BattlefieldsLlywelyn the Great Defeats Gwenwynwyn at Aberdovey 1216
Medieval

Llywelyn the Great Defeats Gwenwynwyn at Aberdovey 1216

1216
Cardiganshire, Wales
Also known as: Council of Aberdyfi 1216 · Llywelyn consolidates all Wales
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
Cardiganshire, Wales
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Powys (Gwenwynwyn)
Forces
c. 600–1,200 Powys forces
VS
Victor
Gwynedd (Llywelyn the Great)
Forces
c. 800–1,500 Gwynedd forces
Outcome
Gwenwynwyn expelled from Powys; Llywelyn controls all Wales; Council of Aberdyfi convened
The Battle

History & Significance

Llywelyn the Great expelled Gwenwynwyn ab Owain from Powys Wenwynwyn in 1216, taking personal control of the kingdom. He then convened the Council of Aberdyfi at which all the Welsh princes recognised his overlordship and received their lands from him as a feudal superior. This was the closest Wales came to political unity before 1282. Llywelyn was de facto king of all Wales, negotiating with England as an equal through the Treaty of Worcester 1218.

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