In 881, three years after the death of Rhodri at the hands of the English, his son Anarawd engaged the Mercians at Conwy.
In 878, Rhodri Mawr was killed by the English, alongside his son Gwriad. The Annales Cambriae notes their deaths by “the Saxons,” without detailing the precise location. Documented: Annales Cambriae, death entry labelled 877 in the linked translation; dated 878 by J. E. Lloyd Historian J. E. Lloyd attributes Rhodri’s death to the Mercians. Documented: J. E. Lloyd, Dictionary of Welsh Biography, “Anarawd ap Rhodri”
How Did the Battle of Conwy Unfold?
The year 881 brought a critical defeat for the Mercians on the banks of the River Conwy. J. E. Lloyd identifies Anarawd, Rhodri’s son and successor as the ruler of Gwynedd, as the victor of this significant battle. Documented: J. E. Lloyd, Dictionary of Welsh Biography, “Anarawd ap Rhodri”
The Annales Cambriae provides a brief account of this crucial event:
The battle of Conwy. Vengeance for Rhodri at God’s hand.
Documented: Annales Cambriae, Conwy entry labelled 880 in the linked translation; battle dated 881 by J. E. Lloyd
This succinct entry does not specify the commanders or the opposing forces, yet it strongly links the battle to the theme of vengeance for Rhodri.
Which Historical Texts Shed Light on This Event?
- Annales Cambriae, English translation, Internet Medieval Sourcebook, Fordham University. The relevant entries are labelled 877 and 880 in this translation.
- J. E. Lloyd, “Anarawd ap Rhodri”, Dictionary of Welsh Biography. This source provides dates of 878 and 881, along with insights into Mercian involvement and Anarawd’s victory.
It is likely that the Mercian army was commanded by Æthelred, Lord of the Mercians. A subsequent Welsh genealogical record refers to the commander as “Edryd Long-Hair,” often associated with Æthelred. Inferred
What Were the Consequences and Significance of the Battle?
Anarawd’s victory at Conwy did not signify the end of his interactions with external powers. In his Life of King Alfred, composed in 893, Asser recounts how Anarawd and an unnamed brother ended their alliance with the Northumbrians to seek assistance from Alfred. Asser remarks that their previous partnership with the Northumbrians had brought Anarawd “no good but harm.” Documented: Asser, Life of King Alfred, chapter 80
Alfred received Anarawd with great honour, bestowing gifts and acting as his sponsor during his confirmation. Asser details that Anarawd pledged loyalty to Alfred along with all his people, under terms similar to those established by Æthelred and the Mercians. Documented: Asser, Life of King Alfred, chapter 80
Where Can You Find More Resources on This Topic?
- Annales Cambriae (Annals of Wales), English translation, featuring entries that document the deaths of Rhodri and Gwriad, as well as the battle of Conwy, labelled as 877 and 880 in this version, differing from the 878 and 881 dates referenced here.
- Asser, Life of King Alfred, translated by Albert S. Cook, chapter 80, which outlines Anarawd’s relationship with the Northumbrians and his eventual allegiance to Alfred.
- J. E. Lloyd, “Anarawd ap Rhodri”, Dictionary of Welsh Biography, detailing Anarawd’s succession, his victory at Conwy, and interactions with neighbouring powers.
- Thomas Jones Pierce, “Rhodri Mawr”, Dictionary of Welsh Biography, providing an overview of Rhodri’s reign and dynasty, with his death dated to 877.
The post Vengeance for Rhodri: Conwy’s Historic Battle Unfolds appeared first on Limits Of Strategy.
