Battle of Mynydd Hyddgen facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Battle of Mynydd Hyddgen |
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Part of Welsh Revolt | |||||||
![]() Memorial to the slain of Mynydd Hyddgen |
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Belligerents | |||||||
Wales | England | ||||||
Commanders and leaders | |||||||
Owain Glyndŵr | Unknown | ||||||
Strength | |||||||
120-500 | 1500-5000 | ||||||
Casualties and losses | |||||||
<50 | 200 killed Many captured |
The Battle of Mynydd Hyddgen was an important fight between the Welsh and English armies in June 1401. It was a key part of the Welsh Revolt, which lasted from 1400 to 1415. This revolt was led by Owain Glyndŵr against English rule in Wales. The battle took place on the western slopes of Pumlumon, a mountain range, near the border of Ceredigion and Powys.
Who Fought in the Battle?
The Welsh forces were led by Owain Glyndŵr. This battle was fought early in his rebellion. His army was made up of about 120 to 500 men. Most of them were archers who rode on small hill ponies. These ponies were perfect for moving quickly across the wet, boggy, or mountainous areas.
The English army was much larger, with about 1,500 to 5,000 soldiers. They were joined by Flemish mercenaries (soldiers who fight for money). This army mainly consisted of foot soldiers, with some light cavalry (soldiers on horseback). Even though they had good equipment, many English soldiers were not very experienced. They also lacked good discipline as an army.
How the Battle Was Fought
The exact spot where the battle happened is not known today. We also do not know many details about the fighting itself. The word Mynydd means "mountain" in Welsh.
What we do know is that Owain Glyndŵr's army won the battle. This was a big surprise because they were greatly outnumbered. They were also fighting from lower ground. The Welsh killed about 200 English soldiers and captured many more. The rest of the English army was chased away.
Owain's success was likely due to his light troops. They could move very quickly. The English army, with their heavy equipment, struggled to move across the marshy ground of the valley. This made it hard for them to fight effectively.