BattlefieldsBattle of Anglesey — Rhodri Mawr kills Gorm
Early Medieval

Battle of Anglesey — Rhodri Mawr kills Gorm

856
Anglesey, Wales
Also known as: Death of the Danish leader Gorm 856 AD · Battle of Mona 856
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Anglesey, Wales
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Danes / Vikings (Gorm)
Forces
Danes: c.1,000–2,000 raiders.
VS
Victor
Gwynedd (Rhodri Mawr)
Forces
Gwynedd: c.2,000–4,000
Outcome
Welsh victory; Danish leader Gorm killed; news celebrated by Charles the Bald of Francia
The Battle

History & Significance

Rhodri Mawr (Rhodri the Great), King of Gwynedd, won an internationally celebrated victory over a Danish fleet raiding Anglesey, killing their leader Gorm. The victory was reported to Charles the Bald of Francia, who sent congratulations — the first recorded act of diplomacy between Wales and a continental ruler. Rhodri had united Gwynedd, Powys and Seisyllwg under one rule. His defeat of Gorm made him the most famous Welsh king of the Dark Ages. The location was Anglesey, the island most exposed to Norse attack from Ireland.

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