"Whoever ill-affected to the state, shall dare to land in those partes of Wales, where I have anie employment under your majestie, must resolve with himself to make his entrance and irruption over my bellie."

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Below: Carew Castle

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T he Battle of Bosworth, on 22 August, 1485, was a turning point in British history and Richard III's death was supposedly at the hands of Rhys. Rhys was knighted on the battlefield and made Governor of Wales. After Bosworth, Rhys helped rid the king of two royal pretenders, Lambert Simnel and Perkin Warbeck. For these and other services Henry bestowed upon Rhys the Order of Knight of the Garter.

S uch a singular honour deserved a celebration, and the events staged by the new Knight were on a scale never before seen in Wales. Sir Rhys organized a Great Tournament for April, 1507, held at Carew Castle. Spread over five days this spectacular was attended by over 600 nobles and celebrated not only the Knighthood but honored St. George, patron saint of the Order as well.

Below: the 1507 great tournament held at Carew Castle is depicted in modern tapestry that hangs in the lesser hall.

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Carew Castle, Published by the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, 1987.

Sir Rhys Ap Thomas and His Family:

A Study in the Wars of the Roses

by Ralph A. Griffith

University of Wales Press

ISBN: 0708312187



Below: St Peter's Church, Carmarthen and the tomb of Sir Rhys ap Thomas