Cambria triumphans, or, Brittain in its perfect lustre shevving the origen and antiquity of that illustrious nation, the succession of their kings and princes, from the first, to King Charles of happy memory, the description of the countrey, the history of the antient and moderne estate, the manner of the investure of the princes, with the coats of arms of the nobility / by Percie Enderbie, Gent.

Lhewelyn and Owen the sons of Gruffith ap Lhewelyn.

When all the Lords and Barons of Wales understood of the death of their prince, they came together, and called for Lhewelin and Owen Goch, the sons of Gruffith son to Prince Lhe∣welyn

brother to David as next Inheritors (for they esteemed not Roger Mortimer son to Gladis,* 1.1 sister to David and right inheritor by order of Law) and did them homage who di∣vided the principality betwixt them two. The King hearing of the death of prince David, sent one Nicholas de Miles as Justice of Southwals to Caermarthin, and with him in commission Meredyth ap Rees Gryc,* 1.2 and Meredyth ap Owen ap Gruffith to dis-inherit Maelgon ap Ʋachan of all his lands; wherefore the said Maelgon fled to the princes into Northwales for succour, with Howel ap Meredith (whom the Earle of Clare had by force spoyled of all his lands in Glamor∣gan) against whom the King came with a great army, who after he had remained a while in the Country and could do no good, returned home again.

The Prince of Northwales was a superiour prince of all Wales, to whom the other prin∣ces of Southwales and Powis did pay a certain tribute yearly, as appeareth by lawes of Ho∣wel Dha, and in divers places of this history; and was the right heir of Cadwalader, as is evident by all writers, whose line of the heir male from Roden Mawr endeth in this, David the son of Lhewelin, the son of Jorwerth, the son of Owen Gwineth, the son of Gruffith, the son of Conan, the son of Jago, the son of Edwal, the son of Meiric, the son of Edwal Voel, the son of Anarawd, the son of Roderi Mawr, the son of Eselht, the daughter and sole heir of Conan Tindathwy, the son of Roderike Molwynoc, the son of Edwal Ywrich, the son of Cadwalader, the last King of the Brittains.

Lhewelin ap Jorwerth prince of Northwales, father to David, married two wives; the first Jone Daughter of K. John, by whom he had David, who dyed without issue, and Gladis married to Mortimer, from which match the Kings of England are descended by the mothers side from Cadwalader.

About this time Harold King of Man came to the Court and did homage to K. Henry,* 1.3 and he dubbed him Knight; the Summer following Rees Ʋachan son to Rees Mechyl got the Castle of Carvec Cynnen; which his mother of meer hatred conceived against him, had de∣livered to the Englishmen. The Abbots of Conwey and Stratflur made sute to the King for the body of Gruffith ap Lhewelyn; which he granted unto them, and they conveyed it unto Conwey, where he was honourably buryed.

In the year 1254. there arose a great debate between the princes of Wales; for Owen could not be content with halfe the principality, but got his young brother David unto him,* 1.4 and they two levied an army to dis-inherit Lhewelin, who with his men met with them in the field, and after a long fight gave them an overthrow, where he took them both prisoners, and then seized all their lands into his own hands enjoying alone the whole principality of Wales.

The year ensuing all the Lords came to prince Lhewelin, and made their complaints to him with weeping eyes, how cruelly they were handled by prince Edward, and others of the Nobility of England; their lands being taken from them by force; and if at any time they did offend, they were punished with extremity; but where they were wronged, they found no remedy. Therefore they protested before God, and him,* 1.5 that they would rather die in the field in defence of their right, then to be made slaves by strangers: whereupon the prince pittying both his own estate and theirs, determined together utterly with them to refuse the rule of the Englishmen, rather to dye in liberty then to live in thraldom, shame and opprobry. And gathering all his power, first recovered again all the Inland Country of Northwales, and afterward all Merionith, and such lands as Edward had usurped in Caer∣digan, which he gave to Meredith the son of Owen ap Gruffith,* 1.6 and Buelht he gave to Mere∣dyth ap Rees, chasing away Rees Ʋachan out or the same, and so honourably divided all that he wan among his Barons, that he kept nothing to himself but a perpetual fame of his liberality. Then also he recovered Gwerthryneon from Sr. Roger Mortimer. The Sum∣mer following prince Lhewelin made war against Gruffith ap Gwenwinwin (who served the King) and wan all Powis from him, saving the Castle of Pole, and a little of Caerneon and landed by Severne side.

