I found some of the most interesting Welsh history books, perfect to add to your reading list or to give it as a Christmas gift to someone inspired by the country. 

#1. If you have visited Welsh castles and need something to relive those moments, then this book is a perfect souvenir to take with you.

It is an accessible guide to 37 of Wales’s celebrated castles detailing their construction, ownership and uses. 

Honest Review: ”I bought this for my friend, who I have just been on holiday in North Wales with. She loves castles and we were able to visit Conwy, Baumaris and Caernarfon castles. The book has lovely photos and is very informative. My friend loves it.”

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#2. This book will challenge the false idea that our countryside is a fixed feature. Rather, it weaves in the back stories of how trees and forests, alter to match human aspirations. If this doesn’t get you keen to lace up your boots and explore, I don’t know what will.

Matthew Yeomans, on his journey visits landmarks that once were home to ancient Druids, early Celtic saints, Norman Lords and the great mining communities that reshaped Wales.

He becomes immersed in the woodlands that inspired the country’s great legends. At one point he even stumbles upon a herd of television-watching cows.

As Yeomans walks, he reflects on these woods’ uncertain future, his own relationship with nature and the global problems we need to solve if humans are to truly make peace with the natural world. from tree-planting in ways that are actually beneficial to the environment and local communities to embedding the value of nature into our financial and economic systems.

Honest Review: “This a great read. I learned loads about trees, Wales and environmentalism, whilst chuckling at the author’s evident enjoyment of the pleasure of a good walk in amusing company. It’s not a preachy book but it does set you thinking about the challenges we all face in connecting with nature and trying to ensure that there’s still some nature out there for future generations to connect with.”

”The history, travel and folklore make this a very enjoyable read about a journey through Wales. But it’s the discussion of how we sustainably develop our economies and how we shape our financial future that makes this a must read for me.”

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#3. You’d Wish Teachers Taught You About This in Your Welsh School.

However tenuous traditions may appear to be, they often reveal more tenacity than political institutions which seem to be strong enough to last for ever. When the Roman Empire was at the height of its power the Celts of Gaul were taking delight in the arts of public speaking and poetry. 

Honest Review: ”Being a proud Welshman and realising that I knew very little about the history of Wales I looked for a book on that theme. I discovered this one on Amazon. Some books are just written in a way that you cannot put them down and this book is certainly in that category. It seems that I knew even less than I thought. Now I understand the way that we think as a nation and we are truly as our national anthem says a “land of poets and singers””

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#4. If you like a long Welsh history book, then this one got 784 pages worth every penny as it covers political, social and cultural history of the land.

”It talks about the history of the British Isles before the Roman and Anglo-Saxon immigrants, and continuing with the place of Wales within those later administrations.”

Honest Review: “Although I am English,I lived in Wales for four years and have lots of friends there. I lived in the Rhondda’Valleys’, and found the place and the people were first class. I think you have to go live in a place to know it,and not listen to veiws people have! that have never been there. I can say I enjoyed every minute of it, and at times I wish I had stayed there.

I gave my copy of this book to a friend of mine who was moving to the USA,and have just got myself another copy from Amazon. It doesn’t surprise me that this book has nothing but five star reviews’,and I am not going to change that in fact I would give it ten stars if I could. It’s a book that I am proud to own, Proud, like Wales and the people that live in it.

It’s not a book that you can read in a day. But then again Wales was not built in a day. A bit like Rome eh? So if you want to know about Wales, then this is the book to answer all your questions.”

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#5. A book on Welsh Kings with tons of evidence that might also answer some of your questions on genealogy.

The author produces revealing pictures of the leading Welsh kings and princes of the day and explores both their contribution to Welsh history and their impact on the wider world. They were, of necessity, warriors, living in a violent political world and requiring ruthless skills to even begin to rule in Wales. 

Honest Reviews: “This book contains more than 50 illustrations, all in black and white, some of which are photographs and others are the author’s line drawings made at key locations. There are also some useful maps and family tree charts.”

”Well produced book with lots of facts but very readable.”

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#6. A book based on the BBC program, re-examining the myths and misconceptions about this glorious country.

It also reveals people who have reacted with energy and invention to changing times and opportunities.

Honest Review: “This is an excellent book and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. It is an easy read and good for non-historians, which is what I was hoping for. I tried reading another history of Wales book a few months ago but had to give up because it was too heavy going. The Story of Wales is different and I found it compelling reading.”

”More accessible than other histories of Wales I have read but pretty comprehensive. I was surprised and pleased about how unbiased it was. No hiding from how badly England has sometimes behaved but equally critical of some Welsh figures and attitudes. A fascinating country with an extraordinary history, so different from England’s – more similarities with that of Ireland. Celebrates a great nation with so many amazing historical figures.”

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#7. Did you know that Cymru: boasted the most advanced laws in the Middle Ages; produced Britain’s only effective royal dynasty and its most effective prime minister;

Produced a man probably more responsible than Charles Darwin for developing the theory of evolution; and a woman at least as responsible as Florence Nightingale for developing the nursing profession? 

Honest review: “An eye opener and sharply thought provoking book. It began the elementary questions of 1. Why the welsh gorgeous flag is not part of the Union Jack? And strangely and naively wondering: Why even the people of this wonderful little country, allow their country to be called Wales, which means “Foreigners” and implanted in them by their English occupiers? Instead Cymru, the real and most original name should be used Internationally, let alone in every n college in Cymru.”

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#8. This one is for those who are digging through the truth about Cymru’s last Prince, nothing more nothing less.

Honest review: “What a book! About arguably Wales’ Greatest ever son…shame he isn’t talked about as much as the likes of William Wallace. Seeing how he came far closer to eradicating the English plans for Wales as Wallace did for Scotland. He did what was needed and we still see the effects of his actions to this day. With the likes of Wales not being able to be added to the union flag. Also good to see the mention of other notable Welsh figures from this particular era in Welsh History.”

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Welsh Histories is a Welsh history celebrating platform which looks to promote all aspects of Welsh history. Though we focus predominantly on native Welsh history, we do also share the non-native aspects from time to time. You can follow us on Facebook; Instagram or Twitter for more. A reader? We also have our very own Welsh Histories Shop where we sell our Welsh Histories Magazine. Diolch yn fawr iawn and keep enjoying Welsh Histories.

Sally George

Sally is a proud wife of a Welshman, editor & writer of Welsh Histories. She’s all about stories—that shout ‘anything Welsh.’ Drop her an email if you have an advice, insight, experience, or a story to share.