Egwest, Doctor Owen Poole canon of Hereford, and john King, harold, to make inquisition concerning the parentage of the said Owen, who coming to Wales, traveled in that matter, and used the helps of Sir john Leyaf, Guttyn Owen Bardh, Gruffyth ap Lhewelyn ap evan Vachan, and others in the search of the British or Welsh books of petigrées, out of the which they drawn his perfect genealogy from the ancient kings of Britain and the Princes of Wales, and so returned their commission: which return is extant at this day to be seen.  
After that about the seventeenth year of king Henry's reign, 
William Smith bishop of Lincoln.  Prince Arthur went again to Wales, being newly married, with whom the king sent Doctor William Smith, which was afterward bishop of Lincoln, to be precedent of his counsel, appointing him other wise & expert counsellors, as Sir Richard Poole his kinsman, 
Prince Arthur's councelers.  which was his chief chamberlain, also Sir Henry Vernon, Sir Richard Crofts, Sir David Philip, Sir William Udall, Sir Thomas Englefield, Sir Peter Newton, etc. But before the year ended, this noble Prince, after that he had been married to the lady Catharine his wife, the space of five months, departed out of this transitory life, at Ludlowe castle, the second day of April in the said year of his father's reign, and with great funeral solemnity was buried at Worcester.   

Henry duke of York.  
HEnrie duke of York, brother unto Prince Arthur, was after the death of the Prince, the 18. day of February, in the 19 year of the reign of king Henry the seventh his father, created Prince of Wales, and was afterward king of England, by the name of king Henry the eight. The said William Smith Bishop of Lincoln, was L. Precedent of his council, who continued in that office, until the fourth year of this king's reign; and was the first L. Precedent that is named in the records of that court: he was founder of Brasenose college in Oxenford.  
In the fourth year of this noble king Henry the eight, Geffrey Blyth Bishop of Coventrie and Lychfield was sent into Wales to be L. 
Geffrey Blyth  Precedent of the prince's council, where he continued until the 16. year of the same king.   

Marie.  
THe lady Marie, daughter to the same king Henry the eight, by the Princess Catharine Dowager, the widow of Prince Arthur, was Princess of Wales. And in the seventeenth year of king Henry's reign, john Voiseie, 
john Voiseie.  Bishop of Excester, was sent by the king to be L. Precedent of the council of the said Princes in the marches of Wales, where he continued until the 25. year of the same king. 
I Hoker in Catalogo Episc. Exon.  This Bishop was Doctor of the laws, and very well learned and wise, and in great favour with the king, who sent him sundry times in embassages to foreign Princes: and now he had the government of the kings only daughter lady Marie Princess of Wales. Of all the Bishops in the land he was counted the courtlikest; and the best Courtier: and although he was well reported of for his learning, 
A courtly Bishop.  yet was he better liked for his courtlike behaviour, which in the end turned not so much to his credit, as to the utter ruin and spoil of his church: for of xxij. lordships and manors, which his predecessors had, and lest unto him of a goodly yearly revenue, he left but three, and them also leased out. And where he found fourteen houses well furnished, he left only one house bore and without furniture, and yet charged with sundry fees and annuities: by means whereof that bishopric, which sometimes was counted one of the best, is now become in temporal lands one of the meanest: and a place scarce left for the Bishop to lay and rest his head in: yet nevertheless he was a great favourer of learned men, and specially of divines, whom he preferred in his church above all others. He was very bounteous and liberal unto all men, but specially unto courtiers, unto his own kindred and countrymen. Upon many he bestowed, unto the confusion of some of them: and upon other he spent much, by building of a town named Sutton Colshull where he was born, which he procured to be incorporated and made a market town: and set up therein making of kerseys, but all in the end came to small effect.   

ELIZABETH.  

Row. Lee, bishop of Coventrie and Lichfield.  Rowland Lee bishop of Coventrie and Lichfield was in the 26. year of king Henry the eight, sent to be Lord Precedent of the king's majesties Counsel in the marches of Wales: in whose time the principality and country of Wales was by Parliament incorporated and united unto the kingdom of England, and all the inhabitants thereof made equal in freedoms, liberties, rights, privileges, laws, and in all other respects, to the natural subjects of England, and all inheritances were made of English tenure to descend without division or partition after the manner of England. Also the laws, statutes, and ordinances of the realm of England, were commanded to be executed and put in practice within the country and principality of Wales, and none other. And to the end the said laws should be duly put in execution, the whole dominion of Wales together with the lordship's marchers bordering upon the same, was divided into xiij. shires or counties, wherefore xij. made four circuits, to the which circuits there were several judges appointed, who should administer justice to the inhabitants of every of the said shires twice in the year. The first circuit was the three shires of Eastwales, 
Eastwales.  Denbygh, Flynt, and Mountgomrie, wherein the justice of Chester keepeth sessions twice in the year, hearing and deciding all titles, trespasses, variance and misdemeanours within the country.  
The justice of North-wales doth the like in the three shires of North-wales, 
North-wales.  Anglesey, Caernaruon, and Meryonyth, which do make the second circuit.  
The third circuit are the three shires of Westwales, 
Westwales.  Caerdigan, Caermardhyn, and Pembroke, where the justice of that country keepeth his sessions every year twice.  
The three shires of Southwales, 
Southwales  Radnor, Brechnocke, and Glamorgan do make the fourth circuit, in the which the justice of Southwales doth keep sises twice every year. And because all matters as well of law as of equity are herded and determined in these circuits, the same do continued six days in every of the shires aforenamed.  
Monmouthshire doth follow the common order of the shires of England, 
Monmouth shire.  suing all original writs out of the high court of chancery. In all these shires there were appointed Sheriffs, justices of peace, Crowner's, and all other officers accordingly, as they are in England.  
Further for the keeping of the country in continual obedience, 
The Court in the marches of Wales.  and the controlling of the outrage of wilful and unruly people; there was ordained a Precedent and counsel to remain within the dominion and Principality of Wales, with all officers appertaining to the same. Which Precedent and council have power and authority to hear and determine, by their wisdoms and discretions, such causes and matters as are assigned to them by the Kings or queens of England for the time being. And certainly (let men imagine what they will) this house was it, 
The necessity of the court in the Marches.  that (after great hatred and persecution, whereof disobedience and rudeness followed) reduced the country of Wales to quietness, obedience and civility: by authority whereof not only great outrages are appeased, the offenders punished, and the wilful bridled: but also the quiet and obedient subject is protected and defended from injury, so that he may possess his own in quietness. Wherein this Bishop Rowland Lee and his associates did notable good service. And surely there have been of the same house very wise governors and men of great credit; namely Nicholas Heath Archbishop of York and Lord Chancellor of England: Thomas Young Archbishop also of York: john Whitgift now Archbishop of Canturburie; and divers other, of whom I am to speak hereafter.  

