In 881, three years after the death of Rhodri at the hands of the English, his son Anarawd faced the Mercians at Conwy.
In 878, Rhodri Mawr met his end alongside his son Gwriad, killed by the English. The Annales Cambriae notes their deaths attributed to “the Saxons”, although it does not detail the specific location. Documented: Annales Cambriae, death entry labelled 877 in the linked translation; dated 878 by J. E. Lloyd Historian J. E. Lloyd links Rhodri’s death to the Mercians. Documented: J. E. Lloyd, Dictionary of Welsh Biography, “Anarawd ap Rhodri”
What Key Events Occurred at the Battle of Conwy?
The year 881 marked a critical turning point for the Mercians, who suffered a significant defeat at the River Conwy. J. E. Lloyd identifies Anarawd, the son of Rhodri and the new ruler of Gwynedd, as the victor of this decisive battle. Documented: J. E. Lloyd, Dictionary of Welsh Biography, “Anarawd ap Rhodri”
The Annales Cambriae provides a succinct entry regarding this crucial moment:
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 record does not name the leaders or detail the opposing forces but firmly ties the battle to the theme of vengeance for Rhodri.
Which Historical Records Shed Light on This Battle?
- Annales Cambriae, English translation, Internet Medieval Sourcebook, Fordham University. Relevant entries are labelled 877 and 880 in this translation.
- J. E. Lloyd, “Anarawd ap Rhodri”, Dictionary of Welsh Biography. This source provides insights into the dates of 878 and 881, Mercian involvement, and Anarawd’s subsequent victory.
It is likely that the Mercians were commanded by Æthelred, Lord of the Mercians. A later Welsh genealogical record refers to this commander as “Edryd Long-Hair”, often linked to Æthelred. Inferred
What Were the Consequences and Significance of the Battle?
Despite Anarawd’s victory at Conwy, he continued to navigate complex relations with neighbouring powers. In his Life of King Alfred, written in 893, Asser recounts how Anarawd and an unnamed brother severed their alliance with the Northumbrians to seek assistance from Alfred. Asser highlights that their previous partnership with the Northumbrians had brought Anarawd “no good but harm”. Documented: Asser, Life of King Alfred, chapter 80
Alfred welcomed Anarawd with great respect, offering gifts and acting as his patron during his confirmation. Asser states that Anarawd pledged loyalty to Alfred, along with his entire 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 Information on This Historical Event?
- Annales Cambriae (Annals of Wales), English translation, which contains entries 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 referenced here.
- Asser, Life of King Alfred, translated by Albert S. Cook, chapter 80, discussing Anarawd’s ties with the Northumbrians and his later allegiance to Alfred.
- J. E. Lloyd, “Anarawd ap Rhodri”, Dictionary of Welsh Biography, for information on Anarawd’s succession, his victory at Conwy, and relations with neighbouring kingdoms.
- Thomas Jones Pierce, “Rhodri Mawr”, Dictionary of Welsh Biography, providing an overview of Rhodri’s reign and dynasty, with his death dated to 877.
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