BattlefieldsBattle of Gwenllian near Kidwelly
Medieval

Battle of Gwenllian near Kidwelly

1136
Carmarthenshire, Wales
Also known as: Battle of Maes Gwenllian 1136 · Death of Princess Gwenllian
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Carmarthenshire, Wales
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Welsh / Deheubarth (Gwenllian ferch Gruffudd)
Forces
Welsh: c. 1,500–2,000.
VS
Victor
Normans (Maurice de Londres)
Forces
Normans: c. 800–1,200
Outcome
Norman victory; Gwenllian killed and beheaded; became a martyr figure
The Battle

History & Significance

Gwenllian, daughter of Gruffudd ap Cynan of Gwynedd and wife of Gruffudd ap Rhys of Deheubarth, led a Welsh army to attack Kidwelly Castle while her husband was in the north. She was defeated by Maurice de Londres and beheaded. Her son Morgan was killed and another son Maelgwn captured. She became Wales's greatest female warrior-martyr. The cry "Revenge for Gwenllian!" inspired the Welsh uprising of 1136. The field north of Kidwelly is still called Maes Gwenllian (Field of Gwenllian).

Casualties & Losses

Gwenllian killed and beheaded; son Morgan killed

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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