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Medieval #3
Sword of Liberty
In 1274, Edward the First ruled England having inherited the crown from his father, Henry the Third. Across the border to the west, the smaller country of Wales was ruled by Prince Llewellyn ap Gruffydd, a direct descendant of Llewellyn the Great.
Tensions were strained between the two countries and minor conflicts were commonplace between the lesser nobles but when Edward found out about Llewellyn’s proposed marriage to Eleanor du Montfort, the daughter of his deceased father’s greatest enemy, he was incensed and in 1275 arranged for her ship to be intercepted as she traveled from France to be with the Welsh Prince. Eleanor was imprisoned causing the relationship between Edward and Llewellyn to deteriorate even further and in 1276, war broke out between the two countries.
In 1277, Edward led a huge army into Wales and captured the Welsh harvest on the island of Ynys Mon, forcing the Welsh Prince to surrender before any major battle was fought. Later that year, the two men signed the treaty of Aberconwy where Llewellyn surrendered control of most of the country in return for keeping the lands of Gwynedd and the title, Prince of Wales. Edward was satisfied and released Eleanor from prison to fulfill her marriage vows to Llewellyn and for the next few years, an uneasy peace existed between the two monarchs.
Despite the treaty, the people of Wales were still unhappy being ruled by an English monarch and especially the construction of English castles at Flint, Rhuddlan, Builth Wells and Aberystwth. Subsequently an undercurrent of resistance steadily grew until finally in 1282, a full scale rebellion against Edward’s rule forced the English King to invade Wales once more, only this time with full scale conquest as a goal.
Despite some initial setbacks, Edward’s army was ultimately victorious and after several battles throughout Wales, Prince Llewellyn was killed at the battle of Orewen Bridge.Edward finally realised the threat the Welsh posed and embarked on an unprecedented building programme across the country, including the enormous castles at Caernarfon, Conway and Harlech, not just as bastions of military strength but also as a signal to the Welsh about the futility of opposing his might.
These castles formed the backbone of his defences in Wales, an unassailable system of fortresses, each designed to mutually support each other against any threat from the Welsh.
They were a symbol of his might, a system of invincible fortifications and in effect an impregnable ring of steel unassailable by any living man…......
........or so he thought.......!
Tensions were strained between the two countries and minor conflicts were commonplace between the lesser nobles but when Edward found out about Llewellyn’s proposed marriage to Eleanor du Montfort, the daughter of his deceased father’s greatest enemy, he was incensed and in 1275 arranged for her ship to be intercepted as she traveled from France to be with the Welsh Prince. Eleanor was imprisoned causing the relationship between Edward and Llewellyn to deteriorate even further and in 1276, war broke out between the two countries.
In 1277, Edward led a huge army into Wales and captured the Welsh harvest on the island of Ynys Mon, forcing the Welsh Prince to surrender before any major battle was fought. Later that year, the two men signed the treaty of Aberconwy where Llewellyn surrendered control of most of the country in return for keeping the lands of Gwynedd and the title, Prince of Wales. Edward was satisfied and released Eleanor from prison to fulfill her marriage vows to Llewellyn and for the next few years, an uneasy peace existed between the two monarchs.
Despite the treaty, the people of Wales were still unhappy being ruled by an English monarch and especially the construction of English castles at Flint, Rhuddlan, Builth Wells and Aberystwth. Subsequently an undercurrent of resistance steadily grew until finally in 1282, a full scale rebellion against Edward’s rule forced the English King to invade Wales once more, only this time with full scale conquest as a goal.
Despite some initial setbacks, Edward’s army was ultimately victorious and after several battles throughout Wales, Prince Llewellyn was killed at the battle of Orewen Bridge.Edward finally realised the threat the Welsh posed and embarked on an unprecedented building programme across the country, including the enormous castles at Caernarfon, Conway and Harlech, not just as bastions of military strength but also as a signal to the Welsh about the futility of opposing his might.
These castles formed the backbone of his defences in Wales, an unassailable system of fortresses, each designed to mutually support each other against any threat from the Welsh.
They were a symbol of his might, a system of invincible fortifications and in effect an impregnable ring of steel unassailable by any living man…......
........or so he thought.......!
231 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 9, 2014
95 people are currently reading
118 people want to read
About the author
K.M. Ashman
52 books227 followersKevin Ashman is the author of twenty-six novels including the best-selling Roman Chronicles and highly ranked Medieval Sagas.
Always pushing the boundaries he found further success with the India Sommers Mysteries as well as three other stand-alone projects, Vampire, Savage Eden and the dystopian horror story, The Last Citadel. These cross-genre books have now been added to by the two Sci-fi novels, The Legacy Protocol and The Seventh God.
Kevin was born and raised in Wales in the United Kingdom and now writes full time having been signed by a major publishing company. He is married with four grown children and enjoys cycling, swimming and watching rugby as his hobbies.
Recent works include the Blood of Kings trilogy and the follow-up books, Warrior Princess and The Blade Bearer.
The most recent project is a five-book series about the Templars during the 12th century. Templar Steel, Templar Stone, Templar Blood and Templar Fury are already on sale and Templar Glory is due for release in Oct 2021.
An exciting project is also underway, a three-book series chronicling the years leading up to and beyond the Battle of Hastings.
Always pushing the boundaries he found further success with the India Sommers Mysteries as well as three other stand-alone projects, Vampire, Savage Eden and the dystopian horror story, The Last Citadel. These cross-genre books have now been added to by the two Sci-fi novels, The Legacy Protocol and The Seventh God.
