Battle of Llwchwr explained

Conflict:Battle of Llwchwr
Partof:the Norman invasion of Wales
Date:January, 1136
Place:Carn Coch
Result:Welsh victory
Combatant1:Welsh forces from Brycheiniog and Northern Gŵyr
Combatant2:Norman forces from Southern Gŵyr
Commander1:Hywel ap Maredudd
Commander2:Unknown
Strength1:Unknown
Strength2:Unknown
Casualties1:Unknown
Casualties2:500 killed

The Battle of Llwchwr (or Battle of Gower) was fought between Welsh and Norman forces between Loughor and Swansea on New Year's Day 1136.

Background

In 1135–1136 an opportunity arose for the Welsh to recover lands lost to the Marcher lords after Stephen de Blois had displaced his cousin Matilda of England from succeeding her father to the English throne the previous year, sparking the Anarchy in England.

The battle

A Welsh army was raised by the lord of Brycheiniog (Brecknockshire), Hywel ap Maredudd, containing men from Brycheiniog as well as men from Northern Gŵyr that despised the Norman rule in Southern Gŵyr. The Normans sallied out expecting to meet a small collection of Welsh raiding bands, however the scale of the Welsh army took them by surprise. The two armies met on the common of Carn Coch. In a violent melee, the Welsh army emerged victorious, the Normans having lost around 500 men.

Aftermath

The victory of the Welsh army inspired more rebellions around Wales including a battle near Kidwelly Castle fought by an army led by Gwenllian, Princess of Deheubarth and the Battle of Crug Mawr.

External References

http://brwydr.blogspot.com/2007/05/battle-of-llwchwr-1-ionawr-1136.html – I'R GAD: Welsh Medieval Battlefields Campaign.

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