As featured in

Battlefield - The Magazine of the Battlefields Trust and the Scottish Battlefields Trust - Volume 28, Issue 1, Autumn 2023

This book looks at Edward I and his suppression of the Welsh kingdom in the 13th Century, not only was he able to crush the will of the Welsh people, he was also able to control the Welsh lords & leaders. One of the problems with Welsh history is that it can be underplayed and less understood, which is why there is still animosity between the two still today. But this book has been written very well in that it’s not stuffy and dry, but actually informative and easy to read. Having read a couple of other books written by the same author David Pilling, he seems to be able to sort out the complication and turn it into an easy-to-read passage, which can help greatly on a subject like this when you have Welsh names and placenames interspersed throughout. A good read and one I think many interested in this subject would enjoy.

Read the full review here

The History Fella

David Pilling's second book may prove to be an essential guide to Edward I's campaigns in Wales during the late 13th century. Mr. Pilling has covered almost everything in this objective and fascinating study. Everything from political relations with Wales both before and after the campaigns, the background and context, to logistics, strategy and troop movements.

He also explores the legacy and aftermath of the conquest of Wales, and the building of the great castles which stand to this day. in the course of the narrative, he challenges some popular wisdom (James of St George did not "build" the castles. They weren't resented as much at the time). I found it fascinating that laws regarding female inheritance were more restrictive in some parts of Wales, when many people say Welsh law was "ahead of its time".

The other great thing about this book is that you actually want to keep reading. Its scholarly and packed full of information, but not dry or dull as proverbial dishwater. It is a worthy sucessor to Pilling's previous work on the Montofortian rebels of Henry III's reign. Maybe he will write a study of Edward's campaigns in Scotland next?

NetGalley, Joanna Arman

"It is an interesting read and is both well researched and written."

Clwyd FHS

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Video review by Dr Alexander Clarke

Fantastically detailed account of Edward I and his campaigns in Wales. Definitely a must-read for those with an interest in the people and places of that time.

NetGalley, Sarah Mueller

Well researched account of Edward I in Wales that is well written and interesting for a reader who likes historical accounts and battles.

NetGalley, Samantha Hehr

Featured in

Mortimer Matters, the magazine of the Mortimer History Society, July 2021

As seen in Inside Flintshire Magazine

Flintshire Magazine

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

I got to know Edward I and Llewellyn through Sharon Kay Penman years ago, and I am a bit more sympathetic to Llewellyn in this book than the author was.
Overall, this was a fabulous read! I enjoyed the breakdown of the military maneuvers, as well as the dedication that Edward I took in subduing Wales. He was more determined than his predecessors, and it showed through the steps and efforts that he took.
The author did a great job with the materials, and breaks it down in an easy to read piece that readers will enjoy and connect with.

NetGalley, Rebecca Hill

A well written, informative historical account.

I enjoyed reading this book, it was very interesting and informative.

NetGalley, Rebecca Sims

I've never read a history specifically about how England took control of Wales. It's been something that I've known about for a while, but I never read a book just about it. It's a fascinating topic and makes me remember how Welsh people, to this day, hate the English and resent the colonization that took place in Wales. A language decimated, a people pushed down and forced to conform. But, this is a fascinating read that I would like on my shelf one day.

NetGalley, Caidyn Young