BattlefieldsBattle of Towy River — Lord Rhys and Henry II
Medieval

Battle of Towy River — Lord Rhys and Henry II

1163
Carmarthenshire, Wales
Also known as: Henry II captures Lord Rhys 1163
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
Carmarthenshire, Wales
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Deheubarth (Lord Rhys)
VS
Victor
England (Henry II)
Outcome
Lord Rhys captured; stripped of lands; later released
The Battle

History & Significance

Henry II invaded Deheubarth in 1163 and captured Lord Rhys, stripping him of all his lands except a small rump. Rhys was taken to England as a prisoner. However Henry released him — a decision he presumably regretted when his 1165 Welsh campaign failed and Rhys immediately recovered all his territory. By 1171 the two men had reached an accommodation and Rhys became Henry's trusted Justiciar of south Wales.

Forces Involved

Henry II: c. 2,000–3,500 troops. Lord Rhys: c. 1,000–2,000 warriors.

Questions & Answers

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