BattlefieldsSiege of Harlech Castle 1468
Medieval

Siege of Harlech Castle 1468

1468
Gwynedd, Wales
Also known as: Harlech 1468 · William Herbert takes Harlech 1468
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Siege
Location
Gwynedd, Wales
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Lancastrian garrison
Forces
Garrison: Dafydd ap Ieuan with c.50 men
VS
Victor
Yorkists under William Herbert
Forces
Yorkist: William Herbert Earl of Pembroke with royal commission
Outcome
Last Lancastrian stronghold in Wales fell; Dafydd ap Ieuan captured; this inspired the song Men of Harlech
The Battle

History & Significance

Harlech Castle was the last Lancastrian stronghold in Wales and one of the last in Britain. It held out for seven years after Towton. When William Herbert finally took it in 1468, the song Men of Harlech is said to have been written in honour of its defenders. Harlech may have been the longest castle siege of the entire Wars of the Roses.

Casualties & Losses

Garrison of c.50 starved into surrender

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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