BattlefieldsBattle of Catraeth
Early Medieval

Battle of Catraeth

600
North Yorkshire, England
Also known as: Y Gododdin battle · Battle at Catterick c.600
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
North Yorkshire, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Gododdin warriors (Britons)
Forces
c. 1,500–2,500 Northumbrians; famous battle commemorated in Y Gododdin.
VS
Victor
Angles of Deira / Bernicia
Forces
c. 1,000–1,500 Gododdin
Outcome
300 Gododdin warriors killed; only three survivors; Anglian control of Yorkshire confirmed
The Battle

History & Significance

Commemorated in the Welsh poem Y Gododdin, the Battle of Catraeth was fought at or near Catterick in the North Riding. A warband of some 300 Gododdin warriors rode south from Edinburgh to contest Anglian expansion. All but three were killed. The poem is one of the earliest surviving pieces of Welsh literature and the battle marks the consolidation of Anglian power in Yorkshire. The fall of the Britons of the north was complete.

Casualties & Losses

c.300 Gododdin killed; Anglian losses unknown

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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