This post was last updated on December 6th, 2025 at 03:32 pm
If you love reading about Welsh culture and its beginnings in the past, both distant and more recent, you’re going to enjoy this list of books about Wales’ history. Learn about everything from Celtic Britain to industrialization and political uprisings.
Before we dive into our list of books about Wales’ history, here are just a few interesting facts on the subject. For example, what is Wales known for historically? Wales is known for its Celtic heritage, especially as being the home of the original Britons. The Celts arrived from mainland Europe as early as 1,000 BC. By 600 BC, they established themselves on the island and absorbed the existing Beaker culture.
Before the Roman occupation, these Brythonic-speaking Celts built settlements across the island of Great Britain. In the land that would become Wales, five ancient Welsh tribes occupied the hills and valleys of Cymru: the Silures, Ordovices, Demetae, Gangani, and Deceangli. And after the period we call Roman Britain, the tribes of Wales governed themselves once more and evolved into the Welsh kingdoms. The counties in modern-day Wales are named after those kingdoms, such as the famous Gwynedd.
Another thing that Wales is known for historically is its astounding number of castles per square mile. Despite being only 8,192 square miles in size, Wales boasts over six hundred castles. The ruins of more than four hundred remain, more per area than anywhere else in the world.
Who is Wales’ greatest historical figure?
Owain Glyndŵr is, without a doubt, Wales’ greatest historical figure. In the early 15th century, he led a fifteen-year national rebellion against English rule. Although ultimately unsuccessful, he was a brilliant leader and captured the spirit and imagination of his people. He was also the last native of Cymru to hold the Prince of Wales title. Though he only held power for a short time, he managed to do some incredible things in the brief span of his rule. Owain Glyndŵr established a Welsh government and parliament. He forged an alliance with France, promoted and gained support for an independent Wales, and mobilized all classes of his countrymen in the rebellion of 1400-1415. To this day, Glyndŵr remains a symbol of rebellion, national pride, and the fighting spirit of Cymru.
Who was the last true King of Wales?
Gruffudd ap Llewelyn was the last native Welshman to hold the title King of Wales. Taking the apt title “King of the Britons,” he reigned from 1055 to 1063. He was also the last ruler to unite the country as a whole. Before him, several rulers did unite large parts of Cymru, such as Rhodri Mawr (c. 820–878) and Hywel Dda (d. 950), but Gruffudd ap Llewelyn was the last ruler to do so, who also held the title of King.
However, we should also make a distinction between the last King of Wales and the last native ruler of Wales. The last native ruler of Wales was Llywelyn ap Gruffudd (Llywelyn the Last), who ruled from 1258 to 1282. He held the title Prince of Wales, granted by the English crown. When English forces assassinated him on December 11, 1282, it marked the end of Welsh independence. However, the story doesn’t end there. The following books about Wales’ history explore nearly every period from the days of the Celtic Britons to the modern age.
This post gives recommendations for books about Wales’ history.
Comprehensive Books About Wales’ History
The Arthurian Place Names of Wales by Scott Lloyd
From the blurb: This new book examines all of the available source materials, dating from the ninth century to the present, that have associated Arthur with sites in Wales. The material ranges from Medieval Latin chronicles, French romances, and Welsh poetry through to the earliest printed works, antiquarian notebooks, periodicals, academic publications, and finally books, written by both amateur and professional historians alike, in the modern period that have made various claims about the identity of Arthur and his kingdom. All of these sources are here placed in context, with the issues of dating and authorship discussed, and their impact and influence assessed. This book also contains a gazetteer of all the sites mentioned, including those yet to be identified, and traces their Arthurian associations back to their original source.
Books About Wales’ History: Celtic Britain by John Rhys
From the blurb: This book examines the history of Britain prior to the arrival of the Romans, with a focus on the Britons themselves. The author challenges the long-held belief that Britain was a land of barbarians before the Roman occupation, drawing from sources such as ancient coins and inscriptions to depict a multifaceted and evolving society. Drawing on linguistics and archaeology, among other sources, the book also delves into the ethnology of the Celtic Britons, demonstrating the complex and mixed nature of British society in the first centuries BCE. The book offers a fascinating account of pre-Roman Britain and the people who shaped its history.
Land of My Fathers: 2000 Years of Welsh History by Gwynfor Evans
This illustrated history of Cymru became a bestseller the moment it hit the shelves in Welsh. While it’s not a quick read at 500 pages, you won’t want to put it down when it grips you like a political thriller. The author, Gwynfor Evans, has been considered to be one of the most influential Welshmen of the twentieth century. Not only did he contribute to his country and the world by writing this incredible book, but he was also a Welsh nationalist leader.
Evans dedicated his life to helping Wales. In 1966, he became the first MP of Plaid Cymru, a political party whose goal is to make Wales an independent state within the European Union. His work in this arena saw him attend a massive number of meetings. He also spoke at engagements throughout Wales, traveling as many as thousands of miles in a month.
When he wasn’t engaged in political activities, he wrote prolifically, especially on the subjects of his country and pacifism. Evans believed that violence was never acceptable, and he strived to instill this belief in others. The book Land of My Fathers was a way to share his love and knowledge of Welsh history through his unique perspective.
