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!

The Crusades, a series of religious wars fought between the 11th and 13th centuries, are often remembered for their conflict and cultural exchanges between Europe and the Middle East. The Welsh participated in the Crusades and brought back some innovative ideas, technologies, and products. Some are pretty surprising.

Gerald was born into a family with ties to powerful Welsh and Norman dynasties, so his heritage positioned him as a unique witness to the Anglo-Norman attempts to subjugate Wales. However, his conflicting loyalties and feelings about his Welsh heritage would shape his life, ambitions, and writings, presenting him as a figure emblematic of the complex relationship between the Welsh and their conquerors.

What was expected of Welsh noblemen of the Middle Ages? There were certain expectations to live up to and the best strived to embody  a blend of scholarly, martial, and cultural accomplishments that reflected the values and ideals of their time. These men, often from wealthy and influential families, were expected to demonstrate their excellence across various disciplines—intellectual, physical, and social. Two notable figures who exemplified these traits were Hywel ab Owain Gwynedd Ieuan ap Rhydderch, whose lives and works provide us with insight into the education and achievements of Welsh noblemen.