Celtic Revival

The establishment of the National Assembly for Wales is a milestone in the long history of the Welsh nation.  This is a brief overview of the path this people has taken since arriving in the British Isles over 2000 years ago.

As Celts, the Welsh, along with the Scottish, are the original British peoples. They lived in Great Britain for hundreds of years before the English emerged. These Britons were squeezed into the corners of the land first by the Romans and later by the Saxons in the Dark Ages. 

The resiliency of the Welsh language and culture stems from a mountainous terrain, behind which the Welsh were able to defend themselves. When the Normans arrived, in 1066, they defeated the Saxons and ruled England but did not manage the same success against the Welsh, who fought on for another 200 years.

The symbol of Wales, the red dragon, is a legendary motif.  It was brought to Britain by the Romans and it was subsequently used by both British and Saxon Kings.  It is the accepted emblem of King Arthur, the certainly Celtic and possibly Welsh 'King of the Britons.'  It was later adopted by the Welsh-descended Henry VII, who emerged as King through the War of the Roses.  It was Henry VII who in 1485 decreed the red dragon be the official flag of Wales.  

Henry VIII, claiming descent from Arthur, used his Welsh heritage to legitimize his ambitions over the entire land.  This helped him amass such power that his reigning daughter, Elizabeth I, was able to launch an empire in the New World, America.

The importance of Wales at this stage of British history is evident in Elizabeth's coat of arms (top right).  The sovereignty of the monarch is supported equally by a lion (England) and a red dragon (Wales).  Wales was formally unified with England by when Henry VIII unilaterally imposed his Act of Union (1536).  In contrast, Scotland joined England and Wales in 1707 in a mutually beneficial unification.  The coat of arms of the current monarch (bottom right), Queen Elizabeth II, shows the lion this time being aided by the unicorn (Scotland).

In concession to the Welsh, a tradition since the 1284 of naming the heir to the throne as  Prince of Wales continues to the present day.   The current Prince of Wales, Charles, is the 21st holder of the title.  Welsh nationalism has survived many centuries of subjugation by the English, though lately has enjoyed a resurgence.

The establishment of the National Assembly for Wales marks the first time in 700 years that power has shifted in the direction of England to Wales. At the opening ceremony, the Queen agreed to suspend protocol by allowing the Prince of Wales' standard (flag) to fly level with hers, instead of below it as tradition dictates.  

The Queen signed a special, bilingual version of the Government of Wales Act, commenting, "On the eve of the Millennium this new Assembly extends a bridge into the future. It represents a beginning and an opportunity.  It is a moment of renewal, true to the spirit of Wales."  

The Prince gave his speech in Welsh, and agreed the Assembly was a milestone for Wales and for Welsh-English relations: "In the Assembly, the voice of Wales will have its authentic and vigorous expression. In ways not possible before, Welsh minds will be directed to Welsh matters."

On July 6th 1999, the American Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Philip Lader, became the first overseas dignitary to address the Assembly.  Mr. Lader emphasized Welsh-American links and noted the historic significance of the establishment of the Assembly. 

left: St. Hywyn's church, Aberdaron

right: The Queen signs the Government of Wales Act.