Battle of Pwll Melyn

Battle of Pwll Melyn
Part of Owain Glyndŵr's Revolt
Castle Oak Pond at Usk, believed to be on the site of the battle
Date Spring 1405 Location Pwll Melyn, near Usk Result Decisive English Victory
Belligerents
Welsh	English
Commanders and leaders
Gruffudd ab Owain Glyndŵr	Lord Grey of Codnor Dafydd Gam
Strength
?	?
Casualties and losses
1500	Light

Coordinates: 51°43′05″N 2°57′14″W / 51.718°N 2.954°W / 51.718; -2.954

The Battle of Pwll Melyn, also known as the Battle of Usk, was part of the Welsh War of Independence against English rule that lasted from 1400 to 1415. This key battle occurred in the spring of 1405. The defeat of the Welsh rebels here was devastating and included the loss of important leaders and men. A contemporary Welsh chronicle described it as a “slaughter” and that: “It was now the tide began to turn against Owain and his men.”

There is some confusion of the date of this battle and also its position in regard to another battle in Gwent at Grosmont. However R. R. Davies believes the Battle of Grosmont was in March and Pwll Melyn was in May.

The location of the battle is believed to be land immediately to the north of Usk Castle, towards Castle Farm and including what is now Castle Oak Pond. According to historian J. E. Lloyd, writing in 1933:

"Pwll Melyn . . . is the pond lying north-east of Usk Castle. . . numerous skeletons were found in this pond when it was cleaned out. The pond is so called because the water is always slimy and of a dirty colour. . . The 'pwll' itself is reduced in size, the marshy land drained, and the 'pwll' is now enclosed by an iron railing and supplies water to the railway. From the 'pwll' the ground rises westward and here Owen's army attacked the castle on the north. It is a well-known spot and the name has never been lost."

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