My writing explores the deep currents of Welsh history, culture, and identity — from the overlooked lives of upland farming families to the fading records of Nonconformist chapels, and from the moral codes that shaped rural communities to the urgent political questions of our time.
Through articles, features, and letters published in national and Welsh media, I aim to spark conversation, safeguard our heritage, and challenge narratives that overlook the soul of Wales.
Below is a selection of my published articles, features, and letters, exploring Welsh history, cultural identity, and wider social issues.
“School uniform costs are forcing parents to skip meals – this must stop” – The Guardian, August 2025
Read it here
A letter published in The Guardian responding to new findings that parents are skipping meals to cover the cost of school uniforms. Drawing on 20 years of experience in the third sector, I highlighted how school uniform reuse schemes can make a real difference to struggling families – but too often these efforts are undermined by unnecessary logo and design changes imposed by schools. This practice benefits suppliers, not children, and leaves parents paying the price.
“I’m 47 and work full time – but still can’t afford to pay into a pension” – The i Paper, August 2025
Read it here
A deeply personal feature in The i Paper on the growing retirement insecurity confronting full-time workers. Drawing on my own experience in the charity and retail sectors, the article examines how low pay, redundancy, escalating living costs, and limited workplace benefits make building a meaningful pension all but impossible. I also reflect on the broader policy context, including the challenges of low-paid sectors and the strain on social and financial systems.
– “The Rise of Reform is Driven by Voter Despair – Conservatives Must Find an Answer” – ConservativeHome, August 2025
Read it here
A sobering analysis of the forces fuelling Reform UK’s rise, this article examines how economic pain, political alienation, and cultural frustration have created a vacuum that mainstream parties are struggling to fill. I argue that unless the Conservatives offer a bolder, more honest response rooted in justice and unity, Reform will continue to exploit the cracks in our democratic foundation — particularly in Wales, where the party’s English-centric vision ignores the devolved reality.
– “The Age of the Keyboard Warrior: How Online Lies Are Silencing Truth in Wales” – Nation.Cymru, July 2025
Read it here
A hard-hitting commentary on the growing threat of misinformation in Wales, this article exposes how online abuse, tribal politics, and algorithm-driven outrage are undermining truth, silencing historians and campaigners, and weakening the democratic discourse we so desperately need. A call to reclaim integrity, dialogue, and critical thought in our national conversation.
– “Edward didn’t conquer Wales – we let him” – Nation.Cymru, July 2025
Read it here
A provocative rethinking of Edward I’s conquest of Wales, arguing that internal disunity, elite betrayal, and the absence of a shared national vision left Wales vulnerable — and that owning this truth is key to understanding our past and shaping our future.
– “Where is Wales’ Braveheart? Why the world still ignores Owain Glyndŵr” Nation.Cymru, July 2025
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A powerful exploration of how Owain Glyndŵr, leader of one of Europe’s most remarkable medieval revolts, has been overlooked by both Hollywood and history — and why reclaiming his legacy matters for modern Wales.
– “The quiet miracle of our Senedd: a nation’s long vigil fulfilled” – Nation.Cymru, July 2025
Read it here
A reflection on how Wales, after centuries of waiting, has reclaimed a democratic space for its own story — from the moral authority of the old chapels to the debates echoing in Cardiff Bay.
– “Monks Trod: safeguarding the soul of Wales’ upland culture” – Nation.Cymru, June 2025
Read it here
An argument for protecting this historic upland route, seen as a vital thread in the tapestry of Welsh rural heritage.
– “Why Reform UK isn’t good for Wales: a stark wake-up call” – Nation.Cymru, July 2025
Read it here
A critical analysis of Reform UK’s policies and why they pose serious risks to Wales’ social and political fabric.
– “A church of the people: how the rules of discipline shaped rural Wales” – Nation.Cymru, July 2025
Read it here
Exploring how the moral codes of Welsh Nonconformist chapels moulded community life and cultural values across generations.
– Letter: “Britain must acclimatise to heatwaves — and fast” – The Guardian, June 2025
Read it here
A letter urging urgent adaptation to climate change realities.
– Letter: “Iran and the prospect of regime change” – The Times, June 2025
Read it here
A contribution to the international debate on Middle East policy.
This page will be updated regularly as more work is published.
Antony David Davies FRSA FRAS AFRHistS MCMI MIoL 