History of Wales

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The history of Wales is a long story that goes from ancient humans living in the land to a modern, self-governing nation within the United Kingdom. Here is a shorter, easier-to-understand version.

Prehistory and ancient times
- People have lived in what is now Wales for tens of thousands of years. The earliest known human remains are from long ago, with Neanderthals in the area and later Homo sapiens arriving by about 31,000 BC.
- After the last ice age, around 9000 BC, Wales was repeatedly inhabited by different groups during the Mesolithic, Neolithic, and Bronze Age. The landscape features many ancient monuments, including chambered tombs and dolmens.
- In the Iron Age, Celtic culture spread in Britain, including Wales, bringing a Brittonic language spoken across the land.
- The Romans began conquering Britain in AD 43 and controlled much of the southeast and south. Wales was conquered gradually by 78–79 AD. The Romans built towns, roads and mines and left a lasting Roman footprint in the south, though the north and west stayed more resistant to romanisation.

Post-Roman monarchies and the medieval world
- When Roman rule ended in the 5th century, Wales divided into several Welsh kingdoms, such as Gwynedd, Powys, Deheubarth, and others. These kingdoms sometimes allied with each other and sometimes fought among themselves.
- From the 8th to the 11th centuries, Welsh and neighboring kingdoms faced pressure from England. A number of Welsh leaders tried to unite parts of Wales, with varying success.
- A notable moment came when Gruffydd ap Llywelyn briefly ruled most of Wales in the mid-13th century. His death led to renewed division, and later Llywelyn ap Gruffudd (Llywelyn the Last) briefly held large swaths of Wales before English conquest.
- In 1282–1283, Edward I of England conquered the Principality of Wales. The title Prince of Wales became a tradition for the English heir. From then on, Wales mixed its own laws and language with increasing English rule.

From new laws to language and learning
- The Laws in Wales Acts of 1535 and 1542 fully integrated Wales into the English legal system, marking a turning point where Wales became united with England in law, even though Welsh language and culture persisted.
- The 16th century also saw Welsh literary and religious life continue. In 1588, William Morgan produced the first complete Welsh Bible translation, a major boost to Welsh language and culture.
- The 17th and 18th centuries brought religious revival and changes in education. The Welsh Methodist revival helped shape Welsh nonconformist religion, and circulating schools taught many Welsh people to read in Welsh, strengthening language and identity.

Industrial Wales and social change
- The Industrial Revolution (late 18th to 19th centuries) transformed Wales, especially the south. Coal mining and metal industries grew rapidly, towns expanded, and people moved to valleys around Cardiff, Swansea, Merthyr Tydfil and elsewhere.
- Wales developed major coal and iron industries, with slate quarrying in the north. This brought economic growth but also social and political tensions, including early labour movements and soaring population in the coalfields.
- Welsh politics shifted as Liberal influence gave way to Labour in the early 20th century. Keir Hardie, the first Labour MP in Wales, and later Welsh MPs helped shape national politics.

National identity, language and devolution
- The 20th century saw growing Welsh nationalism and cultural revival. Plaid Cymru, founded in 1925, pressed for greater Welsh autonomy or independence.
- Welsh language and culture faced pressures from English. The 1960s and 1970s brought campaigns to protect Welsh language and identity, including activism around the Tryweryn flood (1957) and the rise of Welsh language campaigns.
- The Welsh language gained formal protection in law with the Welsh Language Act of 1967, expanding the use of Welsh in public life. Later acts strengthened this status, and Welsh remains a key part of national life.
- In 1997, Wales voted for devolution, and the National Assembly for Wales was established in 1999. It gained more powers over time and was renamed Senedd Cymru (the Welsh Parliament) in 2020, reflecting its expanded authority.

Language and culture
- Welsh is a Celtic language closely related to Cornish and Breton. It survived despite pressure from English and was kept alive through Bible translations, education, and a strong nonconformist church tradition.
- In recent decades, Wales has promoted bilingualism, with many public signs and services available in both Welsh and English. Welsh has official status in certain contexts and is an important part of daily life for many people.

Today
- Wales is part of the United Kingdom, but it has its own parliament (Senedd Cymru) with powers over many domestic issues. Wales also has its own national institutions, culture, and language.
- The country continues to balance its rich Welsh heritage with modern life, industry, and politics, keeping its language alive while participating fully in the United Kingdom and the wider world.