Rees Ʋachan ap Rees Mechylh meaning to recover his lands again,* 1.7 obtained of the King a great army, whereof one Stephen Bacon was Captain, and came to Caermarthin by sea, and marching from thence towards Dynevowr laid siege to the Castle;* 1.8 but the princes power came with his cosens to raise the siege, where there was fought a bloody battail as ever had been in Wales, of so many men, and in the end the Englishmen were put to flight, and lost of their men above 2000 Soldiers; from thence the Princes army went to Dynet and burned all the Country, and destroyed the the castles of Abercorran, Lhanstephan, Maenclochoc,* 1.9 and Aberth, and then returned home with much spoyle, and forthwith not being able to abide the wrongs which Greffry Lanley (Lieutenant to the Earle of Chester) did to them,* 1.10 the Prince entred the Earles lands, and destroyed all to the gates of Chester on either side the wa∣ter. Whereupon Edward the Earle fled to his Uncle (who was then chosen King of the Romans) for succour, and returning back with an army durst not fight with the prince, who had 10000 armed men every one sworn to dye in the field (if need requred) in the defence of their country;* 1.11 yet Griffith ap Madoc Maelor commonly sirnamed Lord of Dynas Bran (which is a castle standing upon a very high Mountain, of scituation impregnable in the Lordship of Chirk) forsook the Prince and served the Earl with all his power, which Earle

was counted a cruell and unjust man, having no regard to right promise or oath.

* 1.12The next year Prince Lhewelyn seising into his hands Cymeys, and making peace be∣tween Rees G••yc, and Rees Vachan his brothers son, got the Castle of Trefdraeth, or Newport with all Ros,* 1.13 saving Hanerford. Then destroying the Country in his way to∣wards Glamorgan, he raised the Castle of Lhangymwch, and returning to Northwales, met with Edward Earl of Chester by the way, whom he caused to retire back, and then destroyed the Lands of the said Gruffith Lord of Bromfield. Therefore the Kings of Eng∣land and Almain wrote to him gently to depart home, which he refused to do, but de∣viding his army into two battails, in every of which as Mathew Paris said, there were 1500.* 1.14 footmen, and 500. horsemen well appointed: Whereupon Edward sent to the Irish∣men to come to him to his succour; whereof the Prince being certified, made ready his Bishops, and sending them to Sea, with sufficient power to resist the coming of his Ene∣mies that way, prevented him, so that the Irish were overcome and sent home with great loss; wherefore the King with his Son (being in a great rage) gathered all the strength of England from St. Michaels mount to Twede, and came to Northwales as far as Tegenwy; but the Prince caused all the victualls to be removed over the River Conwey, and kept all the Straits and passages so narrowly, that the King was compelled to tetire to Eng∣land with great loss.

Then Prince Lhewelyn calling unto him all the power of Southwales, came to the marches where Gruffith Lord of Bromfield yielded himself unto him (because the King could not defend his lands,) and seising into his own hands all the lands in Powis, he banished the Lord Gruffith ap Gwenwynwyn, and wan the Castle of Gilbert de Clare Earl of Glo∣cester, where also he gave the English men an overthrow, and slew a great number of the worthiest Soldiers and such as the King loved well, which caused the King to call his strength unto him, and sent to Gascoyne and Ireland for succo••••s, and then coming into Wales in harvest time, destroyed all the corn that was in his way; yet he went not far beyond Chester, but returned back without doing any notable act; for God, as Matthew Paris saith, defended the poor people that put their whole confidence in him. The Lord James Audly (whose daughter Gruffith Lord of Bromfield had married) brought a great number of horsemen from Almain to serve against the Welshmen,* 1.15 who with their great horses, and unaccustomed kind of fight overthrew the Welshmen at the encounter; wherefore the Welshmen minding shortly after to revenge the displeasure, made roads into the said Lord Audleyes Lands, where the Almains set upon them, pur∣suing hard such as fled to the Straits, who (using that flight for a policy) returned a∣gain so suddainly, and so fi rcely upon the Almains, that they being not able to re∣treat,* 1.16 upon the suddain were almost all slain. At this time there was great scarcity of Beeves and horses in England, whereof they were wont to have many thousands yearly out of Wales, and all the marches were made as a desolate and desert place.

