BattlefieldsGruffudd ap Llywelyn Attacks Mercia via Hereford 1055
Early Medieval

Gruffudd ap Llywelyn Attacks Mercia via Hereford 1055

1055
Herefordshire, England
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Herefordshire, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Ralph of Hereford
Forces
Earl Ralph Hereford levies
VS
Victor
Gruffudd ap Llywelyn
Forces
Gruffudd ap Llywelyn with Aelfgar and Norse mercenaries
Outcome
Welsh and allied victory; Hereford burned, cathedral sacked, English humiliated
The Battle

History & Significance

Gruffudd ap Llywelyn allied with Earl Aelfgar launches a devastating attack on Hereford, defeating the English defenders including mounted Norman houscarls of Earl Ralph, burning the cathedral and town. The attack humiliates the English and forces a negotiated settlement. Aelfgar is restored to his earldom while Gruffudd secures more borderland.

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