The Sleeping Prince (Welsh History)

The Welsh are often depicted as always looking for a fight, but as I have studied Welsh history, I have found that so often, Welsh rebellions were provoked by the English.

Richard II (Wikimedia)

At the end of Richard II's reign tensions increased between the Welsh and the English. An Englishman called Lord Grey of Ruthun [pronounced Rithin] took some land from Owain Glyndŵr and he took him to court. The response Glyndŵr got was, 'What care we for barefoot Welsh dogs.'

Intruders: Blog the Book 9.2

This week we see the fight between Darrow and his attacker. To read this book from the beginning, go here. My picture of Darrow is the actor Michael Sheen.

Intruders chapter 9 scene 2

In the abandoned opencast workings, Darrow’s assailant pushed him away and desperately scrambled for the entrance to the cave.  Darrow recovered his balance and pursued.  At the entrance, where the attacker had scrambled out, he emerged cautiously, on the lookout for another attack, but there was no sign of the man.  Darrow stood up, and a large rock landed on the top of his helmet.  The force drove him to his knees and sent a shock through his spine and shoulders.  His heart leaped in fear.  If his helmet was damaged, he could run out of air before he reached the airlock, but to his relief, his helmet was undamaged.  The man was above him now, scrambling up the face of the cliff. 

Wales is Full of Castles (Welsh History)

In my series on Welsh history, we have reached Edward I, the king who conquered Wales. To make sure the Welsh stayed conquered, he built castles, many of which remain today, in various states of grandeur. So I thought it would be a good place to refer you back to some of my posts on castles.

Castle-building in Wales by King Edward I 

Why visit a castle?

How to visit a castle

Swansea Castle past & present

Inside #Swansea Castle - organised tour, with photos!

Loughor Castle 

Penrice Castle

Oystermouth Castle

Weobley Castle, Visit to Weobley 

Oxwich Castle

Pennard Castle

Kidwelly Castle Outing

King John's Castle at Limerick, Ireland

Intruders: Blog the Book 9.1

This week we get an update on the trapped miners. To read this book from the beginning, go here. My idea of Sam Ryan is the actor Leonardo de Caprio when he was younger.

Intruders chapter 9 scene 1

On Level Two all work on the cave-in had stopped as they concentrated on digging to the trapped miners.  Using the camera they had lowered through the pilot hole to survey the shape of the void, the miners had determined the best route to enlarge the hole.  As the hole was enlarged, dressings, fluids and pain killers had been lowered. Under Ryan’s instructions Huw Thomas had treated both himself and John Rees.  Now the hole was big enough to pass down thinly rolled blankets to put across the quartz crystals to make them more comfortable.  The next plan was to get an armoured blanket and roof supports down there to protect them and try to prevent another collapse as work proceeded.  As it was, they couldn’t prevent pieces of rock and crystal falling on the men as the hole was enlarged, however carefully they worked.

The Conquering of the Welsh (Welsh History)

In 1277 Llewelyn ap Gruffudd (the last Prince of Wales) was defeated by Edward I. He was forced to pay homage and come to terms in the Treaty of Aberconwy; but the peace did not last long. His brother Dafydd had made peace with Llewelyn and been settled on territory in North Wales. They both became unhappy with the officials of the king, who overreached their authority and caused much hardship.

Llywelyn the Last at Cardiff City Hall

Intruders: Blog the Book 8.3

This week Tabitha talks to Chambers and swaps news. To read the book from the beginning go here. My idea of Chambers is actor Chris Pine.

Intruders chapters 8 scene 4 (last week was scenes 2&3)

Tabitha crept through the bridge door.

Psst! Andrew! Can I come in? There’s no one here.’

‘What about me?’ said Chambers.  ‘Am I “no one”? You know you’re not allowed on the bridge.’

She hesitated and decided to take her chance.  ‘So report me!’

Gwenllian, Llywelyn’s Daughter (Welsh History)

In my scoot through Welsh history, last week I got to Llywelyn ap Gryffudd, known as Llywelyn the Last, The Last Prince of Wales. In his story I mentioned that his daughter was shut away in a convent.

It turns out that I discovered the story of his daughter way back in March 2014. I blogged about it as Gwenllian, Princess of Wales. So I recommend you go and read it, because in the history of Wales, her story goes here!

Intruders: Blog the Book 8.2

This week, Hoy and Tabitha return to the Kestrel from the mine, and Captain Darrow’s mayday is received. To read this book from the beginning, go here. My idea of Tabitha, is Olympic swimmer Ellie Simmonds.

Intruders chapter 8 scenes 2 & 3

Hoy and Tabitha returned to the Kestrel from the mine and met Stubbs on his way back to the bridge.  Tabitha stood back in silence as Stubbs saluted Hoy and offered a quick update.