Talk on Edward I by Dr Susan Davies

Service Description

The project is based on the only medieval records that survive from Edward I’s Welsh campaign and conquest during 1282-4. Most are financial accounts, which may sound dull but are actually fascinating, as they contain details about everyday activities that are not recorded elsewhere. They include the food that was bought and provided for both soldiers and people living in castles, things the Queen and royal children required, how money was transported, and how people travelled across Wales, as well as insight into castle building, where things were obtained, and how they were brought to Wales. They also record how Gascon soldiers travelled to Wales and took part in military activities here, how ships were obtained, and the costs and daily care of horses which were essential for working with carts and military activity. These records are also interesting because they include early examples of the use of Italian Merchant Bankers to assist with financial issues. Some of the details paint a different picture from what most Welsh Historians currently know about Edward and his campaign – so I hope you will find them fascinating and unusual.