BattlefieldsSiege of Holt Castle
English Civil War

Siege of Holt Castle

1646–1647
Denbighshire, Wales
Also known as: Holt Castle surrenders January 1647 · Last but one castle to fall in Wales
Era
English Civil War
Battle Type
Siege
Location
Denbighshire, Wales
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Royalists (Sir Richard Lloyd)
Forces
Royalists c.120-180 garrison
VS
Victor
Parliamentarians (Mytton)
Forces
Parliamentarians c.1,200-1,800
Outcome
Parliamentary victory; Holt surrenders January 1647 after nine-month siege
The Battle

History & Significance

Holt Castle — a unique octagonal Welsh fortification on the River Dee — withstood a nine-month siege before Sir Richard Lloyd surrendered on 13 January 1647. After Holt's fall, Harlech was the only castle still holding out in Wales. Parliament demolished much of Holt after the war. The site has been substantially destroyed but remains one of the most unusual medieval castle designs in Wales, with five pentagonal towers.

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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