BattlefieldsBurning of Hereford by Gruffudd ap Llywelyn
Early Medieval

Burning of Hereford by Gruffudd ap Llywelyn

1055
Herefordshire, England
Also known as: Sack of Hereford 1055 · Battle of Hereford
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Herefordshire, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Ralph of Hereford
Forces
Ralph & English: c.1,000–1,500. Welsh raid and sack of Hereford.
VS
Victor
Wales (Gruffudd ap Llywelyn / Irish-Norse / Aelfgar)
Forces
Gruffudd & allies: c.1,000–1,500
Outcome
Welsh and allied victory; Hereford burned; Earl Ralph humiliated
The Battle

History & Significance

Gruffudd ap Llywelyn, allied with the exiled Mercian earl Aelfgar and an Irish-Norse fleet, defeated Earl Ralph of Hereford (the "Timid") in a pitched battle outside Hereford. Ralph had tried to make his English troops fight on horseback in the Norman style — they fled. Hereford was burned, including the cathedral. Harold Godwinson was sent to restore order. The battle demonstrated Gruffudd's military dominance and exposed the fragility of the English border defence.

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