Unification of English and Welsh systems of government.

(98 words)
  • Editors

Historical Context Note

The Act of Union under Henry VIII in 1536 officially joined Wales with England. Welsh people were to live under English law, and the Welsh language was discouraged in favour of the English tongue. The previous system of Marcher lordships in the Welsh counties was abolished and instead a sheriff was appointed to each county, including five new counties created by the government. The Welsh did not object to the reform as it gave them equal citizens rights, but over time the Acts (a second act was passed in 1543) have come to be regretted as compromising native Welsh culture.


Editors. "Unification of English and Welsh systems of government.". The Literary Encyclopedia. First published 17 June 2005
[http://www.litencyc.com/php/stopics.php?rec=true&UID=1150, accessed 27 December 2014.]