And off topic, but related to Wales, why were the aristocrats who held land along Welsh/English border called Marcher Lords? Where does "Marcher" come from?
It's reference to the history of border warfare in the area. Quite simply the "Marches" were where men marched. It's hard to imagine now the degree of intensity with which the wars were fought, and the lengthy period that they occupied.
Virtually from Roman times (hence the fortress at Wroxeter guarding the Severn crossing) until the disappearnce from history of Owain Glyndwr there was fighting. There must be as many castles both defensive and offensive along the Marches as in the rest of Europe put together!
regards
Eug
