been the sole representative of the ancient stem of Brychan, after whom Brycheiniog had its name,[1] it is hardly probable that Howel in view of the policy of his family, would fail to assert those claims. In this manner the whole of Wales was gradually falling under the immediate sway of Rhodri's house.
Howel, however, inaugurated a still newer policy, which aimed at the unification of Wales ; and herein consists his prime importance in Welsh history. Not only did he continue and encourage the methods of Rhodri the Great, but added to them a method of his own. For as Rhodri would bring all Wales under the direct sway of one family, so Howel would bring the whole of the Welsh people under one law. A common rule implied a common law, and in order that men might know what this common law was, it had to be codified and thereby reduced to writing. This was the task to which Howel applied himself, and by having laid a sound foundation he occupies a foremost place not only amongst the rulers of the Welsh people, but also amongst all those who have distinguished themselves throughout the centuries by their devotion to the cause of Wales.
The following, which are the two earliest accounts ot the work which Howel took in hand, describe concisely both the way in which he proceeded and the nature and extent of his undertaking.
Preface to Peniarth MS. 28.
Incipit prologus in libro legum Howel Da.
Brittanie leges rex Howel qui cognominabatur bonus .i.
- ↑ Peds. I and II in Y Cymm. IX. 169, 171 ; Ped, VIII in ibid. VIII. 85.
