BattlefieldsGerald of Windsor Defends Pembroke Castle 1096
Medieval

Gerald of Windsor Defends Pembroke Castle 1096

1096
Pembrokeshire, Wales
Also known as: Siege of Pembroke Castle 1096 · Gerald of Windsor vs Deheubarth
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Siege
Location
Pembrokeshire, Wales
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Welsh (Deheubarth)
Forces
Welsh forces c. 1,500–2,500.
VS
Victor
Normans (Gerald of Windsor)
Forces
Norman garrison c. 300–500
Outcome
Gerald defends Pembroke with desperate cunning; castle holds; Welsh besiegers withdraw
The Battle

History & Significance

Gerald of Windsor, constable of Pembroke Castle and grandfather of Gerald of Wales the chronicler, successfully defended Pembroke against a Welsh siege in 1096 through a famous act of bluff. With food nearly exhausted, he fed his last four pigs to the besiegers under a flag of truce as gifts, suggesting he had abundant supplies. He also forged a letter to the king claiming he needed no relief. The Welsh withdrew. The castle became the anchor of Norman power in south-west Wales.

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