BattlefieldsBattle of Leominster
Early Medieval

Battle of Leominster

1052
Herefordshire, England
Also known as: Welsh raid on Herefordshire 1052 · Gruffudd ap Llywelyn vs Normans
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Herefordshire, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
England / Normans
Forces
English/Norman: c.800–1,200. Welsh-English border raid.
VS
Victor
Wales (Gruffudd ap Llywelyn with Irish-Norse allies)
Forces
Gruffudd & allies: c.1,000–1,500
Outcome
Welsh victory; English and Norman force defeated in Herefordshire
The Battle

History & Significance

Gruffudd ap Llywelyn, allied with the exiled Aelfgar of Mercia and an Irish-Norse fleet, raided Herefordshire and defeated a mixed Norman-English force near Leominster. This followed his earlier victory at Rhyd y Groes (1039) and presaged his even greater sack of Hereford in 1055. Gruffudd was systematically demonstrating Welsh military power and expanding Wales's eastern border at English expense.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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