The New Murrey and Blue blog

The Battle of Pwll Melyn (Yellow Pool in English) was, in retrospect, the turning point for Henry IV. Up to this time, his enemies had largely held the initiative and were a real threat to him. This was to be the last time his forces were engaged in a full-scale battle against them. (1)

Owain Glyndŵr‘s forces had previously received a severe check at Grosmont. Their response was to mount an expedition to take Usk Castle in Gwent, a Mortimer stronghold that was at this time in the hands of Alianore, Countess of March as part of her dower. (2.)

The attack was led by Gruffudd, Glyndŵr’s eldest legitimate son. He was seconded by his uncle Tudur ap Gruffudd. The famous warrior Rhys Gethin may also have fought here, although it is sometimes said that he died at Grosmont.

The Welsh may not have realised that the castle was very strongly garrisoned. Lord Grey of Codnor, who was, among other things, Henry IV’s Chamberlain, was in command. (3) They had successfully burnt and destroyed the town of Usk two years earlier and may have thought resistance would be weak.

In reality, the garrison was able to repel the besieger and then pursue them. The forces clashed in and around Monkswood – as the name suggests, a wooded area – and the Welsh were utterly defeated.

It is estimated that 1,500 were killed in the fight. These included Tudur, who was so like his brother that at first, the English thought they had killed Owain himself. Rhys Gethin – if present – was another casualty. Gruffudd was captured and died in prison some seven years later, allegedly of plague.

According to Adam of Usk, 300 prisoners were summarily beheaded outside Usk Castle. A bloody proceeding indeed if true.

Another casualty of the battle was the Abbot of Llantarnam who had ministered to the dead and dying of both sides. They killed him anyway.

The effect of the battle was that Glamorgan surrendered to the King, although some of Owain’s keener supporters followed him to his remaining strongholds.

(1) Owain and his army were to face up to Henry near Worcester in October 1405, but neither army engaged and the Welsh and their French allies withdrew from the field. Northumberland‘s defeat at Bramham Moor, in 1408, was more of a rout than a battle.

(2) Alianore was fated to die in childbirth in October of the same year.

(3) Others present included Sir John Greyndore, Sir John Oldcastle, and Dafydd Gam.