How did Wales become politically united with England?

The political union of Wales and England was a gradual process that evolved from military conquest to formal legislative incorporation.

Following the collapse of Welsh resistance in 1283, Edward I established control over the region. The Statute of Wales (1284) annexed these lands to the English crown, creating shires and introducing common-law procedures, though these areas remained outside the jurisdiction of the central courts at Westminster and lacked parliamentary representation.1

The formal political union occurred in the 16th century under Henry VIII. The act of 1536 incorporated Wales into the realm of England, establishing administrative uniformity by "shiring the Marches" and replacing Welsh law with English common law in the courts. This legislation granted Welshmen the same political status as Englishmen and provided Wales with representation in Parliament. Further administrative integration was solidified by a second act in 1543, which created the Courts of Great Sessions to standardize the judicial system across the country.2