Heirs to the Princes

 Dr David Stephenson has a new book out, available from 15 September. Quote: 

"A new history of medieval Wales, where survival meant adapting, not defeat. The Edwardian conquest of Wales is often seen as a final blow to Welsh autonomy, but Heirs to the Princes challenges this narrative, revealing a different story—one of adaptation and resurgence. 

This study depicts the rise of a Welsh administrative and military elite in the generations following 1277 to 88 and traces how native leaders navigated shifting power structures to secure influence within the English Crown’s rule. 

 The book recontextualizes Edward I’s later reign through close documentary analysis, showing him not merely as a ruthless conqueror but as a ruler who came to rely on Welsh support, addressed grievances, and fostered a new governing class. It also details Edward II’s complex relationship with Welsh magnates, leading to the crises that shaped his rule. Through profiling key figures of the emerging Welsh gentry, Heirs to the Princes revises our understanding of post-conquest Wales and highlights the resilience of its leaders and their pivotal role in the road to the Glyn Dŵr rising of 1400.” 

David is one of the best historians of medieval Wales, imo, and anyone with a genuine interest in the subject should get a copy of this. He doesn’t need me to speak for him, but I’ll add a bit of context. The reign of Edward I is kaleidoscopic - the subject is massive, which is why it still generates so much heat centuries after his death (and why I keep bleating on about him). 

Nobody can deny the oppression and exploitation of Edward’s conquest of Wales. However, after the major Welsh revolt of 1295 Edward was flexible enough to adapt his policy. This involved promoting the Welsh gentry, who formed the backbone of the Plantagenet administration of Wales for the next century. Nobody has to like that, or dislike it, it just is. This is historical reality, not polemic or one-eyed narrative. If that sounds interesting, get the book. If not, do something else.