BattlefieldsBattle of Cefnllys
Medieval

Battle of Cefnllys

1262
Radnorshire, Wales
Also known as: Llywelyn ap Gruffudd at Cefnllys 1262
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Radnorshire, Wales
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Marcher Lords (Mortimer)
Forces
Mortimer/Marchers c.800–1,500; pitched battle for castle control.
VS
Victor
Wales (Llywelyn ap Gruffudd)
Forces
Welsh c.1,500–2,500
Outcome
Welsh victory; Mortimer's castle at Cefnllys captured
The Battle

History & Significance

In 1262 Llywelyn ap Gruffudd captured Cefnllys Castle from Roger Mortimer — part of his aggressive expansion during the Second Barons' War period. Cefnllys, near Llandrindod Wells, was a Mortimer stronghold controlling the Ithon valley. Its capture gave Llywelyn effective control of Maelienydd (modern Radnorshire). The expansion southward was part of his grand strategy to be recognised as Prince of all Wales.

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