Cylchgronau Cymru

THE LORDSHIP OF GLAMORGAN by J. BEVERLEY SMITH NOTE In preparing this paper, the utmost economy has been exercised in the use of footnotes. Reference is made to the cardinal facts upon which the argument is based and to the writings which have influenced that argument. Full annotation would have necessitated clarifications which would have added greatly to the length of the paper it is intended to make provision for some of these related problems in a number of separate studies. It is for these reasons that, in quoting Brut y Tynysogyon, for example, reference is made to the Red Book of Hergest version without giving alternative references to the Peniarth 20 and other versions. Whoever works on the history of medieval Glamorgan will find a rich repository of information as well as guidance in its interpretation in the works of scholars of an earlier generation, though certain of their conclusions must be modified in the light of more recent endeavours. The works of G. T. Clark and J. S. Corbett are particularly important. Among more recent works those of Professor William Rees and the contributors to the volumes of the South Wales and Monmouthshire Record Society are invaluable. Understanding of the fundamental problems of the March of Wales as a whole has been greatly advanced by the works of Professor J. Goronwy Edwards and Dr. J. Conway Davies, to both of whom the present writer is much indebted. I acknowledge with gratitude the guidance and encouragement which Professor T. Jones Pierce has afforded me during a period of study devoted to a project of which this paper forms part. He, however, must not be held responsible for the form of the present offering. The sketch map is designed to afford the reader an indication of the main territorial divisions of the lordship and detail has been reduced to a minimum. It is based upon one of Professor William Rees's major contributions to Welsh historical scholarship, namely his South Wales and the Border in the Fourteenth Century. The map has been prepared for publication by Mr. Gerald S. Bevan, whose kindness is greatly appreciated. IN the autumn of 1284 Edward I commenced a progress through Wales and as he journeyed through the conquered principality he completed the arrangements for its govern- ment. The king then crossed into the lands of the southern March of Wales, and in December he came to the lordship of Glamorgan. He was received with great honour by its lord,