In 881, three years after Rhodri’s death at the hands of the English, his son Anarawd faced the Mercians at Conwy.
In 878, Rhodri Mawr was slain by the English along with his son Gwriad. The Annales Cambriae notes their deaths at the hands of “the Saxons”, although it does not specify the exact location. Documented: Annales Cambriae, death entry labelled 877 in the linked translation; dated 878 by J. E. Lloyd Historian J. E. Lloyd connects Rhodri’s death to Mercian forces. Documented: J. E. Lloyd, Dictionary of Welsh Biography, “Anarawd ap Rhodri”
What Events Shaped the Battle of Conwy?
The year 881 marked a critical defeat for the Mercians at the banks of the River Conwy. J. E. Lloyd identifies Anarawd, the son of Rhodri and 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 succinctly records this momentous 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 brief entry does not identify the commanders or specify the opposing forces, yet it distinctly ties the battle to the theme of vengeance for Rhodri.
Which Historical Texts Illuminate This Battle?
- 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 details about Mercian involvement and Anarawd’s victory.
It is likely that the Mercian army was commanded by Æthelred, Lord of the Mercians. A later Welsh genealogical account designates the commander as “Edryd Long-Hair”, a title often associated with Æthelred. Inferred
What Were the Consequences and Significance of the Battle?
Anarawd’s victory at Conwy did not signify an end to his engagements with external powers. In his Life of King Alfred, composed in 893, Asser recounts how Anarawd and an unnamed brother terminated their alliance with the Northumbrians to seek assistance from Alfred. Asser reflects 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 serving as his sponsor during his confirmation. According to Asser, Anarawd then pledged his loyalty to Alfred along with his people, under terms similar to those arranged by Æthelred and the Mercians. Documented: Asser, Life of King Alfred, chapter 80
Where Can You Explore Further Information on This Historical Event?
- Annales Cambriae (Annals of Wales), English translation, documenting 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 mentioned here.
- Asser, Life of King Alfred, translated by Albert S. Cook, chapter 80, which details Anarawd’s connections with the Northumbrians and his eventual loyalty to Alfred.
- J. E. Lloyd, “Anarawd ap Rhodri”, Dictionary of Welsh Biography, offering insights into 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 lineage, with his death recorded as occurring in 877.
The post Vengeance for Rhodri: Conwy’s Historic Battle Unfolds appeared first on Limits Of Strategy.
