BattlefieldsIrish Raid on the Welsh Coast 3rd Century
Roman Period

Irish Raid on the Welsh Coast 3rd Century

250–350
Wales
Also known as: Scotti raids on Wales 250 AD · Irish coastal raids western Britain
Era
Roman Period
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
Wales
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Roman Welsh coastal settlements
Forces
Roman settlements c. 500–1,500
VS
Victor
Irish raiders
Forces
Irish raiders c. 1,000–3,000
Outcome
Sustained raiding on Welsh and Somerset coasts; Irish settlements established in Pembrokeshire and north Wales
The Battle

History & Significance

Throughout the 3rd and 4th centuries, Scotti (Irish) raided the western coasts of Britain. Roman signal stations and watchtowers were constructed along the Welsh coast to provide warning. Irish ogham inscriptions found in Pembrokeshire and north Wales attest to permanent Irish settlements — some scholars believe St Patrick was captured in a raid on the Welsh or Somerset coast.

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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