Battle of Orewin Bridge facts for kids

The memorial to Llywelyn ap Gruffudd in Cilmeri near the site of the battle, erected in 1956

The Battle of Orewin Bridge (also known as the Battle of Irfon Bridge or the Battle of Builth) was a very important fight between Welsh forces, led by Prince Llywelyn ap Gruffudd, and an English army. It happened on December 11, 1282, near a place called Builth Wells in mid-Wales. This battle was a major defeat for the Welsh. Prince Llywelyn ap Gruffudd was killed, which led to the final victory of Edward I of England over the Welsh rebels a few months later. The exact details of how the battle unfolded are still discussed by historians today.

Why the Battle Happened

A few years before the battle, in 1277, a peace agreement called the Treaty of Aberconwy was signed between Wales and England. This treaty followed an English invasion. It meant that Prince Llywelyn had to pay a large sum of money, allow King Edward I to build castles in Wales, and marry an English noblewoman named Eleanor de Montfort. Many Welsh people were unhappy with this treaty.

Five years later, in 1282, a big revolt started across much of Wales. Both Llywelyn and King Edward I gathered their armies. King Edward wanted to conquer Wales. Llywelyn led his campaign through southern Wales. When the English commander, Roger Lestrange, heard about Llywelyn's movements, he gathered his own army to stop him. This English force included at least 2,000 foot soldiers and 20 knights.

On December 11, Llywelyn moved his forces south into the area of Builth. Some historians believe that two brothers, Edmund Mortimer and Roger Mortimer, might have tricked Llywelyn with false promises to get him to come to this area.

The Battle and Llywelyn's Death

Historians have studied the events of Llywelyn's death for many years. One important story comes from a writer named Walter of Guisborough.

Walter's Account of the Battle

According to Walter, Llywelyn left his main army in the mountains near a river called Wyne. He took a smaller group of soldiers to guard the Orewin Bridge. The English army, led by John Giffard and Roger Mortimer the younger, were on the other side of the river. They weren't sure what to do next.

Then, a local Welshman told the English army about a place upstream where they could cross the river safely. The English took this advice and began to cross. Llywelyn went to see what the noise was about. Suddenly, an English soldier named Stephen de Frankton attacked him. Llywelyn was struck down. The English then marched on the Welsh army in the mountains, who were not expecting an attack, and defeated them. Stephen later realized who he had killed and went back to make sure Llywelyn was truly gone. Some records suggest many Welsh soldiers died, possibly around 160 horsemen and 3,000 foot soldiers.

Other Ideas About What Happened

Not all historical accounts agree with Walter's story. Some Welsh and English records from that time tell different versions. For example, some say Llywelyn was separated from his main army and was defeated by two lords. Other historians have pointed out that Walter's story has parts that are very similar to another battle, the Battle of Stirling Bridge in Scotland. This makes some people wonder if his account of Orewin Bridge is entirely accurate.

Another story, from the Hagnaby Chronicle, says that Llywelyn came to Builth because Mortimer had promised to show him respect. But this was a trick. English forces attacked Llywelyn shortly after he arrived. After a long battle with heavy losses on both sides, the Welsh army broke apart. Llywelyn was left alone with just one servant. They tried to escape into the woods but were chased by English soldiers. Llywelyn was eventually killed, even after he revealed who he was. This story doesn't mention a river or a bridge.

Historians also debate who exactly killed Llywelyn. Some say it was Stephen de Frankton, while others suggest a soldier named Robert Body. Both were from areas near the battle. Based on the evidence, it's hard to say for sure which soldier delivered the final blow.

Many different stories exist about Llywelyn's death. Some say a small Welsh force was ambushed. Others describe a large battle. What most historians agree on is that Llywelyn ap Gruffudd died near the Irfon river in Buellt, on December 11, 1282, at the hands of an English soldier.

What Happened Next

After the English victory, Roger Lestrange quickly sent a message to King Edward I. He announced Llywelyn's death and the defeat of his best men. Llywelyn's head was taken to Rhuddlan Castle and then to England. It was displayed at the Tower of London. Some say it was crowned to make fun of an old Welsh prediction that Llywelyn would be crowned in London after defeating the English. His body was buried by monks at Cwmhir Abbey. News of Llywelyn's death spread across Europe.

Llywelyn's death was a huge blow, but it didn't immediately end the Welsh resistance. His brother, Dafydd ap Gruffudd, was crowned Prince of Wales and continued the fight. However, Dafydd did not have the same strong support from his troops that Llywelyn had. Meanwhile, the English army grew stronger. By January 1283, King Edward I had five thousand soldiers.

In May 1283, Dafydd went into hiding to avoid being captured by the English. Some Welsh people even joined the English side. Dafydd was eventually captured in June 1283. With the Welsh military resistance broken, King Edward I focused on building castles and taking control of Wales. This led to Wales becoming part of England.