Early modern period in Wales

The early modern period in Wales is the period in the history of Wales from 1500 to 1800.

Religion

Following

Henry VIII's break with Rome and the Pope, Wales for the most part followed England in accepting Anglicanism, although a number of Catholics were active in attempting to counteract this and produced some of the earliest books printed in Welsh.^{[citation needed}

]

Welsh Language

In 1567,

liturgical language and vehicle for worship. This had a significant role in its continued use as a means of everyday communication and as a literary language down to the present day despite the pressure of English.^[1]

In 1588,

literature.^[2]

Calvinism

Bishop Richard Davies and dissident Protestant cleric John Penry introduced Calvinist theology to Wales. Calvinism developed through the Puritan period, following the restoration of the monarchy under Charles II, and within Wales' Methodist movement. However, few copies of Calvin's works were available before the mid-19th century.^[4]

Methodist revival

The 18th century also saw the

Congregationalists who in turn also experienced growth and renewal. As a result, by the middle of the nineteenth century, Wales was predominantly a nonconformist country.^{[citation needed}

]

Wars of the Three Kingdoms

Wales was overwhelmingly

battle of St. Fagans in May and the rebel leaders surrendered to Cromwell on 11 July after the protracted two-month siege of Pembroke

.

Education

Education in Wales was at a very low ebb in this period, with the only education available being in English while the majority of the population spoke only Welsh. In 1731,

Griffith Jones started circulating schools in Carmarthenshire, held in one location for about three months before moving (or "circulating") to another location. The language of instruction in these schools was Welsh. By Griffith Jones' death, in 1761, it is estimated that up to 250,000 people had learnt to read in schools throughout Wales.^[9]

Industrial Revolution

The end of the 18th century saw the beginnings of the Industrial Revolution, and the presence of iron ore, limestone and large coal deposits in south-east Wales meant that this area soon saw the establishment of ironworks and coal mines, notably the Cyfarthfa Ironworks and the Dowlais Ironworks at Merthyr Tydfil.^{[citation needed]}

References

^ ^a ^b Jenkins, G. H. The foundations of modern Wales p. 7
^
ISBN 978-0-7083-1953-6
.

^ Williams, G. Recovery, reorientation and reformation pp. 322–3
^ D. Densil Morgan, "Calvinism in Wales: c.1590–1909," Welsh Journal of Religious History (2009), Vol. 4, p22-36
^ Jenkins, G.H. The foundations of modern Wales pp. 347–50
^ Peter Yalden, "Association, Community and the Origins of Secularisation: English and Welsh Nonconformity, c. 1850–1930." Journal of Ecclesiastical History 55#2 (2004): 293-324.
^ Jenkins, G. H. The foundations of modern Wales p. 5-6
^ Davies, J. A History of Wales p. 280
^ Jenkins, G. H. The foundations of modern Wales pp. 370–377

[:0-1] Jenkins, G. H. The foundations of modern Wales p. 7

[Morgan-2] 
ISBN 978-0-7083-1953-6
.

[3] Williams, G. Recovery, reorientation and reformation pp. 322–3

[4] D. Densil Morgan, "Calvinism in Wales: c.1590–1909," Welsh Journal of Religious History (2009), Vol. 4, p22-36

[5] Jenkins, G.H. The foundations of modern Wales pp. 347–50

[6] Peter Yalden, "Association, Community and the Origins of Secularisation: English and Welsh Nonconformity, c. 1850–1930." Journal of Ecclesiastical History 55#2 (2004): 293-324.

[7] Jenkins, G. H. The foundations of modern Wales p. 5-6

[8] Davies, J. A History of Wales p. 280

[9] Jenkins, G. H. The foundations of modern Wales pp. 370–377

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