BattlefieldsBattle of Meigen
Early Medieval

Battle of Meigen

633
Flintshire, Wales
Also known as: Death of Cadwallon ap Cadfan
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Flintshire, Wales
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Welsh (Cadwallon ap Cadfan of Gwynedd)
Forces
Cadwallon's Welsh main army.
VS
Victor
Northumbria (Oswiu)
Forces
c. 3,000–6,000 per side; Oswiu's Bernician force
Outcome
Northumbrian victory; Cadwallon killed; last Welsh king to rule over part of England
The Battle

History & Significance

Cadwallon ap Cadfan of Gwynedd was the most successful Welsh military leader of the early medieval period — he killed two Northumbrian kings, including the saint-king Edwin, and ravaged Northumbria for a year. He was eventually run down by Oswiu at the River Rowley (near Hexham, Northumberland). However, earlier annals suggest a battle at Meigen (possibly near Wrexham or on the Dee) in his campaigns. Location is disputed; this entry represents the Welsh tradition of the engagement. Bede records his death at Rowley Burn (Northumberland) but Welsh sources locate earlier fights in the Dee valley.

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