The next spring all the Nobles of Wales came together and sware to defend their Country to death, and never to forsake one another, and that upon pain of cursing; but shortly after Meredyth ap Rees of Southwales,* 1.17 not regarding his oath, served the King. Then the King called a Parliament for a subsidy to Wales, when he had so many losses, and of late all the Country of Pembrock burnt and spoiled, where the Welshmen had found salt plentifully, which they lacked, in the which Parliament no Subsidy was granted.* 1.18

Shortly after the same Parliament by propagation was called at Oxford, where the Lords of Wales offered to be tryed by the law for any offence they had committed against the King i••iustly;* 1.19 but Edward would not hear of it, but sent one Patrick de Canton as Lieutenant for the King to Caermarthyn, and with him Meredyth ap Rees; and this Pa∣trick desired to speak (upon peace) with the Princes Councel, whereupon the Prince meaning good faith, sent his brother whom he had set at liberty with Meredyeh ap Owen and Rees ap Rees to Emlyn, to treat with them of peace; but Patrick meaning to en∣trap them, laid an ambushment of Men armed by the way; and as they should have met, these miscreants fell upon the Welsh, and slew a great number of them; but the Lords which escaped, raised the Country forthwith, and followed Patrick and slew him, and the most part of all his men. And after this the Prince desirous of peace and quiet∣ness to redeem the same, and to end all troubles, and to purchase the Kings good will, offered the King 4000 marks, and to his son 300. and to the Queen 200. to have peace; but the King answered, What is this to our losses? and refused it.

It appeareth by the records in the Tower, that about this time, to wit An. 43. Hen. 3. there was a commission to William Bishop of Worcester, John Mansel Treasurer of York, the Kings Chaplain, and Peter de Montfort, to conclude a peace with the Welshmen; but it is like there was nothing done to any effect in that behalfe; for the war continued still. Notwithstanding I find by Mathew Westminster that there was a certain truce agreed upon between the King and the Welshmen for a year. I read also in the same Author that the Bishop of Bangor was this year about Michaelmas sent from Lhewelyn the Prince, and all the Barons of Wales to the King, to desire peace at his hands, and to offer un∣to

him the summe of 16000. pound for the same, so that he would grant the Welsh to have all their matters heard and determined at Chester, as they were wont to have, and to suffer them to enjoy the lawes and customes of their own Country; but what answer the Bishop brought again, the said Author maketh no mention.

The year 1260. Prince Lhewelyn destroyed the lands of Sr. Roger Mortimer, because he contrary to his oath, maintained the Kings quarrel and took from him all Buelht, sa∣ving the Castle, which the Princes men got by night without bloodshed,* 1.20 and therein much ammunition; and so after the Prince had passed through all Southwales, he returned to his house at Aber, betwixt Conwey and Bangor. The year following died Owen ap Me∣redyth Lord of Cydewen, and this summer certain of the Princes men surprised the Castle of Sr. Roger Mortimer in Melienyth, and slew the garrison, taking Howel ap Meyric the Captain thereof, with his wife and children, and the Princes Lieutenant came and destroyed it. Then Sr. Roger Mortimer hearing this, came with a great strength of Lords and Knights to Melienyth, whether the Prince came also, and Sr. Roger kept himself within the walls of the broken Castle, and sent to the Prince for li∣cence to depart without hurt the Prince having his Enemie within his power,* 1.21 took compassion upon him, because he was his cozen; and suffered him to depart with his peo∣ple without hurt; from thence the Prince went to Brecknock at the request of the people of that Country which swore fidelity unto him, and so returned to Northwales.

Prince Lhewelyn being confederate with the Barons against the King, destroyed the Earldom of Chester, and raised two of Edwards Castles, Tygannwy and Deserth, and thither came Edward, but did nothing to speak of. This year John Strange the younger being Constable of Montgomery, came with a great number of Merchers by night, through Ceril to Cydewen; which when the Countrymen understood, they gathered themselves together, and slew 200. of his Men, but he escaped with his men back again. Shortly after the Merchers and the Welshmen met neer Clun,* 1.22 where the English had the victory, and slew many of the Welsh. At this time David the Princes brother (whom he had set at liberty) forsook him, and succoured his foes with all his power. Then Gruffith ap Gwenwynwyn got the Castle of Molde and raised it. At this time died Meredyth ap Owen the defender of Southwales.

