BattlefieldsSiege of Harlech Castle (Wars of the Roses)
Medieval

Siege of Harlech Castle (Wars of the Roses)

1461–1468
Gwynedd, Wales
Also known as: Last Lancastrian castle · Harlech 1461–1468
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Siege
Location
Gwynedd, Wales
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Lancastrian garrison (Dafydd ap Ieuan)
Forces
Lancastrian garrison c.50–100.
VS
Victor
Yorkists (Lord Herbert)
Forces
Yorkist forces under Lord Herbert c.3,000–5,000
Outcome
Last Lancastrian stronghold fell August 1468; seven-year siege
The Battle

History & Significance

Harlech held for the Lancastrian cause for seven years after Towton — the last castle in England or Wales still flying Lancastrian colours. Its garrison, under the remarkable Dafydd ap Ieuan ap Einion, inspired the song "Men of Harlech." Margaret of Anjou's half-brother Jasper Tudor used it as a base. When it finally fell to Lord Herbert's army, the surrender ended the Lancastrian military presence in Wales.

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