BattlefieldsBattle of Rhyd y Groes
Early Medieval

Battle of Rhyd y Groes

1039
Montgomeryshire, Wales
Also known as: Battle of the Cross Ford
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Montgomeryshire, Wales
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Mercia (Leofric)
Forces
Leofric/Mercia: c.2,000–3,500. Border victory.
VS
Victor
Wales (Gruffudd ap Llywelyn)
Forces
Gruffudd ap Llywelyn: c.2,000–4,000
Outcome
Welsh victory; Leofric's brother killed; Mercia humiliated
The Battle

History & Significance

Gruffudd ap Llywelyn — who would briefly unite all of Wales under one king — won a major victory over the Mercians near Welshpool. Leofric's brother Edwin was among the dead. The victory marked the beginning of Gruffudd's rise to become the only king ever to unite all of Wales.

Questions & Answers

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