BattlefieldsBattle of Irfon Bridge
Medieval

Battle of Irfon Bridge

1282
Powys, Wales
Also known as: Battle of Orewin Bridge · Death of Llywelyn ap Gruffudd
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Powys, Wales
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Wales (Llywelyn ap Gruffudd)
Forces
Welsh c.1,500–2,000; death of Llywelyn.
VS
Victor
England (Roger Lestrange / Edmund Mortimer)
Forces
English c.2,000–3,000
Outcome
Llywelyn killed; effective end of Welsh independence
The Battle

History & Significance

The death of Llywelyn ap Gruffudd — "Llywelyn the Last" — at Irfon Bridge ended the line of the native Princes of Wales and permanently incorporated Wales into the English realm. The English found the unguarded ford across the Irfon while Llywelyn was separated from his main force. He was killed in a skirmish, apparently without knowing the battle had begun. His head was sent to London and displayed on the Tower.

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