Wales: the Act of Union

Under the Act of Union (1536) Wales was united politically with England. The liberties as well as the laws of England were extended to the principality, and Wales was given parliamentary representation for the first time. However, many old Welsh customs were abolished and the Welsh language was banished completely from the official proceedings of the courts, although its use in churches was officially encouraged under Elizabeth I. The Act abolished the lordships of the Marcher Lords and divided Wales into shires on the English model, the new shires being Brecknock, Denbigh, Monmouth, Montgomery, and Radnor, while the shires of Glamorgan, Pembroke, Carmarthen, Cardigan, and Merioneth were enlarged.

The political reorganization was the work of Henry VIII's secretary, Thomas Cromwell. The system of justice was also reformed under the Tudors, while the religious upheavals of the Reformation period attracted only passive resistance in Wales.

For Welsh history before 1485, see Wales: history 1066 to 1485. For the history of England during this period see England: history 1485–1714.