BattlefieldsBattle of Abertawe 1116
Medieval

Battle of Abertawe 1116

1116
Glamorgan, Wales
Also known as: Welsh attack on Swansea 1116
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
Glamorgan, Wales
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Normans (Swansea garrison)
Forces
Norman garrison: c. 200–400.
VS
Victor
Welsh (Deheubarth)
Forces
Welsh (Deheubarth): c. 1,000–2,000
Outcome
Welsh forces attack and damage Swansea; Norman castle holds but surrounding area ravaged
The Battle

History & Significance

The Welsh annals record a Welsh attack on the Norman settlement at Swansea in 1116. Swansea was the key Norman stronghold in Gower and its periodic attack by Deheubarth forces reflected the contested nature of Gower throughout the twelfth century. The Normans maintained Swansea as a foothold but the surrounding countryside was frequently under Welsh control. The castle at Swansea was repeatedly strengthened as a result of Welsh pressure.

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