You can also read Land of My Fathers for free from Google Books!
Welsh History: A Chronological Outline by Glyn E. German
From the blurb: A chronological and brief outline of Welsh history from prehistoric times (11,000 BC) to the present day. The book is intended for non-specialists who want an easily accessible and understandable overview of Welsh history. Illustrated, including around 30 photographs.
Glyn German has drawn together the latest scholarship to present a highly informative chronological survey of Welsh history. Readers who turn to it as a handy work of reference will soon find themselves hooked by the fascinating story it has to tell. Covering all aspects of Welsh life, including the many contributions which the people of Wales have made in the wider world, it is an excellent introduction to a long and rich history. —Professor Dafydd Johnston, University of Wales Centre for Advanced Welsh and Celtic Studies
Both a guide to the castles built by native lords and princes and a history of the times… here is a lavishly illustrated handbook to their wind-humbled constructions and dissent-riven stories. —Jon Gower, Nation.Cymru
This handsome, elaborate volume is a comprehensive, fully illustrated guide to the history and evolution of the castle, mainly under Wales’ native rulers (c. 1066–1283). —J. Graham Jones, Gwales.com
The History of Wales by David Powell: Written Originally in British by Caradoc of Lhancarvan
From the blurb: This book scrutinizes a pivotal period in Britain’s past, offering a comprehensive history of the Britons from the time of their supposed Trojan founder, Brutus, until the Norman conquest in the eleventh century. The author argues that Geoffrey of Monmouth’s twelfth-century chronicle, previously considered unreliable, was based on genuine historical records and contains valuable insights into the development of British society, culture, and identity. They explore the complex relationship between the Britons and their Roman, Anglo-Saxon, and Norman conquerors, highlighting the cultural exchanges and power struggles that shaped the course of British history. This highly readable and accessible account draws on a wide range of sources to provide a fresh perspective on a formative era, challenging traditional narratives and shedding new light on the origins of the British nation.
Highlights From Welsh History: Opening Some Windows to Our Past by Emrys Roberts
From the blurb: A book full of fascinating, little-known facts about Wales. Stories about the huge contribution of this small nation to the world are presented, such as the most advanced laws in the Middle Ages, Britain’s only effective royal dynasty, and its most effective prime minister. If you would like to know more about the huge contribution this small nation of Wales has made to the world, then this is the book for you.
For example, did you know that Wales: 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. Wales was a world leader during the early Industrial Revolution; the world’s first industrial town was located in Wales, and the world’s first steam train ran here, too. Many more facts about Wales are to be found within the covers of this book.
Oxford History of Wales Series
Last but not least in our list of books about Wales’ history is the Oxford History of Wales. This uncompleted six-volume series has five volumes currently published. It starts with the tribes in post-Roman Wales in the early medieval period and ends in the modern age in the year 1980.
Wales and the Britons, 350–1064 by T. M. Charles‑Edwards
The Oxford of Wales series starts with the early medieval period. We begin with the decline of Roman Britain and continue through the age of the native Welsh kingdoms. In this first volume, you’ll learn how the Britons got on in post-Roman Wales as they established new social, political, and religious frameworks that took them into the 11th century.
Conquest, Coexistence and Change: Wales 1063–1416 (also published as The Age of Conquest) by R. R. Davies
Book 2 analyzes the invasions of the Anglo-Norman and English occurring from 1063 onward. The book details the campaigns of Edward I in 1282–83 and how English rule transposed itself over native Welsh culture and government. It also covers Owain Glyndŵr’s legendary uprising in 1400–1415.
Recovery, Reorientation and Reformation: Wales c. 1416–1642 (also titled Renewal and Reformation) by Glanmor Williams
Book 3 covers the turbulent aftermath of Glyndŵr’s rebellion. It follows the timeline through the Tudor Act of Union, the Renaissance, and the Reformation. In this volume, you’ll see how Welsh society recovered from these periods of tumultuous change. They again had to adapt to numerous changes in religion, politics, and overall culture. This book takes us from roughly 1415 to right before the Civil Wars.
The Foundations of Modern Wales: Wales 1642–1780 by Geraint H. Jenkins
The fourth book in the series focuses on the Civil War, Restoration, Enlightenment, and early societal shifts as Wales began to industrialize. We see the development of a more centralized society and the beginnings of nonconformist religion as Wales emerged into the modern age.
Rebirth of a Nation: Wales 1880–1980 by Kenneth O. Morgan
Book 5 shows Wales during a century of rapid social and national change. It follows the industrialization of the country, new political movements, two World Wars, a renewed interest in Welsh culture, and the evolution of the modern identity of the Cymry. The book also explores various aspects of government and national sentiment.
It doesn’t appear that there are Kindle versions of the books available at this time. However, buying used paperbacks might be a good alternative. Also, the series remains unfinished as there is one more volume still planned to be published. Still, there’s a monumental amount of knowledge here from leading experts in each period of history!
This post gives recommendations for books about Wales’ history.
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