Prince Edward borne  In the 29. year of king Henry the eight, prince Edward his son was born at Hampton court on S. Edward's even being the 12. of October, who because the principality of Wales was now by statute (as I said before) incorporated to the crown and kingdom of England, being under the same laws and jurisdiction, was none otherwise Prince of Wales than under the general title of England: as the king his father was king of England, and under that name K. of Wales as a member of England; neither do I read of any other creation or investiture that he had to that principality, therefore I thought it not convenient to make any special title of him after the said statute. He afterward succeeded his father in the crown of this realm by the name of king Edward the sixt.  
The said Rowland Lee died L. Precedent in the xxxiiij. year of King Henry the eight and lieth buried at Shrewesburie. After him Richard Samson 
R. Samson.  bishop of Chichester was removed to Coventrie and Lichfield and appointed Lord Precedent of Wales, in the xxxv. year of king Henry the eight, and so continued L. Precedent until the end of the 2. year of the reign of king Edward the sixt.  
john Sutton alias Dudley Earl of Warwick and knight of the noble order of the garter, 
john, Earl of Warwick.  was in the third year of King Edward the sixt appointed Lord Precedent of Wales, in the which office he continued until the fourth year of the same king. He descended out of Wales by a daughter of the Lord Powys, for he was the son of Edmund, the son of john a younger son of john Lord Dudley, the son of john Lord Dudley, the son of john Lord Dudley, the son of john Lord Dudley, the son of john Sutton Baron Dudley, who married Isabella the daughter of sir john Charlton Lord Powys who descended of Hawys the daughter and heir of Owen ap Gruffyth Lord Powys, who was linearly descended of Blethyn ap Convyn Prince of Wales, mentioned before page▪ 103.  
This noble man was made knight being very young, by Charles Brandon Duke of Suffolk, for his good service done at Montededier in France, Anno 15. Hen. 8. He was sent Ambassador to the Emperor, Anno 26. Hen. 8. After the death of the Uicount Lisle his father in law, he was created Uicount Lisle & warden of the frontiers & marches of Scotland, Anno 33. Hen. 8. He was choose to be fellow and companion of the order of the Garter the fift of May, An. 35. Hen. 8. In the first year of K. Edward the sixt, he was created Earl of Warwick, and in the fift year of the same king, Duke of Northumberland. He was also Earl Martial high admiral of England L. great master and Precedent of the privy council, and further entitled lord Basset and Tyesse.  
The next year after, 
William Herbert, knight of the noble order.  that is in the fourth year of Edward the sixt, William Herbert knight of the noble order of the garter, was appointed L. Precedent of Wales, and continued until Michaelmas, in the first year of Queen Marie. After whom Nicholas Heath Bishop of Worcester was sent to be L. Precedent of Wales, 
Nicholas Heath, Bishop of Worcester.  & continued there until the third year of the same Queen, and then was removed to be Lord Chancellor of England, being then elected Archbishop of York. 
W. Herbert Earl of Penbrook.  At which time the said William Herbert was again made L. Precedent of Wales, and so continued until the sixt year of the same Queen. He descended of William Herbert, created Earl of Pembroke by king Edward the fourth, who was the son of Sir William Herbert, who married Gladys the daughter of Sir David Gam, which Sir William was the son of Thomas Herbert, the son of Gwilim ap jenkyn, lineally descended of a noble man called Herbert Fitzhenrie, chamberlain to king Henry the first. This noble man lived in great credit and estimation with king Henry the eight, king Edward the sixt, Queen Marie, and Queen Elizabeth, and was by every of the said Princes employed in matters of great importance, and for his good and faithful service greatly honoured: as appeareth in an Epitaph fixed upon his tomb in the Cathedral church of S. Paul in London, which I thought good here to lay down.  

