Welsh History & Heritage
FROM ancient kingdoms and medieval princes to coal mines, castles, legends and modern Wales, the story of Wales stretches across thousands of years.
It is a story shaped by invasion and resistance, language and identity, industry and innovation, myth and memory.
Across this section of Ewegottalove, we explore the people, places and events that helped shape Wales — from Owain Glyndŵr and Iolo Morganwg to the rise of the coalfields, the great castles, ancient legends and the communities that transformed the country.
Whether you are discovering Welsh history for the first time or looking to explore a familiar story in more depth, this is your starting point.
The History of Wales
Trace the story of Wales from prehistoric settlements and Roman occupation through the age of the Welsh princes, the Glyndŵr rebellion, industrial revolution, political change and the development of modern Wales.
People Who Shaped Wales
Meet the rulers, rebels, writers, inventors, reformers, campaigners and cultural figures whose lives left a lasting mark on Wales.
From Owain Glyndŵr, the last native Welshman to claim the title Prince of Wales, to Iolo Morganwg, poet, antiquarian and creator of traditions that still influence Welsh culture today, these are the people behind the history.
Explore Welsh Historical Figures
Castles, Princes & Rebellions
Wales has more castles per square mile than almost anywhere in the world, and many stand as reminders of centuries of conflict, conquest and resistance.
Discover the stories of the Welsh princes, Norman marcher lords, Edward I’s great fortresses, medieval battles and the uprising led by Owain Glyndŵr.
Explore Castles, Princes & Rebellions
Myths, Legends & Folklore
History and legend often meet in Wales.
Explore stories from the Mabinogion, Welsh connections with King Arthur, the legend of Gelert, the lost kingdom of Cantre’r Gwaelod, mysterious lake maidens, dragons, fairies and traditions passed down through generations.
Some stories may be rooted in history.
Others belong firmly to legend.
Many are somewhere in between.
Coal, Iron & Industrial Wales
Few forces changed Wales as dramatically as industrialisation.
Coal, iron, copper, slate and steel transformed towns and valleys, created new communities and helped make Wales part of a global industrial economy.
Explore the story of the south Wales coalfield, Merthyr Tydfil, the Rhondda, Blaenavon, Cardiff docks, Swansea’s copper industry and the slate landscapes of north Wales — as well as the people whose working lives powered that transformation.
Everyday Wales Through the Years
History is not only about famous names and major events.
It is also about how people lived.
Discover changing Welsh schools, shops, transport, seaside holidays, sport, entertainment, housing, workplaces and local traditions — and revisit the Wales remembered by previous generations.
Explore Everyday Welsh History
Historic Places to Visit
Many of the places that shaped Welsh history can still be explored today.
Walk through medieval castles, visit former coal mines, discover ancient monuments, explore historic houses and follow in the footsteps of princes, workers, writers and rebels.
Featured Story: Owain Glyndŵr
Warrior, landowner, diplomat and Prince of Wales, Owain Glyndŵr led the greatest Welsh rebellion of the medieval period.
He captured castles, summoned a Welsh parliament, negotiated with foreign powers and set out a vision for a Wales with its own institutions and universities.
Then he disappeared.
He was never captured, and his final resting place remains unknown.
Read the full story of Owain Glyndŵr
A Story Still Being Written
Welsh history is not confined to museums or old books.
It survives in place names, landscapes, buildings, traditions, language, family stories and communities across Wales and around the world.
This section will continue to grow as we uncover more of the people, places, events, legends and industries that helped make Wales what it is today.
Did Ewe Know?
Wales has hundreds of castles and castle sites — a legacy of centuries of conflict between Welsh rulers, Norman lords and the English Crown.
Many of them are still among the most recognisable landmarks in the Welsh landscape today.
Images on this page © Ewegottalove / Hawlfraint y Goron / Crown copyright Cymru Wales