BattlefieldsHarold Godwinson Burns Rhuddlan 1063
Early Medieval

Harold Godwinson Burns Rhuddlan 1063

1063
Wales
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Wales
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Gruffudd ap Llywelyn
Forces
Rhuddlan garrison
VS
Victor
Harold Godwinson
Forces
Harold Godwinson leading English raiding force
Outcome
English success; Rhuddlan palace burned, Gruffudd flees
The Battle

History & Significance

Earl Harold launches a midwinter raid by sea to the Dee estuary and attacks Rhuddlan, the palace fortress of Gruffudd ap Llywelyn, burning his ships and court. Gruffudd narrowly escapes by sea. The raid destroys Welsh royal infrastructure and signals the beginning of the end for Gruffudd.

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