In early medieval times warfare was a way of life. Even before the Romans left in the 4th century AD, warriors from Ireland were attacking Wales, and some established new kingdoms there. In the early 7th century the Welsh tried to strengthen their links with north Britain and called themselves Cymry, (‘fellow countrymen’). However they soon found themselves at war with another dangerous opponent, the Anglo-Saxons.

In the mid-9th century the monasteries and churches on the coasts of Wales were attacked by Viking raiders who also ravaged Ireland, Scotland, the Isle of Man and England. Although few Vikings settled in Wales their pillaging damaged Welsh cultural links with Ireland and western Europe. Powerful Welsh kings emerged such as Hywel Dda who died in 950. Between his death and the Norman Conquest in 1066, approximately 35 Welsh rulers were killed by Saxons, Vikings or fellow Welshmen.

Men had to be ready to defend their land and property at any time. They dressed in ordinary clothes to fight, wearing leather or chain-mail jerkins over their tunics and leather belts to hold swords and daggers. Only rich men would have been able to afford a sword. They were so expensive that they were usually kept as heirlooms and passed down through the generations.