The Itinerary of Archbishop Baldwin Through Wales

Gerald of Wales opens his travelogue with a portrait of his own tangled heritage – a Norman father, a Welsh‑Saxon mother, and a childhood steeped in the legends of princes, battles and romances that shaped medieval Wales. His lively self‑portrait hints at the confident, witty voice that will guide listeners through the landscape, blending personal anecdotes with keen, if sometimes romanticized, observation. The introduction also sets the tone for a guide that balances admiration for Welsh language and culture with candid criticism of the very people he loves.

From the bustling courts of Paris to the holy streets of Rome, Gerald’s wanderings culminate in Archbishop Baldwin’s pilgrimage across the Welsh countryside. Along the way, he weaves together geography, local customs, and the lingering spirit of a nation that stubbornly preserves its identity. Listeners will find a vivid snapshot of 12th‑century Wales, rendered by a storyteller whose love for his homeland is as palpable as his sharp, sometimes cheeky, commentary.