The old parliament building in Rhuddlan

Image: © Jeremy Bolwell Taken: 14 Sep 2011

This interesting ancient building comprises some of the remains of a building where King Edward I of England held a parliament in the early 1280's and had his English knights discuss and agree terms for the effective takeover of all of Wales by the English crown. The Statute of Rhuddlan was formulated and framed and signed off here by English and Welsh signatories. The stone plaque reads; 'This is the remains of the building where King Edward I held his parliament in 1283 in which was passed the Statute of Rhuddlan securing to the Principality of Wales its judicial rights and independence'. In effect the Statute allowed Edward, and his successors, to select English officials such as justiciars, constables, bailiffs and numerous others to administer laws in Wales, collect taxes, set out new counties and subjugate the Welsh natives in their own land. Certain Welsh traditions, laws and inheritances remained but Wales was now under English official control. The Statute was effective and in place until 1536.

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