4 October 1461. Henry Windsor writes of the situation in Wales.

Henry Windsor wrote to John Paston on 4th October 1461 to update him on the military situation. Within the letter he provides details of how the Welsh Campaign was progressing.

His account demonstrates that news reaching the capital was not always entirely accurate. Not all Welsh Castles and strongholds had yielded, Harlech would not fall for a further 7 years.

“…all the castles and strongholds in south Wales and north Wales are given and yielded up into the King’s hand. And the Duke of Exeter and the Earl of Pembroke are flown and taken to the mountains, and several lords with great power are after them; and the most part of gentlemen and men of worship are come unto the King, and have grace, all of Wales.” Henry Windsor to John Paston 4th October 1461

Wales in October 1461

Windsor was incorrect in his assertion that all the castles in the south and north Wales had fallen. Many had had, but there remained a strong pocket of Lancastrian resistance, mainly in Snowdonia.

Indeed, just 2 weeks later, the Lancastrians fought the battle of Twt Hill, led by the Duke of Exeter and Jasper Tudor. Though defeated, the leaders managed to escape capture and sailed to Ireland.

Harlech Castle

They retained control of Harlech Castle for another 7 years. During this time, Harlech was supplied by sea and used as a base from which incursions into Northern Wales could take place. This meant that while the siege was usually one of containment, the Yorkists did need to maintain a force in the area which was costly and reduced their ability to react to events elsewhere.

Image Credit

he east view of Aberystwith Castle in the county of Cardigan. Newbury & Cannon. 1759. Public Domain. Via Wikipedia.