Kevin was born and raised in Wales in the United Kingdom and now writes full time having been signed by a major publishing company. He is married with four grown children and enjoys cycling, swimming and watching rugby as his hobbies.
Recent works include the Blood of Kings trilogy and the follow-up books, Warrior Princess and The Blade Bearer.
The most recent project is a five-book series about the Templars during the 12th century. Templar Steel, Templar Stone, Templar Blood and Templar Fury are already on sale and Templar Glory is due for release in Oct 2021.
An exciting project is also underway, a three-book series chronicling the years leading up to and beyond the Battle of Hastings.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
September 24, 2015
Medieval III- Sword of Liberty by K.M. Ashman
As you can tell from my last review, I like The Medieval Sagas, since I finished this book in record time! I'm in a hurry to get to the last book, so I suggest you read my prior review! I will write more once I'm finished the series! Easy books to read, with great characters and intense story line!
As you can tell from my last review, I like The Medieval Sagas, since I finished this book in record time! I'm in a hurry to get to the last book, so I suggest you read my prior review! I will write more once I'm finished the series! Easy books to read, with great characters and intense story line!
January 22, 2015
A wonderful story. The third in the series.
Read books 1 and 2 to get the background on the main characters. Set in the 13th century, a tale of intrigue and domination of England over Wales. The stage is being set for the armies of Longshanks to quell the rebellion in Wales.
Read books 1 and 2 to get the background on the main characters. Set in the 13th century, a tale of intrigue and domination of England over Wales. The stage is being set for the armies of Longshanks to quell the rebellion in Wales.
February 17, 2016
Excellent has always from kevin Ashman....Sublime story telling with characters that draw the reader in.
December 10, 2017
AN INSIGHT FROM A SCOT.
I am a SCOT with both Highland and Lowland blood and I am ashamed to say that my knowledge of Welsh history is abysmal. My knowledge of the Welsh in the 13th and 14th centuries is the role the Archers played in Longshank's (aka "The Hammer of the Scots") and his son's Armies. A role that has put the Welsh long bow on the "English" list of weapons that won them Agincourt amongst others. I cannot wait to start the next book and thank you for enlightening me
I am a SCOT with both Highland and Lowland blood and I am ashamed to say that my knowledge of Welsh history is abysmal. My knowledge of the Welsh in the 13th and 14th centuries is the role the Archers played in Longshank's (aka "The Hammer of the Scots") and his son's Armies. A role that has put the Welsh long bow on the "English" list of weapons that won them Agincourt amongst others. I cannot wait to start the next book and thank you for enlightening me
February 10, 2017
Medieval 111
I enjoyed reading these books , a credit to the writer you feel you were there amongst the men watching the story unfold before you , history is a fascinating thing and all though it's a story it's as close I feel as you could imagine to the facts of that time ,I look forward to the next one and well done to K.M.Asthma .
I enjoyed reading these books , a credit to the writer you feel you were there amongst the men watching the story unfold before you , history is a fascinating thing and all though it's a story it's as close I feel as you could imagine to the facts of that time ,I look forward to the next one and well done to K.M.Asthma .
June 17, 2018
Engaging book with giant battles, intrigue, and chases.
The author weaves a series of fascinating intertwined stories, each of which could stand alone but all of which come together to form a strong and compelling narrative.
Anyone with some knowledge of British history knows the final outcome but the story of the Welsh rebellion t
The author weaves a series of fascinating intertwined stories, each of which could stand alone but all of which come together to form a strong and compelling narrative.
Anyone with some knowledge of British history knows the final outcome but the story of the Welsh rebellion t
November 24, 2017
Ended too soon!
This series of novels certainly makes you hungry for more! Delighted that each book picks up well where the last left and the mix of story, character, and war is great! Highly recommend.
This series of novels certainly makes you hungry for more! Delighted that each book picks up well where the last left and the mix of story, character, and war is great! Highly recommend.
May 31, 2018
Fascinating
Having read the two previous books in this series I have to admit to becoming fascinated with how history has been created. Must now find out how the different characters 'survive'.
Having read the two previous books in this series I have to admit to becoming fascinated with how history has been created. Must now find out how the different characters 'survive'.
September 19, 2017
A fascinating saga
Great story telling and good follow through of the characters from the earlier books. Most enjoyable and great twist at the end drawing you into the next book.
Great story telling and good follow through of the characters from the earlier books. Most enjoyable and great twist at the end drawing you into the next book.
October 14, 2017
Page turner
From the first page you always need to find out what is happening a very well written story must get to book 4 now
From the first page you always need to find out what is happening a very well written story must get to book 4 now
January 28, 2023
the hero of Wales
This story gets more exciting the more you get into it. Will Wales be free. Find out in book 4.
This story gets more exciting the more you get into it. Will Wales be free. Find out in book 4.
April 25, 2023
Another excellent book by this author. Although they are novels they are based on facts. If you have an
interest in Welsh history this is the author for you.
interest in Welsh history this is the author for you.
September 3, 2014
Engaging and interesting.
March 9, 2015
Interesting about the Welsh wars. Certainly an easy read and entertaining
May 4, 2017
Yet another great book
What a fantastic saga mingling fact and fiction , it shows what the English thought of us ,But soon as there was a war needed our help
What a fantastic saga mingling fact and fiction , it shows what the English thought of us ,But soon as there was a war needed our help
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews