A Potted History of Wales: how the past shaped Welsh culture

Wales is a country with a rich and vibrant history, dating back thousands of years. This history has shaped Welsh culture in many ways, from the language and music to the food and traditions.

If you’re planning a holiday to Wales, it’s worth learning a little bit about the country’s history and culture. This will help you to understand and appreciate the many things that Wales has to offer.

The Early Years

The earliest known inhabitants of Wales were the Neanderthals, who arrived around 230,000 years ago based on evidence from simple stone tools and human teeth excavations at Pontnewydd Cave near St Asaph from this period. Homo sapiens, our ancestors, arrived around 40,000 years ago in around 31,000 BC.

In the centuries that followed, Wales was home to a number of different Celtic tribes. The most powerful of these tribes was the Britons.

The Roman Era

In 43 AD, the Romans invaded Britain. Wales was not a distinct country then as it is now, but the area we know know as Wales was conquered in 78 AD.

As in the rest of Britain, the Romans had a significant impact on Wales. They built roads, bridges, and forts. The Romans also used their engineering technology to extract large amounts of gold, copper, and lead, as well as modest amounts of some other metals such as zinc and silver. 

Christianity came to Wales sometime in the Roman period, too. 

The Middle Ages

After the Romans left Britain in the 5th century AD, Wales was divided into a number of small territorial kingdoms governed by native princes. These kingdoms were often at war with each other and there were family feuds and rivalries for many generations. 

After a short period of unity under the reign of Llywelyn the Great, Wales was conquered by England in the mid-13th century under the leadership of Edward I, who famously built many castles across the country. However, the Welsh continued to rebel against English rule.

The Tudors

In the 15th century, the Tudor family came to power in England. The Tudors were of Welsh origin, and they helped to promote Welsh culture and language.

The Tudor dynasty produced five sovereigns, including the infamous Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth I. During this period, the Act of Union between England and Wales made important changes in the government of Wales to incorporate Wales within the English realm. It has been long considered a mixed blessing for Wales. 

The Industrial Revolution

The Industrial Revolution began in Britain in the late 18th century. Wales was one of the leading centres of the Industrial Revolution.

The Industrial Revolution brought about a number of sweeping changes to Wales. New industries, such as coal mining and ironworking were established. Because of this new towns and cities were built, canals, railways and roads were built and there was huge population growth and movement. 

The 20th Century

The 20th century was a time of great change for Wales. In 1967, the Welsh Language Act was passed, which gave the Welsh language equal status with English in Wales. 

After a long period of campaigning, in 1999 the National Assembly for Wales was established. This gave Wales a measure of self-government through devolution. 

Modern Welsh Culture

Welsh culture today is a rich and diverse mix of influences, from the Celtic past to the Industrial Revolution.

One of the most important aspects of Welsh culture is the language. Welsh is a Celtic language, and it is spoken by around 20% of the population of Wales. All children in Wales now have to learn Welsh until the age of 16 and some families choose to send their children to Welsh-medium schools where teaching of all subjects is in Welsh. 

Welsh music is also very important. Wales is known for its traditional choral singing and folk music, as well as its more modern rock and pop music. 

Welsh food is hearty and delicious. Some of the most popular Welsh dishes include cawl (a lamb stew), Welsh rarebit (a cheese-on-toast dish), and bara brith (a fruit loaf). Check out our post 10 Must-Try Welsh Dishes for a Delicious and Memorable Holiday for a full rundown.

Welsh traditions are also very important. One of the most popular Welsh traditions is the Eisteddfod, a festival of Welsh culture and language, but there are many treasured and important traditions which help to make up Wales’s unique character. 

Explore the delights of modern-day Wales 

Wales is a country with a rich and vibrant history and culture. If you’re planning a holiday to Wales, be sure to learn a little bit about the country’s history and culture. This will help you to understand and appreciate the many things that Wales has to offer today.

And most of all, enjoy your break in the beautiful culture-filled country of Wales.