Battlefields›Harold Godwinson's Welsh Campaign
Early Medieval

Harold Godwinson's Welsh Campaign

1063
Shropshire, England
Also known as: Pursuit of Gruffudd ap Llywelyn 1063 · Destruction of Rhuddlan
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
Shropshire, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Wales (Gruffudd ap Llywelyn)
Forces
Gruffudd ap Llywelyn with Welsh allies (c. 1,500–2,500).
VS
Victor
England (Harold Godwinson)
Forces
Harold Godwinson's forces (c. 2,000–3,000)
Outcome
English victory; Gruffudd driven into hiding in Snowdonia; killed by own men
The Battle

History & Significance

Harold Godwinson launched a winter raid on Gruffudd's court at Rhuddlan, destroying his fleet. In spring 1063 Harold attacked by sea while his brother Tostig attacked overland. Gruffudd — who had united all Wales — was hunted through Snowdonia and eventually killed by his own men, who sent his head to Harold. Wales returned to fragmented kingdoms. Harold's success demonstrated the vulnerability of Welsh unity when faced with determined English military pressure.

Casualties & Losses

Gruffudd ap Llywelyn killed by own men

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

Protected heritage nearby

Scheduled Monuments near Harold Godwinson's Welsh Campaign

Bowl barrow on Robin's Tump, 600m south west of Hill House
Scheduled monument · ~0.8 miles
Caer Caradoc large multivallate hillfort, associated causeway and Caractacus' Cave on the summit of Caer Caradoc Hill
Scheduled monument · ~0.9 miles
Moated site, ridge and furrow cultivation remains, a post-medieval formal garden and pond bays 600m south east of Court Farm, Gretton
Scheduled monument · ~1.6 miles
Castle Hill, 150m north west of St Michael and All Angels Church
Scheduled monument · ~2 miles
Motte castle immediately north east of Church Farm
Scheduled monument · ~2.3 miles
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