The typically accepted claim that William the Conqueror had no intention of conquering the Welsh Kingdoms isn’t quite as true as it appears.
Even on his way to St Davids in 1081 (when he is said to have declared his disinterest in conquering the Welsh), he is believed to have founded Cardiff in Welsh lands.
The Lords he appointed at Hereford, Shrewsbury and Chester did not share his claimed lack of appetite for Welsh lands, either.
Even if we let William off, his son, Henry I, was a ravaging nuisance in the southern parts of Cymru – claiming hundreds of miles of Welsh lands and establishing the first royal castle at Carmarthen in 1109.
Was William lying to appease his neighbours or was he biding his time?
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Niklas is the founder, owner, manager, editor, writer, video creator, voice over artist, and so forth, of Welsh Histories. He is passionate about the preservation of Welsh culture; the rejuvenation of the Welsh language and the promotion of Welsh history. Niklas currently resides in Pune, Maharashtra, with his beloved wife.