Rhuddlan, statute of

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Rhuddlan, statute of, 1284. Sometimes known as the statute of Wales, this was in fact a royal ordinance, not issued by Parliament. It was intended to settle the government of Wales after the execution of Dafydd ap Gruffydd in 1283. English criminal law was to be introduced, under a justice of Snowdon, but Welsh custom and law were to operate in civil proceedings, and especially property matters where partible inheritance was common. Six sheriffdoms were established in Anglesey, Caernarfon, Merioneth, Flint, Carmarthen, and Cardiganshire. The statute was followed in 1301 by the creation of Edward I's son as prince of Wales.

J. A. Cannon