Statute of Rhuddlan annexes Wales

1284

Edward I issued a statute from the castle of Rhuddlan that formally incorporated the principality of Wales into the English crown. English common law replaced Welsh customary law in criminal cases; sheriffs replaced native lords. His infant son would become the first English Prince of Wales. The title has been borne by the heir to the English and later British throne ever since, a legacy of conquest disguised as honor.