The Battle of Crug Mawr 1136 AD

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Norman lord Robert FitzMartin faced a Welsh revolt led by Owain in 1136, culminating in a decisive Welsh victory at the Battle of Crug Mawr through the use of longbowmen, weakening Norman control in Wales significantly. This victory marked a turning point, leading to the annexation of Ceredigion by Owain and strengthened Welsh rule in the region, posing a threat to Norman expansion efforts.

Insights

  • The death of King Henry I of England in 1135 triggered a succession crisis that prompted Norman lords in Wales to redirect their forces back to England, creating an opportunity for the Welsh to revolt against Norman control.
  • The Battle of Crug Mawr on October 10th, 1136, marked a pivotal moment in Welsh history as Owain's army, utilizing longbowmen, decisively defeated the Normans, leading to the annexation of Ceredigion and enhancing Welsh resistance to Norman expansion in the region.

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Recent questions

  • What was the Battle of Crug Mawr?

    A significant Welsh victory over Norman forces.

  • Who led the Welsh army in the Battle of Crug Mawr?

    Owain led the Welsh army in the battle.

  • What triggered the Welsh revolt against the Normans?

    The execution of Gwenllian sparked the Welsh revolt.

  • What was the Norman response to the Welsh revolt?

    Norman lords redeployed forces back to England.

  • What were the Welsh Marches in medieval England?

    Territories governed by Norman Kings' loyal confidants.

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Summary

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Welsh Victory at Battle of Crug Mawr

  • Norman lord Robert FitzMartin was preparing his troops for battle against an approaching enemy force in Wales in late autumn of 1135.
  • The Normans had controlled most of England by the end of the 11th century but struggled to subdue the Welsh states, leading to the creation of Welsh Marches governed by loyal confidants of the Norman Kings.
  • The death of King Henry I of England in 1135 sparked a succession crisis, causing Norman lords in Wales to redeploy their forces back to England, giving the Welsh an opportunity to revolt.
  • The Welsh revolt spread rapidly after the execution of Gwenllian, leading to attacks on Norman settlements and castles by Welsh forces seeking revenge.
  • The Norman grip on Ceredigion weakened as Welsh leaders captured important castles, with the Welsh army swelling to over six thousand men by early October of 1136.
  • In the Battle of Crug Mawr on October 10th, the Welsh army, led by Owain, used longbowmen to decimate the Norman forces, resulting in a stunning victory for the Welsh insurgents.
  • The Battle of Crug Mawr was a significant blow to the Norman presence in Wales, leading to the annexation of Norman-occupied Ceredigion by Owain and strengthening his rule in Gwynedd, becoming a threat to Norman expansion in the region.
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