BattlefieldsSieges of Harlech Castle
Medieval

Sieges of Harlech Castle

1461–1468
Merionethshire, Wales
Also known as: Siege of Harlech · Last Welsh castle to fall
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Siege
Location
Merionethshire, Wales
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Lancastrians (Dafydd ap Ieuan)
Forces
Lancastrian garrison c.100-150. Seven-year siege of strategically vital Welsh castle.
VS
Victor
Yorkists (Herbert)
Forces
Yorkist besiegers c.1,500-2,000
Outcome
Yorkist victory after seven-year siege; last Lancastrian stronghold falls
The Battle

History & Significance

Harlech Castle held out for Lancastrian cause for seven years after the rest of England had submitted to Edward IV. Its garrison of fifty men defied repeated attempts to starve them out. When it finally fell it was the last Lancastrian stronghold. The garrison's defiance inspired "Men of Harlech".

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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