BattlefieldsDeath of Rhodri Mawr at Mercia
Early Medieval

Death of Rhodri Mawr at Mercia

878
Shropshire, England
Also known as: Battle against Mercians 878 AD · Rhodri Mawr's Last Battle
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Shropshire, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Gwynedd (Rhodri Mawr)
Forces
Gwynedd c.500–800; pitched battle
VS
Victor
Mercia (Ceolwulf II)
Forces
Mercia c.1000–1500
Outcome
Mercian victory; Rhodri Mawr and his son Gwriad killed
The Battle

History & Significance

The great Rhodri Mawr — who had united most of Wales and killed the Viking leader Gorm — was finally killed in battle against the Mercians in 878, the same year Alfred the Great was driven into the Somerset marshes by the Danes. The Welsh annals record "Rhodri and his son Gwriad were slain by the Saxons." His sons eventually won revenge at the Battle of the Conwy (881). Location estimated in the border zone between Powys and Mercia; exact site unknown.

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