In 881, three years after Rhodri’s death at the hands of the English, his son Anarawd faced the Mercians at Conwy.
Rhodri Mawr met his end in 878, killed by the English alongside his son Gwriad. The Annales Cambriae documents their deaths at the hands of “the Saxons”, though it does not specify the precise location. Documented: Annales Cambriae, death entry labelled 877 in the linked translation; dated 878 by J. E. Lloyd Historian J. E. Lloyd associates Rhodri’s death with the Mercians. Documented: J. E. Lloyd, Dictionary of Welsh Biography, “Anarawd ap Rhodri”
What Key Events Took Place in the Battle of Conwy?
The year 881 saw a defining defeat for the Mercians near 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 crucial battle. Documented: J. E. Lloyd, Dictionary of Welsh Biography, “Anarawd ap Rhodri”
The Annales Cambriae provides a brief account of this significant 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 mention the commanders or specify the opposing forces. It clearly 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 perspectives on Mercian involvement and Anarawd’s triumph.
It is likely that the Mercian army was under the leadership of Æthelred, Lord of the Mercians. A later Welsh genealogical source refers to the commander as “Edryd Long-Hair”, commonly associated with Æthelred. Inferred
What Were the Consequences and Significance of the Battle?
Anarawd’s success at Conwy did not end his interactions with outside powers. In his Life of King Alfred, composed in 893, Asser describes how Anarawd and an unnamed brother terminated 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 welcomed Anarawd with honour, providing gifts and acting as his sponsor during his confirmation. According to Asser, Anarawd promised loyalty to Alfred along with all his people, under conditions akin to those established by Æthelred and the Mercians. Documented: Asser, Life of King Alfred, chapter 80
Where Can You Find More Information About 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, detailing Anarawd’s relationship with the Northumbrians and his later allegiance to Alfred.
- J. E. Lloyd, “Anarawd ap Rhodri”, Dictionary of Welsh Biography, for insights on Anarawd’s succession, his victory at Conwy, and his dealings with neighbouring powers.
- Thomas Jones Pierce, “Rhodri Mawr”, Dictionary of Welsh Biography, providing an overview of Rhodri’s reign and lineage, with his death dated to 877.
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