Perpetuae pietati Sacrum.  
GVliel. Herberto Penbrochiae comiti, equiti aurato praenobilis ordinis Anglici: Henr. viij. R. Acubiculis: Edoard. vi. R. equitum magistro: Walliae praesidi. Tumultu occidentali cum Russello & Graio Baronibus paribus auspicijs summae rerum praeposito: Mariae Raeae. contra perduelles, ac expeditione ad Augustam Veromanduorum bis, totius exercitus duci: bis summo in agro Caletum, Limitum praefecto: Elizab. Raeae. officiorum seu Magno Regiae Magistro. Pariter & Dominae Annae ex vetiista Parrorum gente oriundae, Sorori Catharinae Raeae. Henr. viij. R. vi. matrimonio coniunctae, ac Marchionis Northamptonij: Prudentissaeae. foeminae, pietatis, religionis, probitatis omnisque avitae virtutis retinentissaeae fidiss. Comitis coniugi: Henr. F. ac comes, Pp. chariss. sibi ac suis moerens. P.  
Obijt aetatis An 63.  
Obijt salutis An 1569.  
Liberis relictis ex prima.  
Henrico Pemb. Comite.  
Edoardo Equite Aurato.  
Domina Anna Baroni Talbot nupta.  
Secunda coniuge superstite, Georgio Salopiae comite genita, inisigni praeter antiquum probitatis decus, virtute foemina.   
In the sixt year of Queen Marie, 
Gilb. Bourne.  Gilbert Bourne Bishop of Bath and Wells was sent to be lord Precedent of Wales, and so continued until the death of the same Queen.  
In the first year of Queen Elizabeth, 
I Williams L. Williams of Thame.  Sir john Williams L. Williams of Thame, was sent L. Precedent into Wales, and died L. Precedent the same year in the castle of Ludlowe, and lieth buried at Thame, in the county of Oxenford: where he of his good and virtuous disposition towards the good and godly education of the youth of his country, and maintenance of the poor, founded by his last will and testament a Grammar school and an Almeshouse, to have continuance for ever, and left certain yearly revenues in lands and money, for the maintenance of the same. And for the ordering conveying and assuring of the premises to the uses aforesaid, he constituted and ordained executors of his said last will and testament, among other Robert Doylie of Merton in the same county Esquire, and William Place of Lurgyshall in the county of Buckingham Gentleman, who purchasing other lands for that purpose to the yearly value of 57 pounds, two shillings five pennies, sued out the mortmain and enfe offed the Warden and Scholars of new College in Oxenford, and their successors of the premises to the use above mentioned.  
The foundation of the School is of one head Schoolmaster to be appointed by the said Robert Doylie and William Place or the longer liver of them for their life time: and afterward by the said Warden and Scholars of new College and their successors for ever: who hath yéerelie for his stipend the sum of xxuj. pounds xiij. shillings iiij. pennies. And one usher to be likewise appointed as the master is, who shall have for his stipend yéerelie the sum of xiij. pounds uj. shillings viij. pennies both which stipends are to be paid quarterly by even portions.  
The almeshouse is founded to have five almsmen and one almeswoman, who have yéerelie towards their maintenance the sum of 7. pounds 4. shillings, and a new gown every fourth year.  
There is also allowed for the keeping of the tomb of the said lord William's 8. shillings yéerelie, and for keeping clean of the watercourse 4. shillings.  

Henry Sidney, knight of the noble order.  Henry Sidney knight, after the death of the L. William's of Thame in the second year of the queens Majesty that now is, was sent to be L. Precedent of Wales. This knight is descended by the heirs make lineally of Sir William Sidney, who came out of anjou into England with Henry fitzempress, and was afterward chamberlain to the said Henry when he was king of England, and descended out of Wales by his mother Anne the daughter of Anne, the daughter of William Clement, the son of john, the son of William, the son of William, the son of jenkyn Clement, who married the daughter of Conan, the son of Meredyth, the son of Gruffyth, the son of the lord Rees Prince of Southwales, of whom mention is before pag. 249. which Rees was the son of Wenlhian, the daughter of Gruffyth ap Conan Prince of North-wales. The mother likewise of the same john or jenkyn Clement, was Cicilie the daughter of Sir Gruffyth Lhoyd knight, the son of Rees, the son of Gruffyth, the son of Ednyvet Vachan, chief counsellor and steward to Lhewelyn ap jorwerth Prince of Wales, of whom Matthew Paris maketh mention, page 843. who also was the ancestor of Owen Tuder, the Grandfather of king Henry the seventh, of whom I have written before.  
In the third year of king Edward the sixt, he was made knight by the king: and was sent Ambassador to the French king, when he was but xxij. years of age. In the time of Queen Marie he was treasurer of Ireland, and lord justice there, where he so used himself, that he got great commendation of all the inhabitants of that country. Anno. 1564. he was choose Knight of the noble order of the Garter.  
He hath now continued L. Precedent of Wales about xxiv. years, of the which he served in Ireland eight years and six months, being there three several times lord deputy general of that country. He repaired the castle of Ludlowe, which is the chiefest house within the marches, being in great decay, as the Chapel, the court house, and a fair fountain, from the which by several cocks the offices of the house are served with water. Also he erected divers new buildings within the same castle, as a fair new porters lodge: large chambers for the keeping of the records of that court: and other convenient lodgings for such commissioners to lie in as are called thither for to give attendance in that service.  
Tervyn.    

An admonition for the reading of the British words.  
IT is to be noted, that the letter [c] in all British words hath always the sound of the English [k] except it be joined with [h:] for [ch] is counted but one consonant, which hath the sound of the Greek [χ] and never of the English [ch.] I have also used [dh] for the British [dd] and [lh] for the [ll.] The single [f] hath the sound of [v] consonant. [R] in the beginning of a word is to be pronounced with an aspiration. The rest of the letters agree with the English pronountiation.   

Certain words passed in this impression are thus to be amended.  
PAge 26. Line 7. put out, and Cornwall. page 88 line 26. read, Caradoc the son of Rytherch ap jestyn. page 96. line 21. Pevensey ibidem line 23. Sheppey. page 104. line 31. Portascyth. page 122. line 10. Aberthaw. page 131. line 5. and 25. Cydwely. page 155. line 25. for of, read and. page 166. line 30. for Riryd, read Madoc. page 168. line 29. for thy, read his. page 188. line 30. Richard of Clare and. page 197. line 16. Hugh son to the Earl. page 211. line 31. for Anarawd read Meruyn. page 254. line 17. for theidw, read cheidw. ibidem line 18. for Rhae, read Rhac. page 329. line 15. primate of all. page 357. line 6. ap Gwystyl. page 395. line 7. whereof.   

