Wales glossary

The manuscript copying and illuminating section of a monastic house: the copying was often done in open carrels in the cloister rather than in a special room.

A bridge which carries the M4 across the River Severn. Work on the crossing began in 1992 with completion in 1996.

The office of Secretary of State for Wales was created in October 1964 under Harold Wilson’s new Labour government. The Secretary, who in April the following year became head of the newly-created Welsh Office, had responsibility for Welsh issues and for some areas of public expenditure.

Pertaining to a feudal lord rather than to the king.

Land worked directly by the lord of the manor’s servants.

In legal possession of property.

Official in household of prince to whom control of justice and administration was given.

An underground explosion at the Universal Colliery, Senghennydd, Glamorgan, killed 436 miners on 14 October, 1913: the worst disaster in the history of UK coalmining.

Serfs were tied to the lord’s land and went with the land when it changed ownership.

The first Severn Bridge, a suspension bridge, was opened in 1966.