Synopses & Reviews
Political Power in Medieval Gwynedd investigates the governance exercised by the princes of Gwynedd on that independent kingdom that existed until the thirteenth century in what is now northwest Wales. David Stephenson combs literary texts, laws, and records from the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries, as well as archaeological findings, to chronicle how the princes of Gwynedd, particularly Llywelyn the Great (11941240) and Llywelyn the Last (124382), extended their power over much of Wales. Stephenson explores a number of topics, including the princes recruitment of advisors, their collection and building of revenue, and their attempts to overcome the segmented nature of the political structure. He also explains how the princes efforts to expand their rule created tension within Gwynedd and contributed to the final collapse of native rule in Wales.
About the Author
David Stephenson is an honorary research fellow in the School of History, Welsh History, and Archaeology at Bangor University, UK.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Introduction to the second edition
Part 1 The Structure of Governance
i. The Prince and His Council 1
ii. Officials of The Princes Curia
iii. The Princes Clerks
iv. Local Officials
Conclusion
Part 2 The Princes Dues
Introduction: The Problem of Quantification
v. Demesne Exploitation
vi. Renders and Dues
Conclusion
Part 3 The Personnel of Administration
vii. Recruitment And Rewards
Part 4 The Problems of Political Control
viii. The Princes and the Lords of the Princely House
ix. Princes, Bishops and Abbots
x. The State and Kinship Groups
Part 5 Assessment