A Table containing the principal matters, places, and people in this book. This letter (D) signifieth the description. The figures note the page.  


A.  
ABercynfric, 150.  
Aberstraw (D) 6. destroyed by the Irishmen, 62.  
Abergeuenny (D) 20.289.  
Aberheidol, 220.  
Aberlhech, 154.  
Aberlhiennawc, 155.  
Aberlhychwr Castle, 203.  
Aberystwyth castle built, 169.336. taken, 337.  
Adelarde, 8.12. overcome by the Britons, 14. joineth his power with Ethelbald, 15.  
Adelstane K. of England, 50.  
Aedan ap Blegored, 74. he is slain, 83.  
Aedan the son of Melht, 38.  
Alan K. of little Britain, 1.  
Alans whence they came, 39  
Alclyd destroyed by the Danes, 34.  
Alfred K. of England, 33. loveth and getteth about him learned men, ibidem. translateth the British laws into the Saxon tongue, 42. his Epitaph, 43.  
Alfwyen disinherited, 49.  
Algar Earl of Chester, 99  
Almarus' Earl of Devon, 76.  
Anarawd the son of Roderike, 37. he dieth, 45.  
Anarawd ap Gruffyth ap Rées slain, 196.  
Armorica, 2.  
Arnulph the son of Roger Mountgomery, 151. Lord of Dyvet, 154. rebelled against K. Henry the first, 157. he departeth the land, 159.  
Arthur's bones found, 238.  
Arthur Prince of Wales, 390.  
Aruon (D) 8.  
Asser archbishop of Wales, 44.  
Avanc (D) 21.  
Augustine monk, the Apostle of England, (D) 15.254.    


B.  
BAldwin archbishop of Canturburie visiteth Wales, 241.  
Bardh, Beirdh, (D) 15.191  
Beda, 15.  
Belin ap Elphin, 14.  
Bernard Newmarch, 148.151.  
Beumarish built, 381.  
Blethyn ap Conuyn, 103. he is slain, 111,  
Brecheinoc Brechnock (D) 20. spoilt by the Danes, 42.148.277.288.  
Brochwel Scithroc (D) 15. his dwelling place, 22.  
Bryth destroyed Ireland, 13.  
Britain divided betweéns the sons of Brutus, (D) 1.  
Britons are spoilt of their country by the Saxons, 5. they abhorred the Romish religion, 255. threé remnants of them yet remaining (D) 4.  
British language now spoken in Wales (D) 4.  
Britain Armorike and the kings thereof, 2.  
Buelht (D) 20.277.280.  
Burgundians whence they came, 39    


C.  
CAdelh prince of Southwales, 35. he dieth, 44.  
Cadelh the son of Gruffyth ap Rées. 201.202. sore wounded by the Flemings, 203.  
Cadivor ap Colhoyn, 119.  
Cadogan ap Blethyn, 152.155 157. he maketh a great feast, 163. charged with his sons lewdness, 168. he is slain, 171. his children, 182.  
Cadwallader goeth to britain Armorike, 1. admonished by an angel, 3. goeth to Rome and dieth, 5.  
Cadwallader ap Gruffyth ap Conan he dieth, 232.  
Cadwalhon ap jevaf, 67.  
Cadwalhon ap Meredyth, 71.  
Cardyffbuilt, 116. taken, 289.  
Caereneon (D) 12. and 14. the castle built, 205.  
Caer Gay (D) 9  
Caerlheon are Dhowrdwy or Chester, 27. a catalogue of the Earls, 294.  
Caermardhyn (D) 18. taken, 178. destroyed, 193. the castle builded again, 198. taken again, ibidem. 247.  
Caernarvon castle built, 374.  
Cambria, Cambry, Camberaec (D) 2.3.4. the country divided into shires and circuits, 395. the good service of the people to the KING, of Englland. 175.235. they are left out of the conclusion of peace, 278. they offer to be tried by the law, 324. punished extremely, but when they complain they have no redress, 161.320. abused by the Kings officers, 350.  
Camdhwr, 113.  
Caradocus lancaruan, 206,  
Caradoc king of North-wales slain, 20.  
Caradoc the son of Rytherch ap jestyn, 88  
Caradoc ap Gruffyth ap Rytherch, 104.113.  
Caredigion, (D) 17.  
Carrec Cynnen castle, 319.  
Carrec Hova castle, 219.241.  
Castor ¶ See Avanc.  
Celhy Tervawc, 153.  
Celynnoc vawr destroyed, 65.  
Conan Meriadoc, 2.  
Conan Tindaethwy, 17.  
Conan Nant Niver, 32.  
Conan ap Howel slain, 74.  
Conan ap Sitsilht, 88  
Conan the son of jago, 89.  
Conan Earl of Richmond received to be Duke of Britain, 205.  
Congen king of Powys, 29.  
Conwey, 38. the castle built, 374.  
Costenin Dhu slain, 65.  
Crogen castle, 257.  
Crogens a nickname whence it cometh, 258.  
Cudred king of wests overcometh the Britons▪ 15.  
Cnuedha Wledic, (D) 14. his sons give names to divers countries in Wales which remain to this day, (D) 14.  
Cydwely (D) 18. spoilt, 152 the castle built, 242.272.  
Cymer, 287.  
Cynvael castle, 200.  
Cynwric ap Rywalhon, 112.    