The Year ensuing King Henry led a great army towards Wales, and by the means of Olobonus the Popes Legate, there was a peace concluded betwixt the King and the Prince at Montgomery Castle, for the which the Prince gave unto the King 30000. marks, and the King granted the Prince a Charter to receive from thenceforth, homage & fealty of all the Nobility and Barons of Wales saving one, so that all the aforesaid Barons should ever after hold of the Prince as their Leige Lord, and he to be called and written from thenceforth Prince of Wales; and in witness of this the King put his seal and hand to the said Charter, which was likewise confirmed by the authority of the Pope.

The year after this dyed Grono ap Ednyvet Vachan, a Noble man, and chief of the Princes Councel. In the year 1270. dyed Gruffith Lord of Bromfield, and was buried at Vale Crucis; and here endeth the Brittish copy.

At this place leaveth the Brittish Copy,* 1.23 and writeth no further of the end of this Prince, but leaveth him at the highest and most honourable stay that any Prince of Wales was in, of many years before. The writer (peradventure) being ashamed to de∣clare the utter fall and ruine of his Countrymen, whereunto their own pride and discord did bring them, as it doth evidently appear to him that searcheth out their Histories; but I intending to finish the History, during the Government of the Brittains, have sought out in other Chronicles written in the Latine tongue, especially in the Chronicle of Nicholas Trivet,* 1.24 (who wrote from the begining of the raign of King Stephen to the Coronation of Edward the second) and such other, as much as I could find concerning this matter.

In the year 1272. dyed King Henry the third, and Edward his Son coming from the holy Land two years after, was crowned at Westminster King of England, to which Coro∣nation the Prince of Wales refused to come, although he was sent for, alledging for his excuse that he had offended many Noblemen of England, and therefore would not come in danger, without he had for pledges the Kings brother, with the Earl of Glocester, and Robert Burnell Chief Justice of England; wherewith the King was highly dis∣pleased.

[year 1274] King Edward could never brook P. Lhewelyn since the time that he was compelled to flight by him at their meeting in the Marches as before;* 1.25 on the other side Lhewelyn liked no better of the King then the King did of him; again those Noblemen, who for their disobedience were dis-inherited by Lhewelyn, were received and entertained by King Edward, which things caused the Prince to fear some evil practice by those and other such as hated him, if he should have been at the Kings Coronation to do his homage and fealty according to the writ directed unto him in that behalfe, as appeareth by an instru∣ment sent by the said Prince to Robert Kilwarby Archbishop of Canterbury, the Archbishop of Yorke, and other Bishops, sitting then at their Convocation in the new Temple at

London, Anno. 1275. wherein the causes of this war are contained: which instru∣ment it self (as it was then sent) is extant to this day, written in parchment, with the Princes great seal thereunto appendant, which I have seen (saith this Author) and copied out of the Original verbatim,* 1.26 being then in the custody of Thomas Yale Doctor of Law, of late Dean of the Arches (a great searcher and preserver of the antiquities of Wales) which I thought convenient here to lay down for the fuller understanding of this History.

Reverendissimis in Christo Patribus & Dominis, Roberto Dei gratia Archiepiscopo Cant. totius Angliæ Primati, & Archiepis. Eborum, ac eorum suffra∣ganis, &c.

To the most Reverend Fathers in Christ and Lords, Robert Archbishop of Canterbury, Primate of England, and the Archbishop of Yorke, and their Suffragans being now together at London in Councel.

