AT the meeting on Wednesday, May 7 at Plymouth Court, Headless Cross, one minute silence for our five latest Afghan casualties.was observed May 7 anniversaries: 878, Alfred defeated the Danes at Ethandune; 1915, the Lusitania sunk; 1945,Germany surrendered; 1954 French Indo China - Dien Bien Phu captured by the Vietminh.

The talk this month was by Kevin Goodwin and covered the Welsh Wars of Edward I (also known as Edward Longshanks) who ruled England from 1272 to 1307.

Although probably better known as the ‘Hammer of the Scots’ due to his regular wars and disputes with the Scots, he also had long running series of disputes and wars with the Welsh.

For many years Wales consisted of independent kingdoms until it was united under Llewellyn ap Gruffydd.

At first Llewellyn gave fealty to the English Crown and then broke it when Edward I came to the throne.

This triggered several Welsh rebellions and wars under Llewellyn, followed by several alliances and rebellions by members of his family. All these angered and frustrated Edward I, who mounted several systematic and methodical invasions of Wales until he finally controlled the country. He reinforced his conquests by building that long chain of imposing castles across Wales which now attract thousands of tourists each year. However, it was when his son was born in one of these castles and became ‘Prince of Wales’ that Wales became a principality that has now become an equal partner within the United Kingdom.

Throughout his talk, Kevin wove in the story of and the role played by the De Somery family, Lords of Dudley Castle.