D.  
DAniel Archdeacon of Powys, 187.  
Danes came to England, 20. they bend their force against Wales, 34. whence they came, 39 they destroy saint David's, 45. they are murdered, 76.  
David ap Owen Gwyneth, 221.227. taketh his brother Maelgon, 234. he marrieth Emme the king's sister, 235. put out of the government of Wales, 245. taken prisoner by his nephew, 250. cometh again, against Lhewelyn, & being vanquished dieth for sorrow, 259.  
David ap Lhewelyn, 298. taketh his brother prisoner, ibidem. taketh the government upon him, 299. excommunicated, 300. refuseth to deliver his brother out of prison, ibidem. he submitteth himself to the king, 304. he complaineth to the pope upon king Henry, 308. maketh the principality of Wales tributary to the church of Rome, 309. putteth king Henry's army to flight, 310. he dieth, 313.  
David ap Gruffyth, 319. forsaketh his brother, 326.335.350. his answer to the kings offer, 370. he is taken and put to death, 374.  
David Fitz Gerald bishop of Menevia, 201.237.  
Denbigh (D) 10. the owners of it since the David ap Gruffyth, 377. given to Henry Lacie Earl of Lincoln, 377.  
Dial Rodri, 38.  
Dinerth, 45.  
Dinevowr (D) 6. and 17. the castle won, 269.  
Donwalhon Prince of Stratclwyd, 64.  
Dyffryn Clwyd, (D) 10.  
Dyganwy (D) 10.262.267.326. parcel of the possession of the earl of Chester, (D) 10.  
Dyvet (D) 17. destroyed by the Danes, 65.71. given to Arnulph, 154. then to jorwerth ap Blethyn, 158. thirdly to Saer, 159. fourthly to Gerald, 161.272.    


E.  
EGbert King of England being the first of the Saxons, 25. he entered into Wales, 24. he changeth the name of Britain into England, 25. his wars against the Danes, 27. he dieth, ibidem. his wife hated the Britons, and caused the king to use them hardly, ibidem.  
Elife ap Madoc, 257. his lands taken from him saving Crogen, and 7. towneships, ibidem.  
Edelfled, 44.47.48.  
Edgar king of England spoileth North-wales, 61. dieth, 64.  
Edmund K. of England, 51. he is slain, 58.  
Ednyvet Uachan, 249.306.  
Edwal Yoorch, 7.9.  
Edwal Uoel, 46. he is slain, 51.  
Edwal ap Meyric, 72. slain, 73.  
Edwal Uachan, the son of Edwal Uoel slain, 65.  
Edward the elder, 43. he taketh London and Oxford from his sister, 44. he disinheriteth his sister's daughter, 49. dieth, 50.  
Edward the Martyr, 64.  
Edward the Confessor, 92.  
Edward Earl of Chester, 319 retireth, 321. cometh to Wales, 326. goeth to the holy land, 328. crowned king of England, ibidem, he cometh to Chester, 333. his offer to the Prince, 364.365. his offer to David, ibidem. he brought all Wales to his subjection, 374. he giveth the lands of the Welshmen to the noble men of England, 377.  
Edward Caernarvon, 376. taketh homage of the freeholders of Wales, 382.  
Edward of Woodstoke, 384,  
Edward of Westminster, 388.  
Edward of Westminster, 389.  
Edward son to K. Richard the third, 390.  
Edward the sixt, 396.  
Elizabeth Princess, 394.  
Eneon ap Owen ap Howel Dha, 65, he is slain, 66.  
Eneon ap Cadivor, 119.  
England and Englishmen, 25. driven out of the country of Senghennyth, 279. they do oppress the Welshmen, 337.  
Easter not kept by the Britain's at the time appointed by the church of Rome, 17.18.  
Esylht the daughter and heir of Conan, (D) 16.22.24.  
Ethelwulphs' genealogy, 29. he was bishop of Winchester, 32  
Ethelbald married his mother in law, 32.  
Euneth the son of Bledred, 41.    


F.  
FAmine in Southwales, 71.  
Fermael the son of Edwal, 18.  
Flemings came to Dyvet, 163. they desire peace, 277.279.    


G.  
GAlfrid Arthur bishop of Lhanelwy, 203.  
Gavelford, 25.  
Geffrey Blyth bishop of Coventrie and Lichfield, 392.  
Geffrey Langley, 321.  
Genelogies esteemed among all nations, 31.  
Gerald de Windsor steward of Pembroke, 154.  
Gilbert Strangbow Earl of Strigule, 169.172.  
Gladys daughter to Lhewelyn ap jorwerth, 298.  
Gwaith y dinas newydh, 47.  
Gwaynyttyd, 113.  
Gwent (D) 19 spoilt by the Danes, 42.  
Gwenwynwyn lord of Powys 250. getteth again the castle of Pool, 248. layeth siege to the castle of pain in Eluel 251. discomfited, 252. detained prisoner by the Counsel 260. released of his oath of obedience to the king by the pope, 267.  
Gweythen, 32.  
Gwyneth ¶ See North-wales.  
Gilbert De Humfrevile, 125. his heirs, 134.  
Glamorgan (D) 19 spoilt, 71. wone from the Welshmen, 122  
Goths whence they came, 39  
Grono ap Owen ap Edwin, lord of Tegengl, 172.  
Grono ap Ednyvet gentleman, 327.  
Gruffyth ap Madoc slain, 49.  
Gruffyth ap Lhewelyn ap Sitsylht, 90. he is slain, 101.  
Gruffyth ap Conan cometh to Anglesey, 112. he warreth against Trahaern ap Caradoc, 113. joineth with Rées ap Theodor, 114. obtaineth the principality of North-wales, 115. he maketh peace with king Henry the first, 174. dieth, 190. his statute to reform the abuses of minstrels, 191.  
Gruffyth ap Rées ap Theodor, 175. putteth himself in armour against the king, 176. he taketh the town, of Caermardhyn, 178. he dieth, 190.  
Gruffyth ap Trahaerne ap Caradoc, 162.  
Gruffyth Maylor L. of Bromfield, 242.  
Gruffyth ap Rées taken by his brother Maelgon, and sent to prison, 250. set at liberty, 252. he dieth, 256.  
Gruffyth ap Lhewelyn ap jorwerth, 280 goeth with an army against William Martial, 282.292. disquieteth his father, 297. valiant and courageous, 298.307. imprisoned by his brother, ibidem. great suit to the K. for his enlargement, 301. delivered to the K. and sent to the tower, where seeking to scape he broke his neck, 307.  
Gruffyth lord of Dinas Brancha, 293.300.304.321.327.  
Gurmond (D) 15.6.  
Gwgan ap Meyric, 34.    


