Demonstrates that there was ... a significant Welsh involvement in Ireland between 1558 and 1641. It explores how the Welsh established themselves as soldiers, government officials and planters in Ireland. It also discusses how the Welsh, although participating in the 'English' colonisation of Ireland, nevertheless remained a distinct community, settling together and maintaining strong kinship and social and economic networks to fellow countrymen, including in Wales.

John Hughes was born 10 January 1653 in Merionethshire, Wales. His parents were Hugh ap Cadwalader ap Rhys and Gwen Williams. He married Gwena Cadwalader in 1676. They had eight children. They emigrated in 1698 and settled in Berks County, Pennsylvania. He died in 1736. Ancestors, descendants and relatives lived mainly in Wales, Pennsylvania and Illinois.