BattlefieldsLlywelyn the Great Defeats King John at Aberconwy 1212
Medieval

Llywelyn the Great Defeats King John at Aberconwy 1212

1212
Caernarfonshire, Wales
Also known as: Llywelyn expels English from north Wales 1212
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Caernarfonshire, Wales
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
England (King John)
Forces
King John c.4,000–8,000.
VS
Victor
Gwynedd (Llywelyn the Great)
Forces
Llywelyn c.3,000–6,000
Outcome
John forced to abandon his invasion of Wales; Llywelyn secures Gwynedd
The Battle

History & Significance

King John launched a major invasion of Wales in 1212 aiming to crush Llywelyn the Great, having already taken Llywelyn's son Gruffudd as hostage. Llywelyn organised a coalition of all Welsh princes. John advanced to Aberconwy but then received intelligence of a baronial plot against him in England and abruptly withdrew. Llywelyn turned the English retreat into a military victory, recapturing castles and consolidating control. John was never able to mount another Welsh campaign.

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