BattlefieldsBattle of Pilleth
Medieval

Battle of Pilleth

1402
Radnorshire, Wales
Also known as: Battle of Bryn Glas
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Radnorshire, Wales
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
England (Mortimer)
Forces
England c.1,000–1,500; Glyndŵr's greatest victory; Mortimer routed by archer defection.
VS
Victor
Wales (Owain Glyndŵr)
Forces
Wales c.2,000–3,000
Outcome
Welsh victory; Mortimer captured; Welsh independence proclaimed
The Battle

History & Significance

Owain Glyndŵr's greatest victory. Edmund Mortimer's force was destroyed when Welsh archers defected to Glyndŵr mid-battle. Mortimer himself was captured and later became Glyndŵr's son-in-law. The battle terrified England — Shakespeare opens Henry IV with news of this defeat. Welsh women were alleged to have mutilated English corpses on the field.

Casualties & Losses

c.1,000–1,500 English killed

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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