Their devote Son Lhewelyn Prince of Wales, and Lord of Snow∣don,

greeting;

with due Obedience, Reverence and Honour in all things. Be it known unto your reverend Father-hoods, that where heretofore contention and discord, (whereof war followed, and long continued) arose betwixt the King of Noble memory, Henry King of Eng∣land of the one party, and us of the other party; the same contentions and strife were at the last appeased by authority of the See Apostolick, and means of the reverend Father Lord O∣tobanus, Deacon and Cardinal of St. Adrian, Legate into England, as it appeareth in the form of Treaty and Peace betwixt the said King and Edward his first begotten Son, Lord Edward now King of England, and their Successors on the one party, and us and our Succes∣sors on the other party, by the corporal Oath of both parties assured; Which form of peace was committed to writing with the said Legate, with the seal of the said King, and the seal of the said Lord Edward now King, and with our seal also, in the which peace it is contained amongst other things (as you do well know, as we believe) that we and our Successors should hold of the King and his Successors the Principality of Wales. So that all Welsh Barons should hold their Baronies and Lands of us and our Successors in Capite, and should do homage and fealty to us, and to our heirs, (one Baron excepted) for the which we and our Successors should do homage and fealty to the Lord the King and his Successors. It is further contained in the same peace, that neither the said King nor his Successors should receive any of our Enemies, or any running from us or our Successors, nor should help or maintain any such against us or our Successors. The which all are contained in the form of peace, the Tenor whereof the Reverend Fathers of Strata Florida and Aberconwey bearers hereof, can shew you.

But see Reverend Fathers, the Lord Edward now King of England, after the said peace ta∣keth into his hands certain Barons Lands in Wales, of which they and their Ancestors have been long possessed, and keepeth a Barony in his hands, which should be ours by the form of peace; o∣ther Barons of our Land being from us fugitives, runing to him, he keepeth, helpeth; and main∣taineth, David ap Gruffith, and Gruffith ap Gwenwynwyn who purposed our death and destruction. Notwithstanding that since their departure they have robbed within our Land, com∣mitted slaughter, and burning of houses, do daily the like against the peace aforesaid; and al∣though we have often sent our griefs and complaints by solemn messengers to the said Noble Lord Edward, as well before he was King as since, yet unto this day he never did any redress therein; also that which is more perilous, he called us unto a place (not to us safe) amongst our deadly Enemies, our fugitives and fellons, and their spies, and murderers, to do him homage and fealty, to which place we can no wayes come without danger of our body, especially seeing our E∣nemies above said to be in that place at the Kings table, and sometimes in Councel, and openly brag themselves. And though lawfull and reasonable excuses were alledged by our messengres before the King and his Councel, why the place was not safe nor indifferent, yet he refused to allow or appoint any other place indifferent for us, to do homage and fealty, which we were and are ready to do unto him in any safe place by him to be appointed, if he will appoint any, and to perform the other articles of the peace concluded and sworn. And for that it pleaseth him not to come to any place where we could with safety do him homage, we were suiters to him to send any from him to receive our oath and homage, untill it pleased him to appoint a place where we shall do our homage to him personally, the which thing he utterly denyed to do.

We therefore beseech your Father-hoods earnestly that it may please you to consider what danger should happen to the people both of England and of Wales, by reason of the breach of Cove∣nants of peace abovesaid, if now wars and discord should follow, which God forbid, attend∣ing and calling to remembrance the prohibition of the Holy Father, the Pope lately in the Coun∣cel at Lyons, that no war should be moved amongst Christians, least thereby the affairs of the ho∣ly Land should be neglected; that it would please you also to help with your Councel with the Lord and King, that he would use us, and order us according to the peace agreed upon, the which we will no way infringe. And if he will not hearken to your Counsel therein, (which God for∣bid) that you will hold us excused; for we will no waies as much as lieth in us, procure the trouble and disquietness of the Realm. And if it may please you to give credit to our messen∣gers

which we do send to the King, at the day by him to us appointed) to alledge our lawful ex∣cuses in those things which they by mouth shall on our part shew unto You, resting to do Your will and pleasure, if it please You to write again.

Dated at Talybont the eight Day of October Anno 1275.

[year 1277] Shortly after the King came to Chester,* 2.1 willing the Prince to come thither and do him homage, which when the prince detracted to do, the King gathered an army to compel him thereto.

The year following the Countesse of Leicester, wife to Simon Montfort (which remained at a Nunnery in France) sent her daughter to Wales to marry the prince, as it was 'agreed betwixt them in her Fathers time, and with her came her brother Admerike and a courtly company, who fearing the coast of England, bent their voyage to the Isle of Sylly, where∣by chance they met with four ships of Bristol, which set upon and took them, and brought them to the King, who entertains the Lady houourably, sending her brother to be kept prisoner in the castle of Corff, from whence he was removed to the castle of Sherburne. Then the King prepared two armies,* 2.2 whereof the one he conducted himself to Northwales as far as Ruthlan, and fortified the castle, and the other he sent with Paganis de Camurtiis a worthy Souldier to Westwales; they burned and destroyed a great part of the Country, and this year itrained blood in divers places of Wales.

