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England and Wales in the Middle Ages

Study note

During the Middle Ages, English kings worked to bring Wales under their control. The decisive step came in 1284, when King Edward I introduced the Statute of Rhuddlan. This law annexed Wales to the Crown of England, in other words it formally placed Wales under English rule.

To hold on to this power, the English built a string of huge stone castles across Wales. Two that you should know by name are Conwy and Caernarvon, mighty fortresses that still stand today. These castles were a visible sign of English domination.

Welsh resistance did not disappear at once, but it gradually faded. By the middle of the 15th century the last Welsh rebellions had finally been defeated. Alongside this, English laws and the English language were introduced into Wales. The most testable facts here are the date 1284, the Statute of Rhuddlan, the king Edward I, and the castles Conwy and Caernarvon.

Memory tip: Edward I + Statute of Rhuddlan (1284) annexed Wales; castles Conwy and Caernarvon.

Practise this topic

Question 1 of 4

Which 1284 statute annexed Wales to the Crown of England?

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Show all questions and answers for England and Wales in the Middle Ages(4 questions with explanations)

England and Wales in the Middle Ages: questions, answers and explanations

  1. 1. Which 1284 statute annexed Wales to the Crown of England?

    • The Bill of Rights
    • Magna Carta
    • The Act of Union
    • The Statute of Rhuddlan

    Correct answer: The Statute of Rhuddlan

    The Statute of Rhuddlan of 1284 annexed Wales to the Crown of England.

  2. 2. Which English king introduced the Statute of Rhuddlan?

    • Edward I
    • William the Conqueror
    • King John
    • Henry VII

    Correct answer: Edward I

    King Edward I introduced the Statute of Rhuddlan in 1284.

  3. 3. Select TWO castles built in Wales to maintain English power.

    • Caernarvon
    • Windsor
    • Conwy
    • Edinburgh

    Correct answer: Caernarvon and Conwy

    Conwy and Caernarvon were among the castles built in Wales.

  4. 4. By the middle of the 15th century the last Welsh rebellions had been defeated.

    • True
    • False

    Correct answer: True

    True. By the mid 15th century the last Welsh rebellions had been put down.

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