The Statute of Rhuddlan was enacted following the successful military campaigns of King Edward I against Wales. By the late 13th century, Edward had subdued several Welsh principalities, establishing English supremacy. In the context of consolidating his rule and integrating the Welsh territories effectively into the Kingdom of England, the Statute was proclaimed in March 1284 at Rhuddlan Castle, North Wales. This statute served as a crucial framework for governance, outlining how Wales would be governed moving forward. The legislation was comprehensive, articulating the legal processes that would replace Welsh laws with those of England and effectively inserting Welsh regions into the English legal system.

Importantly, the Statute of Rhuddlan was designed to create a unified legal and administrative structure across Wales, which had previously operated under a mix of local laws and customs. One of the most significant aspects of the statute was that it dismantled the princely governance of Wales, which had functioned independently prior. Furthermore, it established a system of counties and shires, aligning Welsh governance with the English county system. Edward I's aim to diminish Welsh identity and unify the realm under centralized English rule was tragically effective, as this legal integration led to a loss of regional autonomy and cultural distinctiveness over time.

While the Statute brought order from a legal perspective, it was met with discontent by the Welsh populace, who resented the loss of their traditional governance and identity. The impacts of this statute were profound, as the policies set forth laid the groundwork for centuries of friction between the Welsh people and the English crown. Through this statute, Edward I not only secured military victory but also attempted to create a template of governance that would endure and shape the future of Wales for generations. The legislative measures taken in the Statute of Rhuddlan reflect broader themes of conquest, integration, and cultural assimilation that are pivotal in understanding the historical relationship between England and Wales.