BattlefieldsBattle of Crogen Valley 1165 — Welsh ambush
Medieval

Battle of Crogen Valley 1165 — Welsh ambush

1165
Denbighshire, Wales
Also known as: Welsh ambush Henry II at Ceiriog 1165
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
Denbighshire, Wales
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
England (Henry II)
VS
Victor
Wales (Owain Gwynedd coalition)
Outcome
Welsh ambushes harass Henry II advance through Ceiriog valley; storms force English withdrawal
The Battle

History & Significance

Henry II's last and greatest invasion of Wales in 1165 assembled a coalition of all Welsh princes against him. As Henry advanced through the Ceiriog valley, Welsh forces mounted repeated ambushes in the forest, attacking stragglers and supply lines. Then catastrophic storms on the Berwyn plateau forced Henry to withdraw. In revenge he blinded twenty-two Welsh hostages including the sons of Owain Gwynedd. The humiliation ended his Welsh campaigns permanently.

Forces Involved

Henry II: c.6,000–8,000 men. Welsh coalition: c.3,000–5,000 men.

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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