CYMRAEG search COVID-19 (Coronavirus) For details on service changes visit our Coronavirus information and advice page. THE AGE OF PRINCES Home / About the National Park / History / The age of Princes SHARE THIS The Age of Princes broadly covers a period in history from the arrival of the Normans to the end of the War of the Roses that is generally known as the Medieval period (1100-1485). The phrase Age of Princes refers to the Welsh lords who dominated the period. Often related, these men and their complicated family ties shaped the landscape of Pembrokeshire. The Normans, led by William, conquered England in 1066, but did not advance into Wales for almost thirty years. During the 1090s they reached Pembrokeshire, and as in England, established their dominance over the local people by building castles. Many of these can be seen across Pembrokeshire, although much altered. The new Norman lords did not have things entirely their own way. A number of Welsh lords rose up against them, and the newly built castles were strengthened with stone over the following centuries. But in this time of turmoil not all the Welsh lords opposed the new lords from England. In 1100 Gerald de Windsor, Castellan of Pembroke Castle, married Nest, a Welsh Princess from Carew. Gerald received Carew by way of a dowry, and he and his beautiful bride, described as the Helen of Wales, settled to married life. However, Nest’s cousin, Owain ap Cadwgan, kidnapped her and carried her to Cardigan. Gerald is said to have escaped from Carew down the toilet tower. In time he secured his princess, and defeated Owain in an ambush. Gradually, the Welsh were subdued and the Normans, together with Flemish settlers, settled in South Pembrokeshire, a place that would become known as Little England Beyond Wales. The north of the county retained the Welsh language and customs, although controlled by Norman lords. The dividing line between the two communities marked by a line of stone castles, became known as the Landsker Line. This was not a clearly defined boundary, but one which shifted during times of peace and unrest. CAREW CASTLE AND TIDAL MILL All outdoor areas of the Castle and its grounds are open, including the Walled Garden and play area. READ MORE ON MORE ABOUT PEMBROKESHIRE'S HISTORY REFLECTIONS FROM CASTLEMARTIN 1939 The culmination of a project to recognise the 80th anniversary of the creation of the Castlemartin Range. READ MORE ON REFLECTIONS FROM CASTLEMARTIN 1939 TUDOR PEMBROKESHIRE The victory of Henry Tudor at Bosworth field in August 1485 ushered in a new era of British history; the beginning of the Tudor Dynasty. T READ MORE ON TUDOR PEMBROKESHIRE IRON AGE PEMBROKESHIRE The legacy of the Iron Age is written large on the landscape of Pembrokeshire. As a place which has largely escaped the developments of the modern age... READ MORE ON IRON AGE PEMBROKESHIRE GET IN TOUCH Contact us and register your details to get the latest updates on what's happening in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. CONTACT US National Park Office Llanion Park Pembroke Dock Pembrokeshire, SA72 6DY Tel: 01646 624800 Email: info@pembrokeshirecoast.org.uk VISITING Plan your visit Access for All Carew Castle and Tidal Mill Castell Henllys Iron Age Village Oriel y Parc Gallery and Visitor Centre QUICK LINKS About the National Park Authority About the National Park Planning Contact Us News Jobs Accessibility Statement Privacy Policy Terms & Conditions Cookie Policy Sitemap © 2021 Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However you may visit Cookie Settings to provide a controlled consent. Cookie settingsACCEPT