BattlefieldsBattle of Rhyd y Groes 1039
Early Medieval

Battle of Rhyd y Groes 1039

1039
Montgomeryshire, Wales
Also known as: Gruffudd ap Llywelyn defeats Mercians at Welshpool 1039
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Montgomeryshire, Wales
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Mercia (Leofric — his brother Edwin killed)
Forces
Leofric/Mercia: c.2,000–3,500. Ford crossing battle.
VS
Victor
Wales (Gruffudd ap Llywelyn)
Forces
Gruffudd ap Llywelyn: c.2,000–4,000
Outcome
Welsh victory near Welshpool; Edwin brother of Leofric killed; Mercian expansion into Wales checked
The Battle

History & Significance

Gruffudd ap Llywelyn won a decisive victory at the ford of Rhyd y Groes near Welshpool, killing Edwin the brother of the powerful Mercian earl Leofric. This was the opening major victory of the king who would briefly unite all of Wales. The killing of Edwin humiliated Mercia and demonstrated that Welsh arms could strike deep into English-held territory. Gruffudd went on to sack Hereford and eventually unite all Wales under one king for the first and only time.

Casualties & Losses

Edwin of Mercia killed

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

Aubrey Research

Explore the landscape around Montgomeryshire

Aubrey generates in-depth historical research for any location in Britain — drawing on Domesday records, scheduled monuments, Victorian OS maps, geological data and archaeological archives to tell the full story of a place.

Research a location near Montgomeryshire