Today in Welsh history… 7 September 1402, Henry IV was nearly killed whilst campaigning against Owain Glyndwr in Wales.
Following Owain Glyndwr's victory at The Battle of Bryn Glas on 22nd June, Henry IV attempted to regain control in Wales. Crossing into central Wales from Shrewsbury and Hereford Castle, Henry’s forces marched towards the Cistercian abbey of Strata Florida.
In terrible weather and constantly harried by Owain's forces, Henry reached Strata Florida and partially destroyed the abbey, executing monks suspected of pro-Glyndwr loyalties. However, Owain's forces continued to engage in guerilla tactics on the English king’s supply chain. By 7th September, torrential rain was lashing Henry's army, he was reduced to sleeping in his armour and was almost killed by a large tent support when his tent blew away. By September 22nd, it was evident that the campaign had been a military failure for the King and his army, starving and demoralised, was forced to withdraw to Hereford Castle.
Following Owain Glyndwr's victory at The Battle of Bryn Glas on 22nd June, Henry IV attempted to regain control in Wales. Crossing into central Wales from Shrewsbury and Hereford Castle, Henry’s forces marched towards the Cistercian abbey of Strata Florida.
In terrible weather and constantly harried by Owain's forces, Henry reached Strata Florida and partially destroyed the abbey, executing monks suspected of pro-Glyndwr loyalties. However, Owain's forces continued to engage in guerilla tactics on the English king’s supply chain. By 7th September, torrential rain was lashing Henry's army, he was reduced to sleeping in his armour and was almost killed by a large tent support when his tent blew away. By September 22nd, it was evident that the campaign had been a military failure for the King and his army, starving and demoralised, was forced to withdraw to Hereford Castle.