# Harold Godwinson defeats Gruffydd ap Llywelyn (1063)

URL: https://english-history.com/timeline/1063-harold-godwinson-defeats-gruffydd-ap-llywelyn
Categories: battle

English forces invaded Wales and destroyed the power of Gruffydd, who had briefly ruled most of Wales. Within the broader Vikings & Unification period, Scandinavian invasion and settlement transformed the political map while Wessex and its allies built the institutions of a unified English kingdom. This event is placed at AD 1063 in the chronology so it can be read alongside the political, military, social and cultural changes around it. The campaign strengthened Harold's position as the leading magnate in England.

## Why it matters
The campaign strengthened Harold's position as the leading magnate in England.

Ruler at the time: [Edward the Confessor](https://english-history.com/rulers/edward-the-confessor)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia topic lookup — Harold Godwinson defeats Gruffydd ap Llywelyn](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Search?search=Harold+Godwinson+defeats+Gruffydd+ap+Llywelyn&go=Go)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica topic lookup — Harold Godwinson defeats Gruffydd ap Llywelyn](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=Harold+Godwinson+defeats+Gruffydd+ap+Llywelyn)
- [Wikipedia — Timeline of British history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of_British_history_%281000%E2%80%931499%29)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica — Viking Britain topic search](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=Viking%20Britain)