BattlefieldsLlywelyn the Great's Siege of Cardigan
Medieval

Llywelyn the Great's Siege of Cardigan

1199
Cardiganshire, Wales
Also known as: Capture of Cardigan Castle 1199 · Llywelyn ab Iorwerth — Cardigan
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Siege
Location
Cardiganshire, Wales
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Normans
Forces
Norman garrison c.300–800.
VS
Victor
Gwynedd (Llywelyn ab Iorwerth)
Forces
Llywelyn c.2,000–4,000
Outcome
Welsh capture of Cardigan Castle; Llywelyn's southern expansion
The Battle

History & Significance

Llywelyn ab Iorwerth (Llywelyn the Great) began his career of expansion by campaigning in south Wales, capturing Norman-held castles. The capture of Cardigan demonstrated his ambition beyond Gwynedd. Llywelyn would go on to become the most powerful Welsh ruler since Gruffudd ap Llywelyn — the de facto ruler of all Wales through overlordship of the lesser princes.

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