This study of the Welsh wars of Edward I will draw upon untranslated archive material, allowing a fresh insight into military and political events. Edward's relationship with Welsh leaders is also reconsidered. The conquest is dated to the fall of Llywelyn in December 1282, but this book will argue that Edward was not truly the master of Wales until 1294. In the years between those two dates he broke the power of great Marcher lords and crushed two further large-scale revolts against crown authority. After 1294 he was able to exploit Welsh manpower on a huge scale. His successors followed the same policy during the Scottish wars and the Hundred Years War. Edward enjoyed support among the 'uchelwyr' or Welsh gentry class, many of whom served him as diplomats and spies as well as military captains. This aspect of the king's complex relationship with the Welsh will also feature.