H.  
HAsting the Dane, 39  
Henry the first K. of England, 157. he cometh into Wales, 173. again, 184. he is in danger to be slain, 185. he dieth, 188.  
Henry the second king of England, 204. he cometh to Wales, 206. put in danger of his life, 207. he maketh peace with the lords of Wales, 208. cometh to Southwales, 209. again, 219. he cometh to North-wales, 221. lieth encamped at Berwyn, 222. in danger to be slain, ibidem. he goeth the Ireland, 230. returns from Ireland again, 232. forsaketh his wife, 239. he dieth, 241.  
Henry, the third king of England, 276. cometh to wales and buildeth a castle at Mountgomerie, 280. cometh again with an army to Wales, 283. again, 289. marrieth, 293. cometh again to Wales, 299. called to appear before the Abbots of Aberconwy & Cymer, 309. he cometh again to Wales, 310. he and the Earl of Chester come to Wales, 322. cometh to Montgomerie and maketh peace with the prince, 326. he dieth, 328.  
Henry Lacie lord of Denbigh and Earl of Lincoln, 377.  
Henry prince of Wales, 392.  
Henry Sidney knight of the order, 400.  
Howel the brother of Conan Tindaethwy, 22. King of man, 25.  
Howel Dha prince of Southwales, 45. prince of all Wales, 52. his laws, 53. he went to Rome, 54, he dieth, 58.  
Howel ap Jevaf, 62. useth his brother Meyric cruelly, 63. ruleth North-wales, 64. he is slain, 66.  
Howel ap Edwin, 88 he is slain, 93.  
Howel ap Grono, lord of Stratywy Cydewen and Gwyr, 159. he is traitorously slain, 161.  
Howel ap Ithel lord of Ros & Ryvonioc, 183.  
Howel ap Owen Gwyneth a valiant captain, 199.  
Howel ap jevaflord of Arustly, 240.  
Hubert de Burgh keepeth the castle of Dover, 275. gave the French navy an overthrow, 277. some of the Barons conspire against him, 283. owner of Montgomerie, 284. his folly, 285. committed to prison, 288. escapeth out of prison, 289. reconciled to the King, 292.  
Huganus' lord of Westwales, 47.  
Hugh Lupus Earl of Chester, 151.155. he dieth, 157.  
Hugh de Montgomerie Earl of Salope, 155. he is slain, 156.  
Hugh Earl of Chester winneth Mehenyth, 197.  
Hugh Lacie, 151.    


I  
IAgo ap Edwal, 59.62.  
jago ap Edwal, 87.  
jestyn ap Gurgant lord of Glamorgan, 119.  
Jevaf ap Edwal, 59.60.70.  
Igmond cometh to Anglisey, 41.  
john king of England made Knight, goeth to Ireland & returns again, 240. lost Normandy, Anjou, maine and poitiers, 258. goeth to Ireland, 261. goeth to Wales, 264. and again, 265. maketh his kingdom tributary to the Pope, 270. he destroyeth the Marches of Wales, 275. he dieth, 276.  
john le Fleming, 125. his heirs, 136.  
john de Cremona a Cardinal, 186.  
john Scot Earl of Chester, 288.293.  
john of Monmouth, 290.310.  
john Peckam Archbishop of Canturburie, 338.  
john Uoisye bishop of Excester, 393.  
john Sutton alias Dudley Earl of Warwick, 397.  
john Williams L. Williams of Thame, 399.  
jonaval the son of Meyric, 67.  
jorwerth Drwyndwn, 227.  
jorwerth ap Blethyn, 157.158. condemned and cast into prison, 160. set at liberty, 167. slain cruelly, 170.  
jorwerth ap Owen ap Caradoc lord of Caerlheon upon Usc, 230. wan Caerlheon again, 234. obtained the king's favour, 236.  
joseph of Aremathia, 12.  
Ithel K. of Gwent, 29.  
Ivor the son of Alan, 7.  
Ivor the son of Ednerth ap Cadogoan, 154.    


