BattlefieldsBattle of the River Conwy
Early Medieval

Battle of the River Conwy

881
Caernarfonshire, Wales
Also known as: Battle of Conwy 881 · Battle against the Saxons — death of Rhodri's sons
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Caernarfonshire, Wales
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Mercia (English)
Forces
c.2,000–3,000 Mercians; pitched battle at River Conwy.
VS
Victor
Wales / Gwynedd
Forces
c.2,000–3,500 Welsh (Gwynedd)
Outcome
Welsh victory; revenge for Rhodri Mawr's death; English expansion checked
The Battle

History & Significance

In 878 Rhodri Mawr was killed fighting the Mercians. Three years later, his sons won a battle at the River Conwy described in the Welsh annals as "taking revenge for Rhodri." The victory helped stabilise the Gwynedd succession after Rhodri's death. Anarawd ap Rhodri emerged as the dominant Welsh ruler. The victory also checked immediate Mercian pressure on Gwynedd and allowed the Welsh kingdoms to consolidate.

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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