BattlefieldsBattle of Pwll Melyn (Usk)
Medieval

Battle of Pwll Melyn (Usk)

1405
Monmouthshire, Wales
Also known as: Battle of Usk 1405 · Campstone Hill / Pwll Melyn — Glyndŵr's great defeat
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Monmouthshire, Wales
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Wales (Gruffudd ap Owain Glyndŵr)
Forces
Welsh (Gruffudd ap Owain) c.1,500–2,000.
VS
Victor
England (Lord Grey / Sir John Greyndour)
Forces
English (Lord Grey) c.1,500–2,000
Outcome
English victory; 300 Welsh prisoners beheaded outside Usk; Owain's son Gruffudd captured; Owain's brother Tudor killed
The Battle

History & Significance

The Battle of Pwll Melyn on 5 May 1405 was the worst Welsh defeat of the rebellion. Glyndŵr's son Gruffudd and his forces tried to capture Usk Castle and were annihilated. Gruffudd was captured; Tudor ap Gruffudd (Owain's brother) was killed. Three hundred Welsh prisoners were beheaded outside Usk Castle walls. The battle broke the offensive momentum of the rebellion in south-east Wales. Combined with the Grosmont reverse, 1405 marked the turning of the tide against Glyndŵr.

Casualties & Losses

300 Welsh prisoners beheaded; Tudor ap Gruffudd killed

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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