Battle of Pencon facts for kids

The Battle of Pencon (also known as Pencoed) was an important battle in early Welsh history. It happened around the year 720. In this battle, the Britons, who are the ancestors of modern Welsh people, won a big victory.

Historians are not entirely sure who the Britons fought against. It might have been the Mercians, an Anglo-Saxon kingdom. Some theories also suggest it could have been a battle between different groups of Britons themselves.

What Do Old Records Say About the Battle?

Historians learn about the Battle of Pencon from old Welsh books. These books are like ancient history records.

The Chronicle of the Princes

One important book is called the Chronicle of the Princes. This book says the battle happened in the year 720 AD. It tells us that the Britons won this battle.

The Annals of Wales

Another old record is the Annals of Wales. This book does not always give exact dates. But experts believe it places the Battle of Pencon around the year 722 AD.

The Annals of Wales mentions three battles where the Britons won:

• The battle of Hehil among the Cornish
• The battle of Garth Maelog
• The battle of Pencon among the South Britons

The book clearly states that the Britons were the winners in all three fights.

Who Was the Enemy?

The Annals of Wales does not specifically name the enemy. Many historians think it was obvious at the time that the enemy would be the Anglo-Saxons.

However, the Chronicle of the Princes gives a different idea. It talks about Rhodri Molwynauc becoming king that same year. It mentions a big war between him and the Saxons. The Britons won two battles in that war. But the Chronicle seems to list Pencoed as a separate battle. It says:

The same year Rhodri Molwynauc was made king over the Britons, and a great war arose between him and the Saxons, during which the Britons won two battles honorably. The same year, the battle of Garthmaelawg took place, and another in Gwynedd, and the battle of Pencoed in Glamorganshire; in all which three the Britons conquered.

This makes some people wonder if the Battle of Pencon was against someone other than the Saxons. It might have been a fight between different Welsh groups.

Where Did the Battle of Pencon Happen?

The exact place of the battle is not fully known. But historians have suggested a couple of possible locations.

Castell Pen-y-Coed

One idea is that the battle took place at Castell Pen-y-Coed. This is an old earthwork site in Carmarthenshire, Wales. An earthwork is a type of old fort made from earth and ditches.

Pencoed, Glamorgan

Another possible site is near the town of Pencoed in Glamorgan. This area is close to Bridgend. There are interesting names nearby that might give clues:

• Coed y Mwstwr: This means "Field of the Muster." A muster is where soldiers gather before a battle.
• Ogof y Pebyll: This means "caves next to the Encampments." An encampment is where an army sets up camp.

These names suggest that military activity might have happened in this area long ago.