The Battle of Mynydd Hyddgen was the first major Welsh victory of Owain Glyndŵr's revolt, energising the rebellion against English rule.
Key Facts
- Date
- June 1401
- Location
- Western slopes of Plynlimon, near Ceredigion/Powys boundary
- Conflict context
- Part of the Welsh Revolt of 1400–1409
- Welsh commander
- Owain Glyndŵr
- Welsh disadvantage
- Defending with a much smaller force
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
The Welsh Revolt of 1400 had recently begun under Owain Glyndŵr, who sought to challenge English authority in Wales. English and Flemish settlers and soldiers moved against Glyndŵr's smaller Welsh force on the slopes of Plynlimon, likely expecting to suppress the nascent rebellion.
In June 1401, Glyndŵr's Welsh force repulsed the attacking English and Flemish troops at Mynydd Hyddgen. Despite being heavily outnumbered, the Welsh likely exploited the local terrain — including natural rock formations and a spring draw — to lure and rout their opponents in what became the revolt's first major engagement.
The victory gave fresh momentum to Glyndŵr's rebellion, demonstrating that Welsh forces could defeat larger English-led armies. It provoked a punitive military response from King Henry IV and elevated Glyndŵr's standing among the Welsh, helping to sustain and spread the revolt across Wales.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Owain Glyndŵr.
Side B
1 belligerent