Battle of Maes Moydog
History & Significance
The Battle of Maes Moydog was a decisive victory on 5 March 1295 by the English over the Welsh during Madog ap Llywelyn's 1294-95 rebellion. A force of Edward I's army led by William de Beauchamp, 9th Earl of Warwick surprised Madog and his men while they camped in the field of Moydog (Welsh: Maidog, also Meidiog) near Castle Caereinion in Powys. Madog failed to overcome the defeat, and his rebellion ended several months later when he was captured.
After Welsh spies for William de Beauchamp, 9th Earl of Warwick brought news Madog's army was camped in a valley close to his base at Welshpool, the English Earl led a night march on 4 March to encircle the Welsh. In response Madog formed his spearmen formed into a square (Schiltron) to repel the English cavalry charge. This killed at least 10 mounted men-at-arms. However, Warwick had deployed his archers and crossbowmen on higher ground which gave the English the upper hand. Under a hail of arrows and bolts, Madog's men were driven from the battlefield. Many drowned retreating across the swollen River Banwy near Llanfair Caereinion about 4 mi (6.4 km) to the west.
Quinto die Martii Willelmus de Bello Campo comes Warewik commisit bellum cum Wallensibus in loco quod dicitur lingua eorum Meismeidoc; et prostravit ex illis de nobilioribus septingentos viros præter submersos et letaliter vul neratos. Sed Madocus ap Lewelin eorum princeps cum dedecore vix evasit.
"On 5th March William de Beauchamp, Earl of Warwick, gave battle with the Welsh in the place which is called in their proper tongue Meismedoc; and of whom he slew from those seven hundred noble men drowned and fatally wounded. Madoc ap Llwelyn their captain, however, he escaped with difficulty to their own disgrace."
A second, smaller engagement near a place that the English records call 'Thesseweit' - the location of which remains uncertain - resulted in the loss of Madog's supply train. English losses were around one hundred dead; Welsh losses were placed at seven hundred. The battle was a crucial step in breaking Welsh resistance in the revolt; Madog never recovered and was captured in late July 1295. He died in captivity in London sometime after 1305.
The ground they fought on
The site of Battle of Maes Moydog lies on Wenlock Rocks (Undifferentiated), bedrock that formed in the Wenlock. The rock here is mudstone, siltstone and sandstone.
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- Battle of Maes Moydog · Wikidata
- Battle_of_Maes_Moydog · Wikipedia