Rhodri’s Vengeance: Unveiling the Historic Conwy Battle

In 881, three years after the death of Rhodri, which was caused by the English, his son Anarawd confronted the Mercians at Conwy.

In 878, Rhodri Mawr was killed by the English, alongside his son Gwriad. The Annales Cambriae records their deaths as being caused by “the Saxons”, though 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 attributes Rhodri’s death to the Mercians. Documented: J. E. Lloyd, Dictionary of Welsh Biography, “Anarawd ap Rhodri”

What Key Events Occurred During the Battle at Conwy?

In 881, the Mercians faced a considerable defeat along the banks of the River Conwy. J. E. Lloyd identifies Anarawd, the son and successor of Rhodri as the ruler of Gwynedd, as the victor in this significant battle. Documented: J. E. Lloyd, Dictionary of Welsh Biography, “Anarawd ap Rhodri”

The Annales Cambriae summarises this crucial event with the following entry:

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 record does not detail the commanders or the opposing forces involved. It clearly links the battle to the theme of vengeance for Rhodri.

Which Historical Sources Inform This Narrative?

• Annales Cambriae, English translation, Internet Medieval Sourcebook, Fordham University. The pertinent entries are labelled 877 and 880 in this translation.
• J. E. Lloyd, “Anarawd ap Rhodri”, Dictionary of Welsh Biography. This source provides dates for 878 and 881, along with insights into Mercian involvement and Anarawd’s victory.

The Mercian army was likely led by Æthelred, Lord of the Mercians. A subsequent Welsh genealogical account refers to the commander as “Edryd Long-Hair”, a name commonly associated with Æthelred. Inferred

What Were the Consequences Following the Battle?

The triumph at Conwy did not conclude Anarawd’s interactions with external forces. Asser, in his Life of King Alfred written in 893, recounts how Anarawd and an unnamed brother terminated their alliance with the Northumbrians to seek aid from Alfred. Asser notes that their prior partnership with the Northumbrians had brought Anarawd “no good but harm”. Documented: Asser, Life of King Alfred, chapter 80

Alfred received Anarawd with great respect, offering him gifts and acting as his sponsor during his confirmation. Asser mentions that Anarawd then swore 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 In-Depth Information?

• Annales Cambriae (Annals of Wales), English translation, includes 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, detailing Anarawd’s alliance with the Northumbrians and his subsequent submission 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 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.