The year ensuing the Lords of Southwales came to the Kings peace,* 2.3 and did him ho∣mage, and delivered the Castle of Stratywy unto the K. Lieutenant Paganus de Camurtli, (if his sirname be not mistaken for de Cadurcis, it is the family of Chaworth in Notinghamshire.) This Prince understanding this, and seeing that his own people had forsaken him, sent to the King for peace, which was agreed upon these conditions.

1. First that all such as the Prince kept prisoners of the Kings, and for his cause, should be set at liberty.

2. Item, That the Prince should pay to the King for his favour and good will 50000 marks to be paid at the Kings pleasure.

3 Item, That four Cantreds should reman to the King and his heirs for ever; which Can∣treds I think were these; cantref Ros, where the Kings Castle of Teganny stood; cantref Ryni∣vioc where Denbigh; cantref Tegengl where Ruthlan standeth; and cantref Dyffryn Clwd where Ruthin is.

4 Item, That the Lords Merchers should quietly enjoy all the Lands that they had con∣quered within Wales.

5. Item, That the Prince should pay yearly for the Isle of Môn or Anglesey 1000 marks, which payment should begin at Michaelmas then next ensuing; and that also he should pay 5000 marks out of hand; and if the prince dyed without issue, the Isle should remain to the King and his heirs.

6 Item, That the Prince should come to England every Christmas to do the King homage for his lands.

7. Item, That all the Barons in Wales should hold their lands of the King, except 5. in Snowden, who should ackowledg the Prince to be their Lord.

8. Items, that he should for his lifetime enjoy the name of Prime, and none of his heirs after him, so that after his death, the foresaid five Barons should hold of the King, and none other.

9. Item, that for the performance of the Articles, the prince should deliver for hosta∣ges ten of the best in Wales, without imprisonining, disinheriting, or time of deliverance determined, and also the King to choose twenty within Northwales, that should take their oathes with the prince for performance of these Articles; and if the Prince should swerve from any of them, and being thereof admonished, would not amend and redresse the same,* 2.4 they should forsake him and become his enemies. The prince was also bound to let his brethren enjoy their lands in Wales, of whom David had long served the King, whom the King had made Knight, contrary to the manner of Wales, and had given him in marriage the daughter of the Earle of Derby, whose first husband was lately deceased; to whom the King gave Denbigh in Northwales and 1000l. lands therewith. And his other brother Ro∣derike was lately fled to England out of prison, and Owen the third was delivered at this composition.

This peace was concluded in the Kings absence, who appointed one his Commissioners,* 2.5 to wit the Lord Ripiost to take an oath of him, and authorised the said Robert, Antonio Becke and William de Southampton Prior Provincial of the Friers predicant, Commissioners ap∣pointed on his behalf to receive the like oath of the said Lhewelyn, for whose part Theodor or Tudor ap Ednivet and Grono ap Heilin were Commissioners.

At this time the King builded a Castle at Aberystwyth, & returned into Eng. with much ho∣nour; unto whom the people granted a subsidy of the twentieth part of their goods towards his charges in this war. The year following the marriage was celebrated at Worcester be∣twixt Elianor daughter to Simon Montfort and prince Lhewelin, where the King & Queen and the most part of the Nobility of England were present. Also the year after Roger Mortimer set up at Killingworth a round table for a hundred Knights to be exercised in the feats of

arms,* 2.6 and thither resorted many Knights from divers Countries. At this time the King of Scots did homage to K. Edward, and obtained the Kings letters that his succours in the last wars of Wales were not done by the name of service but good will.

The peace concluded betwixt the prince of Wales and the King of England, did not long continue, by reason of the severe and strict dealing of such Officers as the King appointed rulers in the Marshes and the Inland country of Wales, who hunting after their own gains, oppressed the Inhabitants, burdening them with new exactions, contrary to the custom of the country; and also shewing themselves too much affectionate and partial in matters of contro∣versy betwixt party & party, especially when any Englishman had to do in the matter, which poling and partiality did altogether alienate the hearts of the people from the King of En∣gland, so that they had rather die, then live in such thraldom; whereupon assembling them∣selves together, they so moved David the Lord of Denbigh to be at unity with prince Lhewe∣lin, and to take pitty upon their affliction and misery, that he being agreed with his brother, became their Captain.

