BattlefieldsLord Rhys Captures Cardigan Castle
Medieval

Lord Rhys Captures Cardigan Castle

1165
Cardiganshire, Wales
Also known as: Rhys ap Gruffudd takes Cardigan 1165
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Siege
Location
Cardiganshire, Wales
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Normans (Roger de Clare)
VS
Victor
Deheubarth (Lord Rhys)
Outcome
Welsh capture of Cardigan; Lord Rhys dominant in Ceredigion
The Battle

History & Significance

Lord Rhys captured Cardigan Castle in 1165 during the general Welsh resurgence that followed Henry II's disastrous 1165 campaign. Cardigan — the strategic centre of Ceredigion — had been in Norman hands since Fitz Gilbert's day. Its capture gave Rhys complete control of south-west Wales. He held the first recorded Eisteddfod at Cardigan Castle in 1176.

Forces Involved

Lord Rhys: c.1,500–2,500 men. Norman garrison: c.100–200 men.

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