English South Welsh Heavy casualties Almost complete destruction of the army Unknown Result Welsh victory | Around 1600 infantry
100 cavalry Unknown Date 17 June 1282 Location Llandeilo, United Kingdom | |
Similar Battle of Orewin Bridge, Battle of Moel‑y‑don, Conquest of Wales by Edward I, Second Barons' War, Battle of Evesham | ||
The Battle of Llandeilo Fawr was a battle that took place during the conquest of Wales by Edward I, at Llandeilo between an English army led by Gilbert de Clare, 6th Earl of Hertford and a south Welsh army.
Contents
Background
During the 1282 Welsh war, Edward I had a plan to strike his armies into Wales on three fronts in order to surround the armies of Llywelyn ap Gruffudd and destroy them. Edward sent Gilbert de Clare and his army to subdue and hold down the southern areas of Wales while other armies would invade other parts of the principality.
The battle
Gilbert de Clare with an army of around 1600 infantry and 100 cavalrymen had successfully captured Carreg Cennen Castle from the Welsh. Following their victory, the men sacked the castle, and on the 17th of June they headed back to the nearby English settlement, Dinefwr Castle, to stash the spoils. However, along the way de Clare and his men were ambushed by Welsh troops and much of the army was destroyed.
Aftermath
The battle was a great victory for the Welsh. English expansion into south Wales was halted for a few weeks and Edward's plans of an attack on multiple fronts was somewhat spoiled. Among the dead was the son of William de Valence, 1st Earl of Pembroke. Following the defeat, Edward relieved de Clare of his command and replaced him with de Valence, who was now determined, following the death of his son.