European Wales in the Middle Ages Even though

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European Wales in the Middle Ages Even though Wales had connections with England it

European Wales in the Middle Ages Even though Wales had connections with England it was also an independent country with strong links with Europe. People from Wales had exchanged goods and ideas with people from all over Europe for hundreds of years. Medieval links between Wales and Europe • Trading • Sharing ideas • The Welsh language could be heard in places across Europe.

Wales and Scandinavia The Vikings began attacking areas in Wales in the 9 th

Wales and Scandinavia The Vikings began attacking areas in Wales in the 9 th century. The Vikings sailed from Scandinavian countries like Norway, Denmark and Sweden to steal possessions and burn villages in areas across Britain. They also traded with the Welsh people in trading centres. The influence of the Vikings can still be seen in the names of a number of places in Wales such as: • Anglesey - Önguls-ey • Swansea - Svein’s-ey • Fishguard – Fiskigarốr

Trade centre Archaeologists have discovered a trade centre which existed during the 9 th

Trade centre Archaeologists have discovered a trade centre which existed during the 9 th and 10 th century in Llanbedrgoch, Anglesey. It is likely that it was a centre to create and trade goods. Archaeologists have discovered goods from Scandinavia and Ireland here. Llanbedrgoch (Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales)

Evidence of a trade centre ©National Museum Wales Belt buckle with a Viking pattern

Evidence of a trade centre ©National Museum Wales Belt buckle with a Viking pattern from the Middle Ages that was discovered by archaeologists at Llanbedrgoch. ©National Museum Wales The National Museum of Wales has reconstructed the face of a man from this centre after discovering a skull dating back to the Middle Ages at Llanbedrgoch This brooch was discovered by archaeologists at Llanbedrgoch. It dates back to the era before the Vikings in the 7 th century.

Sharing ideas Many monasteries in Wales were established by religious orders in France and

Sharing ideas Many monasteries in Wales were established by religious orders in France and other parts of Europe. Monks from Wales would travel to the mother abbey on the continent almost every year. They would return with ideas and techniques about all sorts of thing, such as farming and fishing! What did monks do in the Middle Ages? • • • Worship God Heal people Educate children Farm the land Produce food Write manuscripts Chronicle of the Princes The National Library of Wales A monk by Kyffin Williams, The National Library of Wales

Eisteddfod 1176 The first Eisteddfod was held by the Lord Rhys at Cardigan Castle

Eisteddfod 1176 The first Eisteddfod was held by the Lord Rhys at Cardigan Castle in 1176. EISTEDDFOD Bards from Ireland, Scotland France came to compete in the first Eisteddfod. Although the Eisteddfod is a Welsh festival some historians believe that the idea came from France. Lord Rhys had strong links with the Normans in France. A similar event to the Eisteddfod was held at Auvergne in central France. Cardigan Castle, CBHC, PRD_02_0024 Lord Rhys, D. Salesbury Hughes The National Library of Wales