Chirkland facts for kids
Chirkland (which in Welsh is called Swydd y Waun) was a special area of land in north-east Wales. It was like a small kingdom ruled by a powerful lord. These areas were known as marcher lordships. They were located along the border between England and Wales.
Chirkland was created in 1282. This happened when parts of an older Welsh kingdom called Powys Fadog were given to a nobleman named Roger Mortimer de Chirk. He was the third son of a very important lord, Roger Mortimer, 1st Baron Mortimer. Roger Mortimer de Chirk then built Chirk Castle. This castle became the main place where he ruled Chirkland.
Contents
The History of Chirkland
How Chirkland Was Formed
Chirkland was set up after a big war between England and Wales. The English king gave land to his loyal lords. These lords were called Marcher Lords. They had a lot of power in their own areas. They could make their own laws and collect taxes. Chirkland was one of these special areas.
Chirkland Changes Over Time
Chirkland was ruled as a separate lordship for many years. But things changed in the 1500s. The Laws in Wales Acts 1535–1542 were passed. These laws made Wales a more official part of England. They ended the special powers of the Marcher Lords.
After these laws, Chirkland became a "Hundred of Chirk". A hundred was a way to divide land for government and legal reasons. Chirkland became part of a new county called Denbighshire.
Chirkland Today
Most of the land that was once Chirkland is now in a different county. It is part of the modern county of Powys.
Swydd y Waun: An Older Name
Before Chirkland was created, the area had an older Welsh name: Swydd y Waun. This was the name of a "cantref" in the medieval Kingdom of Powys. A cantref was a large division of land. It was made up of smaller parts called "commotes". Swydd y Waun included two commotes: Cynllaith and Nanheudwy.
