Ep 17. English Invasions of Wales and Ireland

The Celtic World season 1 episode 17, titled "English Invasions of Wales and Ireland," takes viewers on a historical journey back to the 12th and 13th centuries, where the English attempted to dominate and subjugate the Celtic lands of Wales and Ireland.

The episode begins by setting the historical context of both regions, highlighting the rich cultural and linguistic heritage of the Celtic people, who had lived in these lands for centuries before English involvement. However, with the Norman Conquest of England in 1066, things began to change.

The Norman lords, who had been installed in England by William the Conqueror, started eyeing the rich and fertile lands of Wales and Ireland, which were viewed as frontier territories. Initially, the English rulers attempted to gain control over Wales through diplomacy and political alliances. However, when these measures failed, they turned to military force, launching numerous invasions into Wales in the 12th and 13th centuries.

The episode takes a closer look at the methods employed by the English forces in their efforts to dominate the Welsh lands. From the construction of imposing castles like Caernarfon and Conwy, to the wholesale destruction of Welsh communities and forced resettlement of English settlers, the episode presents a vivid picture of the harsh realities faced by the Welsh people at this time.

The English invasions of Ireland, meanwhile, were somewhat different. Unlike Wales, Ireland was not a unified kingdom, but rather a patchwork of independent regional kingdoms and territories. The early English attempts to conquer Ireland were met with fierce resistance, most notably from the likes of Brian Boru and the Munster kingdom. The English forces were eventually able to gain a foothold in Ireland with the invasion of Henry II in the late 12th century, but the episode highlights the ongoing struggles for control over the next several centuries.

Despite the differences in tactics, the English invasions of both Wales and Ireland were marked by violence, political machinations and cultural clashes. The episode delves deep into the cultural and linguistic identities of these Celtic lands, examining how the English sought to eradicate or subsume these identities in their attempts to dominate the regions. The episode also explores the struggles of native Celtic leaders, such as Llywelyn the Great in Wales and Aodh Mór Ó Néill in Ireland, to hold onto their own cultural identities and push back against the English invaders.

"The English Invasions of Wales and Ireland" is a fascinating and gripping episode that sheds light on a crucial chapter in Celtic history. The show's expert historians and scholars provide insightful commentary and analysis throughout, painting a rich and nuanced picture of the events and people that shaped this tumultuous period. For those interested in history, politics, or cultural identity, this episode is a must-watch.