Welsh ideals of beauty in the early twelfth century were very similar to those in the rest of Europe. Beauty standards were a reflection of the prevailing social, economic and artistic influences of the time, Welsh literature gives us a glimpse into what might be perceived as beautiful but what is depicted is often aligned with moral virtues so that a person may be beautiful because they possess kindness, wisdom or grace.

Nestled within the rugged landscape of North Wales lies the majestic and mystical region of Eryri which most people know as Snowdonia.

Steeped in history and tradition, Welsh ponies have roamed the rugged landscapes of Wales for centuries. Their story is one of resilience, intelligence and as captivating as any Welsh tale.

In 1100, Wales as we know it was divided into a number of different kingdoms. For the most part, there would be little difference in the clothes that the common people wore in different kingdoms although the royals often adopted some fashion styles from their overseas allies or from the Normans in England.

Gruffydd ap Cynan was a hugely successful king of Gwynedd in the Middle Ages yet most of his childhood was spent in Ireland, much of the support he enlisted in his fight against the Normans came from Ireland and many of the changes he brought to enhance Welsh poetry and music came from Ireland. Should we be surprised by this?

Magnus was a magnificent warrior, a great lover of women and a poet. He would have known Gruffydd ap Cynan and after the Battle of Anglesey Sound, Gruffydd gave him great gifts and honour.

Unless you are a fan of the Welsh Middle Ages you may not have heard of Angharad ferch Owain or her father Owain ap Edwin known as Owain Fradwr (Owain the Traitor). Their story is worth hearing yet is shrouded in many mysteries.

At the beginning of the twelfth century, Wales was in a time of great change. The influence of the Normans who had taken over much of Wales was having an enormous effect.

I first discovered Gruffydd ap Cynan when I was looking into Gwenllian, the Welsh warrior princess. I wondered what in Gwenllian’s upbringing had led her to become a woman who inspired the whole of Wales.

Angharad lived at a time that was undergoing huge change as Norman influences put pressure on the Welsh. It was also a time when Wales was renowned throughout Europe for its learning and culture.