The Celtic League have written to the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales (RCAHMRCAHM) to show support for their campaign to list ten more battlefield sites on Ordnance Survey (OS) maps.

However, the League point out to RCAHM that there was no reason why more battles sites could not be marked on OS maps. Currently only two Welsh sites are listed on maps, Pilleth (1402) and St Fagans (1648), compared to 18 in Scotland and 39 in England.

In particular, General Secretary Rhisiart Tal-e-bot, pointed out that he was surprised that the Battle of Mynydd Hyddgen was not included on the RCAHM list of battles sites that should be considered by OS.

RCAHM Secretary Dr Peter Wakelin said "Its about creating a better understanding and recognition of our history. The medieval history of Wales tended to be something we didn't get told about in school, because of its association with nationalism and rebellions against the Normans and English. Coming across names on maps is one way of raising their profile."

Copy of Rhisiart Tal-e-bots letter to RCAHM below:

"Dear Dr Peter Wakelin

Ordnance Survey maps

We were encouraged and heartened to learn that the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales (RCAHM) are pressing Ordnance Survey (OS)to identify a list of 10 battlefield sites on its maps.

We fully agree with the RCAHM that the sites could easily be accommodated on the maps without compromising the maps as navigational aids. Furthermore, we believe that the sites would add to the interest of the OS maps for some groups of users, including members of the Celtic League.

However, when it is considered that only two sites in Wales are listed on OS maps compared to 18 in Scotland and 39 in England, shouldn't the number of sites that you suggest to be increased? After all, there are many important battles that have been fought in Wales that have had a significant impact on Welsh history and culture.

We were surprised for instance that the Battle of Pilleth is not on the list. As you will know the victory at the Battle of Mynydd Hyddgen, in the Pumlumon highlands in the summer of 1401 against Henry Bolingbroke's army, was the first victory in the field for Owain Glyndwr troops. Its absence from the list is glaring and we would be interested to know why it was not put forward to OS as one on those battles that should be marked out.

In addition there are some battle sites that took place during the so called 'Dark Ages' that could also be marked out, including the battle between Arthur and the Irish Gwyddyl Ffichti at Llwchwr and the Battle of Catraeth, as detailed in the poem Gododdin.

Many thanks for taking up this campaign and we look forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely

Rhisiart Tal-e-bot General secretary Celtic League"

(This article for Celtic News compiled by Rhisiart Tal-e-bot)

J B Moffatt Director of Information Celtic League

21/08/07