Similarity and Difference (1240-1415)

Similarities Before and After the Conquest

Both pre and post-conquest, the Welsh society was stratified with nobility and peasantry forming distinct classes.
Law and governance, albeit through different administrative structures, remained a subject of intrigue and contention in Welsh society across the period.
The sense of Welsh nationalism and desire for independence were continuous themes, shaping the characters and actions of key figures like Llywelyn ap Gruffudd and Owain Glyndwr.
The traditional ways of living such as farming, the speak of Welsh language and adherence to old customs persisted among the common people across the period.

Differences Before and After the Conquest

The power balance shifted significantly post-conquest with the English monarchy and anglicised Welsh nobility exerting control, in stark contrast with the Welsh ruling the land pre-conquest.
Enforced English law and restructuring of governance systems post-conquest marked a radical departure from the native Welsh law (Cyfraith Hywel) prevalent pre-conquest.
Post-conquest English cultural influences had far-reaching influences, from social rituals to language use, resulting in a cultural divergence from the pre-conquest era.
Economically, the pre-conquest society relied heavily on agriculture, while post-conquest society saw the rise of trade, commerce and new industries under English influence.

The Impact of the Glyndwr Rebellion

The Glyndwr Rebellion (1400-1415) symbolises both similarity and difference. It highlighted the enduring notion of Welsh resistance that had persisted since the conquest, yet it marked a difference as the rebellion was unprecedented in its scale and impact.
The rebellion led to temporary establishment of Welsh independence, a stark but temporary shift from English dominance that had been maintained since the conquest.
The rebellion provoked a brutal response and further repression from the English, which differed from the relative acceptance of Welsh subjugation before the rebellion.
However, it also affirmed the resilience and permanence of Welsh nationalism, a consistent thread linking pre-conquest, post-conquest and rebellion periods.

Significance of Similarities and Differences

Understanding the similarities and differences between pre-conquest, post-conquest and rebellion periods helps to chart the evolution of Wales from a sovereign state to an English-controlled land and the emergence of a distinctly Welsh resistance.
These similarities and differences collectively shape the detailed character of this period in Welsh history, providing insights into the enduring impact of subjugation, resistance and rebellion on Welsh societal structures and sense of national identity.