BattlefieldsGlyndwr Destroys Ruthin Town 1400
Medieval

Glyndwr Destroys Ruthin Town 1400

1400
Denbighshire, Wales
Also known as: Owain burns Ruthin borough September 1400
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
Denbighshire, Wales
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Lord Grey of Ruthin
Forces
Ruthin garrison c.150–300; opening rebellion attack.
VS
Victor
Glyndwr rebels
Forces
Glyndŵr c.500–1,200
Outcome
Ruthin town burned on 16 September 1400; opening act of Glyndwr rebellion
The Battle

History & Significance

The very first military act of the Glyndwr rebellion was the burning of Ruthin on 16 September 1400 — the start of a fair day, chosen for maximum disruption. Ruthin was the stronghold of Reginald de Grey, Glyndwr's personal enemy, with whom he had a land dispute that Henry IV had ruled in Grey's favour. The attack transformed a personal grievance into a national revolt. The whole of north Wales rose within days. Glyndwr never captured Ruthin Castle itself, which held throughout the rebellion.

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