Welsh Patriots

Prynhawn da.

This map shows siroedd hynafol - the historic counties of Cymru. Beginning with hat enthusiast and terrible husband Henry VIII's Laws in Wales Act of 1535 and ending in 1974, these thirteen counties were the sub-divisions used in Cymru.

Sir Fynwy (Monmouthshire) is the interesting one in that, in the Laws in Wales Act of 1535, Sir Fynwy was said to belong to the "Country or Dominion of Wales", meaning it was regarded as Welsh. However, the Laws in Wales Act of 1542 had Sir Fynwy as belonging to England, inspiring the view that it was officially annexed into England whilst the rest of Cymru wasn't entirely.

For centuries, Sir Fynwy was believed to belong to England, though there were also disparaging views it was still Welsh. The Local Government Act 1972 put the matter to bed for good and confirmed it is, in fact, still Welsh. Hurray.

#WelshHistories #WelshHistory #HanesCymru #HenryVIII #LawsinWalesAct #History

1 week ago | [YT] | 127

Welsh Patriots

Did you know that the tomb of one of Cymru's greatest rulers, Rhys ap Gruffydd (1132 – 28 April 1197), can today be found in St Davids Cathedral?

Rhys ap Gruffydd, often incorrectly titled as "The Lord Rhys", was a 12th century Prince of Deheubarth whose place in Welsh history is cemented as being one of the most successful Welsh medieval rulers.

He was the son of the "warrior princess" Gwenllian ferch Gruffydd (1097 – 1136), whose own place in history is solidified for her valiant efforts (and iconic death) in the Great Revolt of 1136 against the Norman Marcher Lords, and Gruffydd ap Rhys (1090 – 1137).

Rhys ap Gruffydd would play a vital role in the Welsh Uprising (1164-1170), which was led by the legendary Owain Gwynedd. Following the death of Owain in 1170, however, Rhys would become the acknowledged "leader of the Welsh" - the "Tywysog Cymru" (Prince of Wales).

#WelshHistories #WelshHistory #HanesCymru

1 week ago | [YT] | 157

Welsh Patriots

The Battle of Llwchwr and the Revolt of 1136.

The Battle of Llwchwr (Battle of Gower), which occurred on New Year's Day 1136, between Loughor and Swansea, resulted in victory for the Welsh over a Norman army.

In 1135-1136, a succession crisis hit England following the death of Henry I. Stephen de Blois displaced his cousin and Henry's daughter Matilda, which resulted in a breakdown in law and order, referred to as The Anarchy. Many Welsh lords saw this as an opportunity to rebel and recover lands, previously lost to the Normans. One such lord, Hywel ap Maredudd of Brycheiniog raised an army and marched on South Gower. When the Normans intercepted them, the scale of the Welsh army took them by surprise and there was a violent clash on the common of Garn Coch, the Welsh army routed the Norman force, killing 500 men.

This victory inspired more rebellions and Gruffydd ap Rhys lord of Deheubarth journeyed to meet with Gruffydd ap Cynan of Gwynedd to enlist his aid in the revolt. In his absence, his wife Gwenllian raised an army and attacked the Norman castle of Kidwelly (Cydweli). However she was defeated, captured and beheaded and two of her sons, Morgan and Maelgwyn, also died (one slain in battle, one captured and executed).

In response, Cadwaladr and Owain, the brothers of Gwenllian, invaded Deheubarth, taking Llanfihangel, Aberystwyth and Llanbadarn and the two Gruffydds engaged a massive Norman army drawn from all the lordships of South Wales at the Battle of Crug Mawr, two miles outside Cardigan, in October 1136. After some hard fighting, the Norman forces were forced to retreat and were pursued as far as the bridge over the River Teifi.

The bridge collapsed under the weight of the fleeing Normans and hundreds are said to have drowned. Others fled int0 Cardigan, which was taken and burned by the Welsh. However they were unable to take the castle and it remained the only one to remain in the Norman's hands until the end of the rebellion.

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1 week ago | [YT] | 112

Welsh Patriots

Hear hear to that 👍👍👍🙌🙌🙌🥳🥳🥳🥳

1 week ago | [YT] | 505

Welsh Patriots

The first published map of Cymru came from the Welsh Renaissance cartographer, Humphrey Llwyd (1527–1568), and was published in 1573. Of course, there had been previous maps which included Cymru, but this was the first to specifically cover it.

Try and spot all the errors!

#WelshHistories #WelshHistory #Cymru #WelshMap #Maps

1 week ago | [YT] | 79

Welsh Patriots

Ras Nos Galan.

This is a race held in memory of Griffith Morgan (1700–1737) “the fastest man of his time”, known better as Guto Nyth Brân, from Llwyncelyn, near Porth. It is run every year on New Year’s Eve at Mountain Ash, over the course of Guto's first ever race. It has become a tradition of this race for a mystery runner to compete and over the years this has included Iwan Thomas, Linford Christie and Alun Wyn Jones. At the conclusion of the race, a wreath is then placed on Guto's grave in Llanwynno graveyard. There is also a commemorative statue of Guto in Mountain Ash.

It was said that Guto's speed was first noticed, when he managed to catch a wild hare. Another legend has it that he could run the 7 miles to the local town of Pontypridd and back home again, before his mother's kettle had boiled. Seeing his potential the local shopkeeper, Siân o'r Siop (Siân from the Shop), became his trainer and manager and organised a race on Hirwaun Common against an unbeaten English Captain, for a £400 prize. Guto won the race won easily and kept on winning, remaining unbeaten until he was 30. Over the years, Guto and Sian had fallen in love and Guto decided to retire to enjoy a quiet life with Sian.

However, in 1737, a new champion runner had emerged, called the ‘Prince of Bedwas’ and Sian persuaded Guto to have one last race against Prince, for a prize of 1000 guineas. The race was run over the 12 miles from Newport to Bedwas and was a very even contest. Nearing the finish, Prince held a slender lead, however one last lung bursting effort from Guto, saw him cross the line first. However, in the celebrations after, Guto collapsed and died in Sian's arms.

1 week ago | [YT] | 93

Welsh Patriots

Happy new year folks

Have a great 2026 and let’s hope we all make it without getting jailed for social media posts or defending our rights

Have a few on me ;)

Video on way… last one of the year

1 week ago | [YT] | 657

Welsh Patriots

My dog went missing on Christmas Day and then we found him outside a Turkish Barbers

Talk about TAFFY Boss dog lol 😂

Anyone know what I can do or where I can take him to get a better trim?

1 week ago | [YT] | 658

Welsh Patriots

Cardiff 2026

2 weeks ago | [YT] | 571

Welsh Patriots

My thoughts on the fight lol 😂

Honestly, retire now geez

3 weeks ago | [YT] | 279