Early Modern Wales c.1536-c.1689: Ambiguous Nationhood

A new general history of early modern Wales that incorporates new scholarship and original archival research, presenting a fresh perspective on Welsh identity and allegiance during the Tudor and Stuart monarchs. It argues that Welsh experiences during this period can best be captured through widespread attachments to a shared history and language, Britishness, and monarchy, and examines the rich tapestry of early modern Welsh life, including gender, language, and cultural change, and expressions of Welsh identity beyond the principality's borders.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 15 November 2022
Publisher: University of Wales Press

This is the first comprehensive history of early modern Wales in over a generation. The book incorporates the latest scholarship and utilizes a wealth of original archival research to present a fresh perspective on Wales during the Tudor and Stuart monarchs. It adopts innovative approaches to understanding concepts of Welsh identity and loyalty to examine pivotal events such as the union of England and Wales under Henry VIII, the Reformation and the Break with Rome, and the British Civil Wars and Glorious Revolution. The book argues that the best way to understand Welsh experiences during this period is through widespread attachments to a shared history, language, and ideas of Britishness and monarchy. The volume extends beyond high politics to explore the diverse tapestry of early modern Welsh life, considering issues of gender and women's experiences, the role of language and cultural change, and expressions of Welsh identity beyond the borders of the principality.

Introduction:
This book represents a significant milestone in the study of early modern Wales. It is the first comprehensive history of the region in over a generation, and it incorporates the latest scholarship and utilizes a wealth of original archival research to present a fresh perspective on Wales during the Tudor and Stuart monarchs. The book adopts innovative approaches to understanding concepts of Welsh identity and loyalty to examine pivotal events such as the union of England and Wales under Henry VIII, the Reformation and the Break with Rome, and the British Civil Wars and Glorious Revolution. The book argues that the best way to understand Welsh experiences during this period is through widespread attachments to a shared history, language, and ideas of Britishness and monarchy. The volume extends beyond high politics to explore the diverse tapestry of early modern Welsh life, considering issues of gender and women's experiences, the role of language and cultural change, and expressions of Welsh identity beyond the borders of the principality.

Chapter 1: The Tudor Period:
The Tudor period was a crucial era in the history of Wales. It saw the rise of the Tudor dynasty, which ruled Wales from 1485 to 1603, and it was marked by significant political, social, and cultural changes. The Tudor period was characterized by the consolidation of the Welsh language and culture, the establishment of the Welsh Church, and the development of a distinct Welsh identity.
One of the most significant events of the Tudor period was the union of England and Wales under Henry VIII. This union was a result of Henry VIII's desire to divorce his first wife, Catherine of Aragon, and marry Anne Boleyn. The union was controversial, as it was seen as a threat to the independence of Wales. However, the union was eventually successful, and it led to the creation of the Kingdom of England and Wales.
The Reformation and the Break with Rome was another significant event of the Tudor period. This event was marked by the rejection of Catholicism by the English monarchy and the establishment of the Church of England. The Reformation led to the persecution of Catholics in Wales, and it also led to the development of a distinct Welsh identity.
The British Civil Wars and Glorious Revolution were also significant events of the Tudor period. These events were marked by the conflict between the Royalists and the Parliamentarians, and they led to the establishment of a constitutional monarchy in England. The Glorious Revolution also led to the recognition of the independence of Wales.

Chapter 2: The Stuart Period:
The Stuart period was a crucial era in the history of Wales. It saw the rise of the Stuart dynasty, which ruled Wales from 1603 to 1689, and it was marked by significant political, social, and cultural changes. The Stuart period was characterized by the consolidation of the Welsh language and culture, the establishment of the Welsh Church, and the development of a distinct Welsh identity.
One of the most significant events of the Stuart period was the Restoration of the monarchy in 1660. This event was marked by the return of King Charles II to the throne after the English Civil Wars. The Restoration led to the recognition of the independence of Wales, and it also led to the development of a distinct Welsh identity.
The Reformation and the Break with Rome was another significant event of the Stuart period. This event was marked by the rejection of Catholicism by the English monarchy and the establishment of the Church of England. The Reformation led to the persecution of Catholics in Wales, and it also led to the development of a distinct Welsh identity.
The British Civil Wars and Glorious Revolution were also significant events of the Stuart period. These events were marked by the conflict between the Royalists and the Parliamentarians, and they led to the establishment of a constitutional monarchy in England. The Glorious Revolution also led to the recognition of the independence of Wales.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this book provides a comprehensive history of early modern Wales. It incorporates the latest scholarship and utilizes a wealth of original archival research to present a fresh perspective on Wales during the Tudor and Stuart monarchs. The book adopts innovative approaches to understanding concepts of Welsh identity and loyalty to examine pivotal. The volume extends beyond high politics to explore the diverse tapestry of early modern Welsh life, considering issues of gender and women's experiences, the role of language and cultural change, and expressions of Welsh identity beyond the borders of the principality. This book is a valuable resource for scholars, students, and anyone interested in the history of early modern Wales.

Weight: 380g
Dimension: 138 x 214 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781786839589