Seventh Century
The Anglo-Saxons consolidate their hold on southern and eastern Britain. The Mercian Angles made substantial gains in central Britain (today known as the English Midlands). Cambria is cut off from the Britons of the north west and the south west. The Anglo-Saxons convert to Christianity by the middle of the century. The last serious attempts by the Welsh to reclaim Britain fail.
- 614 Battle of Beandun – The West Saxons led by Cynegils defeat the West Welsh, possibly led by Tewdwr ap Peredur, at Badbury Rings, Dorset. In what is likely to have been a siege over two thousand Welsh warriors died following the capture of the fort. After this battle it is likely Dorset was annexed by Wessex.
- 616 Battle of Chester – the Northern Angles of Northumbria led by Aethelfrith of Northumbria defeat an alliance of Powys and Gwynedd and capture the city of Chester amid great slaughter.
- 619 The united Northumbrian Angles led by Edwin of Northumbria invade and conquer Elmet, a Welsh territory close to modern Leeds. The Kingdom of Elmet is occupied and its last ruler, Ceretic, is driven into exile in Powys where soon after he dies.
- 620 the Northumbrians invade Gwynedd and drive Cadwallon ap Cadfan into exile.
- 633 Battle of Hatfield Chase near Doncaster. Cadwallon of Gwynedd invaded Northumbria and defeats Edwin who is killed. Cadwallon occupies and ravages Northumbria, capturing York and killing many members of the Northumbrian dynasty.
- 634 Battle of Heavenfield near Hadrian's Wall where Cadwallon is defeated and killed by the Northumbrians led by Oswald of Northumbria. The Welsh are driven from Northumbria ending any pretentions at regaining the North.
- 642 Battle of Maes Cogwy near Oswestry where the Welsh alongside their Mercian allies were defeated by the Northumbrians.
- 650 Battle of Bradford on Avon, a West Saxon victory against the West Welsh.
- 658 The small Welsh kingdom of Pengwern in modern Shropshire was overrun and annexed by Mercia.
- 658 Battle of Peonnum in Somerset where an allied force of the West Welsh and Cadwaladr of Gwynedd are defeated. The West Saxons move to conquer western Somerset.
- 665 Second Battle of Badon, somewhere in the Cotswold Hills which was a West Saxon victory against the Kingdom of Gwent and her local allies.
- 670 The West Saxons led by Cenwealh capture central Somerset including the important religious centre at Glastonbury.
- 682 the West Saxons led by Centwine move westwards and defeat the West Welsh somewhere near the River Parrett, driving them "to the sea".
- c.685 The Brut y Tywysogion records a "partial" British victory in the south west with naval support from the Kingdom of Brittany that forces the West Saxons back from some of their gains.
Read more about this topic: List Of Anglo-Welsh Wars
Famous quotes by seventh century:
“Then, anger
was a crease in the brow
and silence
a catastrophe.
Then, making up
was a mutual smile
and a glance
a gift.
Now, just look at this mess
that you’ve made of that love.
You grovel at my feet
and I berate you
and can’t let my anger go.”
—Amaru (c. seventh century A.D.)
“When my face turned toward his,
I averted it
and looked at my feet.
When my ears clamored
to hear his talk,
I stopped them.
When my cheeks broke out
in sweat and goosebumps,
I covered them with my hands.
But Friends,
when the seams of my bodice
burst in a hundred places,
what could I do?”
—Amaru (c. seventh century A.D.)
“Expecting me to grovel,
she carefully covers both feet
with the hem of her skirt.
She pretends to hide
a coming smile
and won’t look straight at me.
When I talk to her,
she chats with her friend
in cross tones.
Even this slim girl’s rising anger
delights me,
let alone her deep love.”
—Amaru (c. seventh century A.D.)
“Hard-hearted girl,
get rid of these doubts
based on false rumor.
It’s not good
to subject me to sorrow
because of backbiters’ words,
or have you decided now,
silly girl,
that it’s all true?
Do to me what you will,
sweetheart.
Suit yourself.”
—Amaru (c. seventh century A.D.)