BattlefieldsDeath of Aelfgar and Welsh Offensive 1063
Early Medieval

Death of Aelfgar and Welsh Offensive 1063

1063
Montgomeryshire, Wales
Also known as: Gruffudd ap Llywelyn pushed back by Harold 1063
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
Montgomeryshire, Wales
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Wales (Gruffudd ap Llywelyn)
Forces
Gruffudd ap Llywelyn's Welsh army (c. 2,000–3,000).
VS
Victor
England (Harold and Tostig Godwinson)
Forces
Harold and Tostig Godwinson combined forces (c. 3,000–4,000)
Outcome
Harold destroys Gruffudd fleet at Rhuddlan; Tostig attacks from north; Gruffudd hunted down and killed by own men
The Battle

History & Significance

Harold Godwinson conducted a brilliantly coordinated campaign in 1063, raiding Gruffudd's court at Rhuddlan in a surprise winter attack and destroying his fleet. In spring Harold used ships to threaten the coast while Tostig attacked overland. Gruffudd ap Llywelyn, who had united all Wales under one rule, was driven into Snowdonia and killed by his own men in August 1063. Wales immediately fragmented. Harold sent Gruffudd's head to Edward the Confessor. Within three years Harold himself was dead at Hastings.

Casualties & Losses

Gruffudd ap Llywelyn killed by own men

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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