K.  
KEntwine K. of Westsex, 8.  
Kenulph K. of Wests. 16. he destroyeth Wales, 25.    


L.  
LHanbadarn destroyed by the Danes, 71.  
Lhanvaes', 293.  
Loegria Lhoeger, 1.  
Lhechryd, 117.  
Lhewelyn ap Sitsylht, 83.84.  
Lhewelyn ap jorwerth, 245. taketh his uncle David prisoner, 250. calleth a parliament, 257. marrieth jone the daughter of King john, 259. maketh peace with K. john, 265. released by the Pope of his oath of allegiance to the K. of England, & commanded to war against him, 267. he winneth Ruthlan and Dyganwy, 270. excommunicated by the Pope, 271. he winneth Shrewesburie, ibidem. goeth with an army to Southwales, 273. also to Brechnocke, 277. leadeth an army to Pembroke, 279. cometh to the K. at Shrewesburie, 281. destroyeth all the marches to Southwales, 287. entereth into England, 288. cometh with an army to Brechnocke, ibid. taketh the town of Salop again, 291. concludeth peace with K. Henry the third, 292. calleth all the Lords and Barons of Wales together, 297. he dieth, 298.  
Lhewelyn ap Gruffyth choose Prince of Wales, 314. divided the principality between him and his brother Owen, ibidem. entered the Earl of Chestersland, 321. causeth the Earl to retire, ibid. destroyeth the earldom of Chester, 326. maketh peace with the K. 326. refuseth to come to K. Edward's coronation, 328. excuseth himself to the Archbishops, 329. maketh peace with K. Edward, 334. he is married, 336. his answer to the Archbishop of Canturburie, 340. his answer to the kings offer, 366. he is slain, 374.  
Lhywarch ap Owen, 69.  
Lhywarch ap Trahaern, 164.169.171.  
Lhyyn destroyed, 65.  
Locusts destroy Ireland, 42.  
Lumbards' whence they came, 39    


M.  
MAdoc ap Riryd, 164.166.172.  
Madoc ap Meredyth ap Blethyn, 210.  
Madoc ap Owen Gwyneth, 227.  
Madoc ap Gruffyth Maylor, 255.293.  
Madoc cousin to Prince Lhewelyn, 380. discomfiteth Edmund the king's brother, and H. Lacie Earl of Lincoln, ibid. taken and sent to prison, 381.  
Maelgon Gwyneth, 2.  
Maelgon ap Rées, 242. escapeth out of prison, 243. winneth the castle of Strat meyric, ibid. his unconstancy, 266. dieth, 286.  
Maelgon the son of Maelgon, 287.289.290.308.315.380.  
Magedawc, 16.  
Manaw, (D) 14.5.  
Marry princess of walls, 393.  
Mathraval (D) 6. & 11.267.  
Maud the empress cometh to England, 195. she dieth, 240.  
Menevia (D) 18. destroyed, 114. spoilt, 154. the see made subject to the see of Canturburie, 160. spoilt, 289.  
Merdhin or Merlin, 4.  
Meredyth ap Owen, 69.71. he dieth, 73.  
Meredyth ap Owen ap Edwin prince of Southwales, 103. he is slain, 110.  
Meredyth ap Blethyn, 157.158 taken by his brother jorwerth and sent to the king's prison, 159. he escapeth out of prison, 162.  
Meredyth ap Gruffyth ap Rees lord of Caerdigan and Stratywy, 204.  
Meriadoc, 2.  
Merionyth, (D) 9  
Meruyn Urych, 22.24. he is slain, 28.  
Meyric the son of Arthpoel, 85.  
Miles Fitzwater Earl of Hereford, 148.  
Moon (D) 6.7. destroyed, 29.65.69.71.  
Monks and Freers' lately received in Wales, 253.  
Mooren of cattle in Wales, 69.  
Morgan of Glamorgan, 380.382.  
Morganwc, (D) 19 ¶ See Glamorgan.  
Mont Paladour, 5.  
Montgomerie, 152.280.  
Murcasteth, 173.    


N.  
NIcholas Heath bishop of worcester, 397.  
Normans whence they came, 39 Tithed and put to death, 92. they destroy Dyvet, 110.  
North-wales described, (D) 6. descended three times to a woman, (D) 13.    


O.  
OFfa K. of Mercia, 18. his ditch, 19 (D) 5. he drove the welshmen beyond the ditch, ibid.  
Oswestrie castle built, 201. the town burned, 288.  
Owen ap jorwerth traitorously slain, 232,  
Owen ap Meredyth, lord of Cydewen, 325.  
Owen Tuver, 390.391.  
Owen the son of Howel Dha, 58.  
Owen the son of Dyfnwal, 71.  
Oliver, De S. john, 125. his heirs, 136.  
Owen ap Edwin, 155. he dieth, 160.  
Owen ap Cadogan taketh away Geralds wife, 163. flieth to Ireland, 165. pardoned and called home again, 170. submitteth himself to K. H. 1.174. he goeth with the King to Normandy and is made knight, 175. he is slain, 182.  
Owen Gwyneth, 188.193. he burneth Caermardhyn, 193. taketh the castle of Mould, 199. builded a castle at yal, 201. wan the castle of Basingwerke, 223. maketh war upon Owen Cyvelioc, 224. wan the castle of Ruthlan, and all Tegengl, ibid. he dieth, 225.  
Owen ap Gruffyth, 314.334.    


P.  
PAganus de turbervile, 125 his issue and heirs, 132.  
Parliament when it first began, 182.  
Penant Bachwy, 173.  
Pembroke, (D) 18. the castle built, 154. the same castle built again, 163.  
Peter le sore, 125. his heirs, 135.  
Polydor Virgil reprehended. (D) 23.  
Poole taken by the Archbishop of Canturburie, 248. the castle overthrown, 288.  
Powys, (D) 11.35. the partition of it, 211.  
Priests forbidden to marry, 162.  
Prophecies causes of much hurt, 5.  
Pwlhgwitie, 113.    


