BattlefieldsWelsh Ambush at Cardigan 1136
Medieval

Welsh Ambush at Cardigan 1136

1136
Ceredigion, Wales
Also known as: Death of Richard fitz Gilbert in ambush Coed Grwyne 1136
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
Ceredigion, Wales
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Normans (Richard fitz Gilbert de Clare)
Forces
Normans: c. 100–200 (escort party).
VS
Victor
Welsh (Iorwerth ap Owain of Gwent)
Forces
Welsh: c. 200–400
Outcome
Richard fitz Gilbert killed in forest ambush riding to Ceredigion; Norman morale shattered
The Battle

History & Significance

Richard fitz Gilbert, lord of Ceredigion and one of the most powerful Normans in Wales, was killed in a forest ambush in the Grwyne valley as he rode with a small escort to deal with the Welsh rising. The Welsh annals say he was caught in narrow wooded paths. This is a distinct event from the Battle of Crug Mawr that followed; Richard was killed before Crug Mawr and his death contributed to the Norman disaster at that battle. Combined with Gwenllian's death at Kidwelly the same year, 1136 was catastrophic for both sides.

Casualties & Losses

Richard fitz Gilbert killed

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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