GUEST BLOG: HISTORICAL FICTION AUTHOR, PAUL RUSHWORTH-BROWN on How the Enclosure Movement Influenced the Production of Wool and Cloth in 18th Century England

Owain Gwynedd, son of Gruffudd ap Cynan, was one of the most formidable rulers in Welsh history. He took the throne of Gwynedd in 1137 and spent his reign expanding his territory, challenging the English crown, and securing Gwynedd’s status as the dominant power in medieval Wales. He was bold and ambitious and styled himself as the "Prince of Wales."

When we picture women of the Middle Ages, it's easy to imagine lives devoid of luxury, with beauty limited to the natural and untouched. Yet, history reveals a fascinating world of medieval cosmetics and skincare rituals, where women harnessed what natural ingredients were available to them to enhance their appearance. The pursuit of beauty was as alive then as it is today, though shaped by the constraints and resources of the era, and the use of natural ingredients connects us to these historical practices.

Angharad ferch Owain, the heroine of my book, ‘The Welsh Traitor’s Daughter’, was brought up in Tegeingl at the end of the 11^th Century in north-eastern Wales. It was a turbulent time when the area saw a frontier society's growth.  The area she called home was a sparsely populated region, known as the Perfeddwlad by the Welsh and later became recognised as St. Asaph's diocese by Anglo-Normans. What fascinated me was that Angharad’s place of birth and surroundings gave me a unique lens through which to explore cultural, political, and social interactions in a Welsh frontier zone, particularly from a woman’s point of view.

Discover the magic of Welsh Christmas traditions with our festive blog! From the nostalgic charm of Dylan Thomas’s ‘A Child’s Christmas in Wales’ to unique customs like Noson Gyflaith and Mari Lwyd, explore how Wales celebrates the holiday season. Plus, uncover Welsh film and Disney connections, and learn how to say 'Merry Christmas' in Welsh: Nadolig Llawen!