BattlefieldsSkirmish at Belan Fort
English Civil War

Skirmish at Belan Fort

1644
Caernarfonshire, Wales
Also known as: Belan / Fort Williamsburg — Caernarfon Strait skirmish
Era
English Civil War
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
Caernarfonshire, Wales
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Parliamentarians
Forces
Parliamentarians c.300–600.
VS
Victor
Royalists (Welsh garrison)
Forces
Royalists c.200–400
Outcome
Royalists maintain control of Caernarfon Bay approach
The Battle

History & Significance

Fort Belan at the entrance to the Menai Strait was held by the Royalists to control sea approaches to Caernarfon. Parliamentary naval attempts to control the Menai Strait were contested throughout the war. Control of the strait was strategically important for supplying both Caernarfon and Beaumaris garrisons. The fort — now a private family estate — remains one of the most complete surviving Civil War fortifications in Wales.

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