BattlefieldsCapture of Harlech Castle by Glyndŵr
Medieval

Capture of Harlech Castle by Glyndŵr

1404
Merionethshire, Wales
Also known as: Harlech falls to Glyndŵr 1404 · Welsh capital established at Harlech
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Siege
Location
Merionethshire, Wales
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
England (Harlech garrison)
VS
Victor
Wales (Owain Glyndŵr)
Outcome
Welsh capture of Harlech; becomes Glyndŵr's court and capital
The Battle

History & Significance

Harlech Castle — one of Edward I's "Iron Ring" — fell to Glyndŵr in 1404, becoming his family home, treasury and court. His second parliament met here in 1405. His family were held here, and when the castle finally fell in 1409 after an English siege, his wife Margaret, daughters and grandchildren were taken to the Tower of London where they eventually died. Harlech's desperate defiance during both Glyndŵr's rebellion and the Wars of the Roses directly inspired "Men of Harlech."

Forces Involved

Welsh (Glyndŵr): c. 1,000–2,000 men in siege. English garrison: c. 80–150 men.

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