Battle of Mechain

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Battle of Mechain
Date 1081 Location Montgomeryshire, Wales Result Victory for Bleddyn ap Cynfyn
Belligerents
Bleddyn ap Cynfyn, Rhiwallon ap Cynfyn†	Sons of Gruffydd ap Llywelyn†
Casualties and losses
Unknown	Unknown

The Battle of Mechain was fought in 1070 in Montgomeryshire, Wales, for rule of the Welsh kingdoms of Gwynedd and Powys.

After the murder of Gruffydd ap Llywelyn, Harold Godwinson married his widow Ealdgyth and divided Gruffydd's realm into the traditional kingdoms of Gwynedd and Powys, the rule of which were given to Bleddyn ap Cynfyn and his brother Rhiwallon ap Cynfyn. Gruffydd left two sons who in 1070 challenged Bleddyn and Rhiwallon at Mechain in an attempt to win back part of their father's kingdom. However, both sons were defeated, one being killed and the other dying of exposure after the battle.

Rhiwallon was also killed in this battle, leaving Bleddyn to rule Gwynedd and Powys alone.