Q.  
Quo Warránto, 336.    


R.  
RAdnor destroyed, 71. Rees ap Owen ap Edwin, 111. he obtaineth the rule of Southwales, 112. he is slain, 113.  
Rees ap Theodor Prince of Southwales, 113. he joineth with Gruffyth ap Conan, 114. overthrew and put to flight the children of Blethyn ap Convyn, 117. overcometh his enemies at Lhandydoch, 119. he is slain, ibid.  
Rees ap Gruffyth called the lord Rees, 204. maketh peace with the King, 208. layeth siege to Caermardhin, 210. did his homage to the King, 220. maketh war upon the Earl of Clare, ibid. wan the castle of Aberteivi and Cilgerran, 223. came with a power to Powys, 230. came to the K. at Pembroke, 231. cometh to the court, 235. his feast, 237. he wan the castles of S. Clere, Abercorran and Lhanstephan, 242. likewise the castle of Dinevowr & Lhanhayaden, 243. taken prisoner by his sons, 244. he taketh Caermarthin, Ciun, Radnor, the castle of pain in Eluel, 247. he dieth, 249.  
Rees ap Meredyth knight, 378  
Reginald de Sully, 125. his heirs, 135.  
Reginald Graylord of Ruthyn 377.  
Richard de Granuile or greenféeld, 125. his issue, 131.  
Richard de Syward, 125. his heirs, 134.  
Richard Belmersh bishop of London, sent to be warden of the Marches of wales, 160.164.  
Richard 1 K. of England, 241. goeth to the holy land, 242. winneth Cyprus, 243. he is taken prisoner, 243. returns to England, 244. he dieth, 253.  
Richard Marshal Earl of Pembroke, 286, 288. in league with Lhewelyn Prince of wales, 290. he goeth to Ireland and is slain, 291.  
Richard of Bordeaux, 385.  
Richard Sampson bishop of Coven, and Lich. 396.  
Robert Fitzhamon, 119. his Conquest in wales, 124. his twelve knights, 125. his own portion of Glamorgan, 127. his Petegrée and heirs, 128.  
Robert S. Quintine, 125. his heirs, 134.  
Robert Sitsylt, 141. his issue and descents, 142.  
Robert de Belesmo Earl of Salop rebelleth against K. H. 1.157. he forsaketh the land, 159. he is taken and imprisoned, 171. his cruelty, ibid.  
Robert Fitzstephen a chief captain in the conquest of Ireland, 225.  
Roderike Molwynoc, 14. driven from the west country to North-wales, 16.  
Roderike the great, 28. he is slain, 35.  
Roderike ap Owen Gwyneth, 237.243.  
Roger Montgomerie Earl of Salop, 151. he fortified Montgomerie castle, 152. he is slain, 153.  
Roger de Berkrolles, 125. his heirs, 135.  
Roger Earl of Clare obtaineth of the king such lands in wales as he could win, 208.  
Roger Mortimer right heir to the principality of wales, 314.315.316.  
Rollo came to France, 37.  
Rowland Lée Bishop of Coventrie and Lichfield, 394.  
Run the son of Meredyth counterfeited by a Scot, 85.  
Ruthlan (D) 10. the castle the palace of Gruffyth ap Lhewelyn prince of wales, 100 fortified by king Henry the second, 207. belonging to the Earl of Chester, 267.  
Ruthyn (D) 10. the lordship, 378.  
Rydcors' castle built, 153.  
Rytherch ap jestyn ruleth Southwales, 87. he is slain, 88  
Rythmarch Archbishop of S. David's, 156.  
Rywalhon ap Convyn, 103. he is slain, 109.    


S.  
SAyson Saysonaec, (D) 4.  
Saxons whence they came, 25. they spoil the Britons of their country, 6. their seven kingdoms, 26.  
Sibertus K. of Essex, 11.  
Sigebert K. of Westsex, 16.  
Simon de Thurnay, 258.  
Strat Alyn, 356.  
Strat Clwyd spoilt, 58.  
Strat Marchelh, 214, 217.  
Strat Tywy, 152.  
Stephen Constable of Aberteivi, 189.  
Sulien bishop of S. David's, 110. he forsaketh his bishopric, 113. he is compelled to take his bishopric again, 114. he forsaketh his bishopric again, 116. he dieth, 118.  
Swissers whence they came, 39    


T.  
TAlaeth, 35.  
Taliefyn, (D) 15, 254.  
Tegyd, (D) 9  
Theodor the son of Belin, 16  
Theodor Mawr, 66. he is slain, 72.  
Trahaern ap Caradoc, 112. he is slain, 114.  
Thurstan abbot of Glastenburie, 116.    


V  
VAndals whence they came, 39  
Uchdred ap Edwin ap Grono, 154.  
Urgeney ap Sitsylht, 114.    


W.  
WAllia, wales, (D) 2.3.4. ¶ See Cambria.  
Walter Steward, 97.  
Walter bishop of Hereford, 165.  
Walwern castle, 219.  
Walweys' sepulchre found, 116.  
Westwales destroyed, 65.  
Wolves destroyed in Wales, 61.  
William Conqueror cometh to England, 107. he overcometh Haroald, and is crowned K. of England, 108. he entereth Wales with an army, 115. he dieth, 116.  
William Rufus, 117. he cometh with an army into Wales, 153.155. he builded Westminster hall, 156. he is slain, 157.  
William de Londres, 125. his heirs, 131.  
William straddling, 137. his heirs, ibid.  
William Brusus traitorous fact, 236.260. hanged, 286.  
William marshal Earl of Pembroke, 279. to whom his great living in England, Wales and Ireland descended, 312.  
William Smith bishop of Lincoln, 391.  
William Herbert Earl of Pembroke, 398.    


Y.  
YAl, (D) 11. the castle built. 201. the castle taken and burned, 208.  
Yarthyr the son of Mervyn, 60.  
Ynyr the cozen of Ivor, 7.  
Ysbys, 152.    
FINIS.   

1584.  
Imprinted at London by Ralph Newberie and Henry Denham.  
Cum Privilegio Regiae Maiestatis.