Statute of Wales

The Statute of Wales was enacted in 1284 by Edward I following his conquest of Wales. This statute established a new administrative structure for the conquered territories, creating three counties in northwestern Wales: Anglesey, Caernarvonshire, and Merioneth. These counties were placed under the authority of a justice of North Wales. Additionally, Flintshire was attached to the earldom of Chester. In southwestern Wales, Cardiganshire and Carmarthenshire were organized under the justice of West Wales. While these shires mirrored some aspects of English counties and introduced common-law procedures, they remained outside the jurisdiction of Westminster courts and did not send representatives to Parliament. The statute also extended the March of Wales by creating new lordships.1