b'THE PALE HORSEMAN THE LAST WELSH REBELLIONScan hereScan here THE WESSEX OF ALFRED THE GREAT for the fullOWEN GLYNDWR AND THE CASTLES OF EDWARD I for the full itinerary itinerary26-30 June 2025 Historical Background 1523 September 2024 Historical Background5 days Alfred of Wessex (87199) is renowned as one of the great kings of9 days Following two campaigns to put down rebellions Edward I determined to Expert Historian: medieval English history and is the only English king to be remembered asExpert Historian: surround troublesome North Wales with a ring of castles. Whilst colossal, the Great. A major part of this reputation is built on his military leadership ofthey were significantly under-manned, often struggling to contain their Professor Ryan Lavelle Dr John Sadler surroundings and would soon be severely tested during the war with the West Saxon kingdom, the last of the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms to survive Activity Level: 2 the Viking onslaught of the ninth century. The youngest of five brothers toActivity Level: 2 Owain Glyndwr. But who was Glyndwr? Hero or villain? Rebel or Prince? rule Wessex in turbulent times, Alfreds accession to the throne of WessexFreedom fighter or opportunist? In 1400 an unsettled land dispute became in 871 took place in a year of battles, the most important of which wasthe catalyst for him to raise his standard. Travelling and walking through some ofthe Battle of Ashdown, when the young prince proved his mettle againstAt leisurely pace we explore the beautyRepelling English incursions Glyndwr the finest English landscapes, we will learnhis enemies. A series of treaties with the Vikings bought time for the Westof Wales: dramatic coast lines, verdantslowly gained control of his country. In how Anglo-Saxon kingship worked duringSaxons but, after a surprise attack in the winter of 878, the king took refugelake filled valleys, spectacular views atop1404 the first Welsh synod was held at this crucial period in English history as theand finally rallied his forces to victory at the Battle of Ethandun. The peaceits highest mountain, the magnificentPennal followed by the creation of the most famous son of Wessex, Alfred thetreaty which resulted allowed the king to build a series of fortificationsUNESCO listed castles of Edward I, traditionalfirst parliament at which it is believed Great, fought for survival against his Vikingthroughout his kingdom, which provided the heartland of the West Saxonhistorical hotels. Due to the nature of castlesGlyndwr was crowned Prince of Wales. As enemies. Examining the remains of ancientkingdom with the strength it needed to withstand future Viking attacks. and other sites we visit there will be a lota sovereign prince he engaged support fortifications and taking the high groundof uneven ground to walk over, but nothingfrom popes and kings. But gradually as we search for likely battlefields, thethat could be considered a challenge. Thethe English stranglehold tightened. At a tour allows us to explore the reality behindhistorical sources for the events we followbesieged Harlech Castle in 1409, to avoid Bernard Cornwells popular novels, The Lastare scant and sometimes dubious and thosecapture, he abandoned his family to Kingdom and The Pale Horseman, as Alfredwhich do exist are obfuscated by tradition,English honour and fled to the mountains moved from near total defeat to crucialmyth, legend, and Welsh nationalistfrom where his insurrection descended victory. Situated in the heart of historicsentiment which means that muchinto ineffective raids. And then he was Wessex, we will enjoy stunning scenery, ainterpretation of these momentous timesgone! Disappeared.series of short walks and one or two countryis dependent upon the contextual expertise pub sandwich lunches. of our historian, the application of common sense and inherent military probability. Our expert historian will be Professor RyanWhilst some sites associated with Glyndwr Lavelle, author of a range of publications oncan be easily identified, there are many that the lands and politics of the Anglo-Saxonare open to conjecture so come prepared kingdoms, including Alfreds Wars (2010).for some lively debates as we place you He was also historical adviser on the BBC TVamidst some of the greatest moments of the adaptation The Last Kingdom. last attempt to gain Wales its much desired independence.Logistical notes: There is long term parking available at NCP Shrewsbury and there are regular trains between there and Hereford. There are good one-change countrywide rail services to/from Shrewsbury and Hereford from UK mainline stations.Day 1 Ancestral Home. Sycarth, Ruthin. (two nights). (D) Day 1 Winchester: walk around historic centre, Cathedral with Kings andDay 2 Raising the Standard. Glyndyfrdwy, Corwen, Caer Drewyn,Scribes exhibition. Welcome drinks, dinner and introductory talk. Rhuddlan. (B,D) Hotel Winchester2 nights. (D) Day 3 The Iron Ring. Conwy, Beaumaris and Caernarfon castles. Day 2 Wantage to Wallingford. Drive to Wantage, short walk along Llanberis. (two nights) (B,D)The Ridgeway - battle of Ashdown, Wallingford, sites overlookingDay 4 Criccieth and Harlech castles. the Thames Valley. (B,D) Day 5 Mt Snowden and Pennal. Return rail journey to the summit of Day 3 . Winchester and Salisbury: Winchester - 878AD Immersive Experience, Mt Snowdon, Cymer, Llanelltyd Bridge, Pennal, Heritage GardenWinchester City and Westgate Museums; Salisbury - Old Sarum.of St Peter ad Vincula, Machynlleth. (two nights) (B,D) Hotel in Shaftesbury2 nights. (B,D) Day 6 . Mynedd Hyddgen and Aberystwyth. Owain Glyndr Centre,Aberystwyth, Afon Hyddgen. (B)ESSENTIALS Day 4 Alfreds Tower, Ethandun, Athelney: Bratton Camp, Edington (Ethandun),ESSENTIALS Day 7 Bryn Glas & Shrewsbury. Pilleth, Bryn Glas, Shrewsbury battle site, 3-4-star hotels, meals as indicated, Somerset LevelsAthelney. (B,D) 3-4-star hotels, meals as indicated, Hereford (two nights). (B,D)drinks with dinner, all entrance fees,Day 5 Wareham, Shaftesbury and Badbury Rings: Return to Winchester drinks with dinner, all entrance fees,Day 8 . The End. Woodbury Hill, Campston Hill, Grosmont Castle, Monmouth, tour manager and expert historian mid-afternoon. (B) tour manager and expert historian Kentchurch Court, Monnington Churchyard. (B,D) throughout, all internal travel, throughout, all internal travel. Day 9 . Farewell. Disperse after breakfast. (B)optional travel from UK.24 www.theculturalexperience.com I info@theculturalexperience.com I UK0345 475 1815 I USA(toll-free) 877 209 5620 www.theculturalexperience.com I info@theculturalexperience.com I UK0345 475 1815 I USA(toll-free) 877 209 5620 25'