'Cymru Am Byth' - the Welsh Hunger for Independence

Wales is a tiny speck on a map of Great Britain, barely 200 miles in length and 100 miles in width. But despite its tiny size, Wales is huge in tradition and nationalism.

Wales came under English occupation between the 13th and 16th centuries. IN 1284, King Edward I divided Wales into two areas. The first area, which was under his rule, became known as the Principality, and was ruled by Edward's son, the first Prince of Wales.

The remaining area was under the rule of the Lord Marchers, who had conquered much of Wales prior to 1283. These Lords, who were agents of the King, treated the people under their rule terribly. The Lords took no notice of the King's edicts, made their own laws, and kept private armies.

When Henry VIII became King, he became increasingly concerned with the lawlessness of the Lord Marchers. Robbery, cattle stealing and murder were becoming commonplace. The area became a haven for English criminals, and the Lords often gave the criminals employment. The Kings officers were powerless to stop the practice and the Henry decided something must be done.

In 1534, the King appointed Rowland Lee to rule Wales, which he did with an iron fist. Lee was feared and hated, but he brought greater law and order to Wales. In 1536 and 1543, the King passed laws that were to change Wales forever.

The two separated areas were reunited and Wales was brought securely under England's wing. The Lord Marchers were abolished. The Welsh people were given the same rights as the English. They could become members of Parliament and could hold office.

Many of the people in Wales delighted in freedom from the tyranny of the Lord Marchers, but some still felt uneasy. They felt that Wales united with England would desecrate the Welsh culture. As it turned out, they weren't far off the mark.

English laws replaced Welsh laws. English replaced the Welsh language and anyone who wanted to hold office was required to speak English. Many Welsh people who became rich and powerful began to ignore their heritage. Queen Victoria banned Welsh from being taught in schools during her reign.

But most Welsh people refused to let their heritage and culture be cast by the wayside. They kept it alive through the centuries in their writings, music, art and craftwork. They have remained true to their beliefs and teachings.

In today's Welsh society, Welsh is a mandatory subject taught to children all through their compulsory school years. National festivals, called Eisteddfods are held all though Wales, celebrating the culture and heritage. Welsh is put along side English words in businesses and along the roadways. Cross the borer into Wales and the first sign you see says Croeso Cymru (Welcome to Wales).

In 1999, the Welsh Assembly was created. This body governs Wales, much like a state in the USA, while still under the auspices of the British government and the European Union. The Welsh people elect assembly members, and they administer the affair of Wales for the benefit of all the Welsh people.

This is the first step in what someday may become the sovereign country of Wales. But the Welsh people are already free, independent in a proud heritage and fiercely loyal to the traditions that make them Welsh.