BattlefieldsMercian Destruction of Deganwy 822
Early Medieval

Mercian Destruction of Deganwy 822

822
Caernarfonshire, Wales
Also known as: Ceolwulf destroys Welsh stronghold at Deganwy 822
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Siege
Location
Caernarfonshire, Wales
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Gwynedd (Welsh)
Forces
Gwynedd (Welsh): c. 300–800 defenders.
VS
Victor
Mercia (Ceolwulf I)
Forces
Mercia (Ceolwulf I): c. 400–1,000 warriors
Outcome
Deganwy fortress on the Conwy destroyed by Mercia; the Welsh kingdom of Gwynedd humiliated
The Battle

History & Significance

In 822 the Mercian king Ceolwulf I mounted an exceptionally deep raid into north Wales, reaching the Conwy estuary and destroying the royal fortress of Deganwy, the seat of the kings of Gwynedd. This penetration to the heart of Gwynedd was unprecedented. The destruction of Deganwy was a major humiliation for the Gwynedd dynasty. Two years later Mercia itself came under massive Viking pressure and could no longer project power so far west.

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