The Welsh Connection

From: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Historic_counties_of_Wales

After the Anglo-Saxon invasions, the Welsh continued to keep their Brittonic language and culture alive in their western heartlands. In response, Edward I conquered the country in the late thirteenth century and it is since then that the heir apparent to the throne has held the title of ‘Prince of Wales’.

The last revolt against the English that created any meaningful waves was that of Owain Glyndŵr in the early 15th century. Once the revolt had been crushed, Owain disappeared and was neither ever captured nor betrayed. Wales was basically annexed, and became England’s first colony, before being formally absorbed into the United Kingdom.

Miraculously though, the language and culture have lasted to this day, considerably influenced by non-conformist practice and the Calvinist-Methodist revival. Both the Welsh language and culture survived the standard English efforts to negate them, and then and now remain strongest in the north of the country, which includes the counties of Denbighshire and Merionethshire. It was from this region that Hetty Jane Owen's Welsh ancestors heralded.