[year 1281] This reconciliation consisted chiefly in this, that David should never after serve the King of England as he had done before, but become his utter enemy, who laid siege to the ca∣stle of Hawarden and took Roger Clifford (a noble Knight) slaying all that resisted,* 2.7 and after spoyling all the country, he with his brother the prince laid siege to the Castle of Ruthlan; the King hearing of this, hasted thither with a great army to raise the siege, whereupon the prince retreated with his army.

* 2.8Also the same time Rees the son of Maelgon and Gruffith ap Meredith ap Owen, which o∣ther noble men of Southwales too•• the castle of Aberystwyth and divers other castles in the Country, spoyling and plundering all the Kings people that inhabited thereabouts. There∣fore the King sent the Archbishop of Canterbury to confer with the prince and his brethren; but he returned without doing any good, so that he denounced an excommunication; this Archbishops name was Jehn Beckham, who (as B. Godwin saith) took great pains in labou∣ring a peace between K. Edw. l. and prince Lhewelin of Wales, unto whom he went in per∣son and travailed long with him, but all in vain.

Notes

• * 1.1

  R••g. Mortimer right heir, put by his right.
• * 1.2

  K. H. 3. makes another at∣tempt against Wales, but in vain.
• * 1.3

  M. Paris p. 938 The K. of Man doth homage to the K. of England.
• * 1.4

  All cover, all lose; or Harme watch, harme catch.
• * 1.5

  A gallant re∣sold on of the Welsh.
• * 1.6

  An heroick Prince.
• * 1.7

  A bloody battail.
• * 1.8

  The English overthrown.
• * 1.9

  The Welsh victorious.
• * 1.10

  M. Par. p 1251 Tho. Walsh Hy∣podigma p. 61. Brave-spirited men.
• * 1.11

  A Judas a∣mongst his countrymen. M. Par. p. 1253
• * 1.12

  Mat. West p. 277.
• * 1.13

  A ••ust punish∣ment for a traytor o his Country. O•• thirds not caught with chief.
• * 1.14

  Mat. Par. fol. 12••8. The Welsh beat the Irish at Sea. Mat. Par. fol. 1271. A prudent and politick Prince. King Hen. un∣fortunate in his underta∣kings against Wales. Mat. Paris fol. 12••5. English. Al∣mains, Gas∣co••nes and I∣rish against Wales. Mat. Paris fol. 1274 & 1279.
• * 1.15

  God the Pro∣tectour of the Welsh.
• * 1.16

  Great scarci∣ty in England for want of commerce with Wales.
• * 1.17

  A subsidy de∣manded to conquer Wales.
• * 1.18

  Mat. Pa••is fol. 1807.
• * 1.19

  To this pa∣trick the Lordship of Cydwely was given if he could win it. Easie to give l ••ge thongs out of ano∣ther mans hide.

  Trea hery re∣venged by the Welsh.
• * 1.20

  Aber. P. Lhew∣elyns Court, or Palace.
• * 1.21

  A most Chri∣stian and he∣roick act of Lhewelyn.
• * 1.22

  Rara est con∣cordia fra∣num.
• * 1.23

  Mr. Lhoyd.
• * 1.24

  King Hen 3. dyeth.
• * 1.25

  Thom. Walsh;
• * 1.26

  Mr. Lhoyd.
• * 2.1

  Thom. Walsh. fol. 6. Mar. West p. 364.
• * 2.2

  A prodigious Omen to Wales.
• * 2.3

  The jangling of the Welsh among them∣selves their utter over∣throw.
• * 2.4

  Th. Walsh. p. 7
• * 2.5

  Mr. Trinet Sol p. 787.
• * 2.6

  The Kof Scots suc••ou••eth a∣gainst the Welsh.
• * 2.7

  The Welsh im∣patient of ser∣vitude.
• * 2.8

  Seek to reco∣ver their li∣berty. Aberystwyth castle built by the King, taken. Godwin in Canterbury, fol. 77.