In 881, three years after Rhodri’s demise at the hands of the English, his son Anarawd faced the Mercians at Conwy.
In 878, Rhodri Mawr was killed by the English along with his son Gwriad. The Annales Cambriae records their deaths at the hands of “the Saxons”, but does not specify the 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 Was the Outcome of the Battle at Conwy?
In 881, the Mercians faced a significant defeat along the banks of the River Conwy. J. E. Lloyd identifies Rhodri’s son Anarawd, who succeeded him as the leader of Gwynedd, as the victor of this confrontation. Documented: J. E. Lloyd, Dictionary of Welsh Biography, “Anarawd ap Rhodri”
The Annales Cambriae succinctly records this important 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 brief entry does not mention the names of the commanders or detail the opposing forces. it firmly connects the battle to the theme of retribution for Rhodri.
Which Sources Support This Historical Narrative?
- 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 the dates 878 and 881, alongside insights into Mercian involvement and Anarawd’s victory.
The Mercian army was likely commanded by Æthelred, Lord of the Mercians. A later Welsh genealogical account refers to the commander as “Edryd Long-Hair”, a figure commonly associated with Æthelred. Inferred
What Were the Aftermath and Implications of the Battle?
The victory at Conwy did not mark the conclusion of Anarawd’s engagements with external powers. Asser, in his Life of King Alfred written in 893, recounts how Anarawd and an unnamed brother severed their alliance with the Northumbrians to seek support from Alfred. Asser notes that their prior collaboration with the Northumbrians had brought Anarawd “no good but harm”. Documented: Asser, Life of King Alfred, chapter 80
Alfred welcomed Anarawd with honour, presenting him with gifts and acting as his sponsor during his confirmation. Asser indicates that Anarawd then pledged loyalty to Alfred along with all of his people, under terms similar to those agreed upon by Æthelred and the Mercians. Documented: Asser, Life of King Alfred, chapter 80
Where Can You Access Additional Resources?
- Annales Cambriae (Annals of Wales), English translation, which includes 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 alliance with the Northumbrians and his subsequent submission to Alfred.
- J. E. Lloyd, “Anarawd ap Rhodri”, Dictionary of Welsh Biography, for insights into Anarawd’s succession, his victory at Conwy, and relations with neighbouring powers.
- Thomas Jones Pierce, “Rhodri Mawr”, Dictionary of Welsh Biography, offering an overview of Rhodri’s reign and dynasty, with his death dated to 877.
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