Wales has a storied past of conflict and resilience, marked by wars that shaped its identity and heritage. From the legendary battles of Owain Glyndŵr’s rebellion against English rule to the Norman invasions that altered the Welsh landscape, each conflict tells a tale of courage and determination. Learn about the struggles of the Welsh princes to preserve their independence and the dramatic sieges of castles during the medieval period. Explore the role of Wales in wider conflicts, such as the Wars of the Roses and the English Civil War, where Welsh soldiers left their mark. Below, you’ll find a gallery of pivotal Welsh wars, each leading to detailed accounts of the events, heroes, and legacies that define them.
The Revolt of the Silures
The Revolt of the Silures was one of the most intense and prolonged resistances against Roman rule in Britain. This fierce tribe, native to what is now South Wales, waged a determined guerrilla war against the Roman legions, earning the admiration of even their enemies. Their ability to outmaneuver ...
Owain Glyndŵr’s Rebellion
Owain Glyndŵr’s Rebellion was the most significant and sustained attempt by Wales to overthrow English rule. Spanning from 1400 to 1415, the revolt saw Welsh forces rise against King Henry IV, seizing castles, forming alliances, and declaring an independent Welsh state. Despite its eventual failu...
The Battle of Maes Moydog
The Battle of Maes Moydog, fought in early 1295, was a critical engagement during the Rebellion of Madog ap Llywelyn against English rule. This confrontation marked a decisive turning point in Welsh resistance, showcasing the tactical ingenuity of the English forces and the resilience of the Welsh r...
The Rebellion of Madog ap Llywelyn
The Rebellion of Madog ap Llywelyn in 1294-1295 was one of the most significant uprisings against English rule in Wales during the medieval period. This rebellion was fueled by discontent over heavy taxation, oppressive governance, and the erosion of Welsh autonomy under Edward I. Below, we delve in...
The Conquest of Wales by Edward I
The Conquest of Wales by Edward I in the late 13th century marked a turning point in Welsh history, ending centuries of resistance and solidifying English control over the region. This campaign, characterized by military precision and architectural dominance, reshaped the political and cultural land...
The Siege of Dolforwyn Castle
The Siege of Dolforwyn Castle in 1277 was a significant episode in the struggle between Edward I of England and Llywelyn ap Gruffudd, the last native Prince of Wales. This dramatic confrontation symbolized the larger conflict for control of Wales during a period of intense political and military ten...
The Battle of Orewin Bridge
The Battle of Orewin Bridge, fought on December 11, 1282, marked a turning point in Welsh history and the end of Llywelyn ap Gruffudd’s reign as the last sovereign Prince of Wales. This conflict, waged near Builth Wells, was a culmination of the relentless campaigns of Edward I to subjugate Wales....
The Battle of Llandeilo Fawr
The Battle of Llandeilo Fawr, fought in 1282, was a pivotal conflict during the struggle between the Welsh and the forces of Edward I of England. This battle, though smaller in scale compared to others, exemplified the fierce determination of the Welsh to defend their homeland. Below, we explore the...
The Battle of Painscastle
The Battle of Painscastle, fought in 1198, was a pivotal conflict in the struggle between the Welsh princes and the Normans for control of the borderlands. Named after the imposing castle at its center, the battle was a testament to the resilience and determination of the Welsh people. This blog exp...
The Battle of Aberconwy
The Battle of Aberconwy, fought near the Conwy River in North Wales, was a critical moment in the medieval power struggle between the Welsh and Norman forces. This blog delves into the causes of the battle, the key players involved, the events leading up to the conflict, a step-by-step account of th...
The Battle of Crug Mawr
The Battle of Crug Mawr, fought in 1136 near Cardigan, was a significant clash in Welsh history, marking a pivotal moment in the struggle for independence from Norman rule. This blog explores the causes, key players, events leading up to the conflict, a step-by-step account of the battle, and its la...
The Battle of Llwchwr
The Battle of Llwchwr, fought in 1136, stands as a defining moment in Welsh history. This fierce clash marked the resurgence of Welsh resistance against Norman control and demonstrated the enduring spirit of the Welsh people. This blog unpacks the causes, key players, event...
The Battle of Mynydd Carn
The Battle of Mynydd Carn, fought in 1081, was one of the most significant and dramatic conflicts in medieval Wales. This clash between rival Welsh leaders marked a turning point in the struggle for dominance in the region, with consequences that echoed throughout Welsh history. In this blog, we’l...