Big Wood

Wood, Forest in Radnorshire

Wales

Big Wood

Part of Bryn Glas hill above Pilleth It was here, almost certainly, that in late June 1402 a force of Welsh men loyal to Owain Glyndwr must have camped, prior to the Battle of Bryn Glas or Battle of Pilleth.

The hill is a perfect medieval defensible site, domed with good all round views, with a water supply at a well or spring at Pilleth church and large enough to temporarily house several hundred men, some horses, baggage train and camp followers.

It commands the valley of the River Lugg, where a larger English army would have to come. If the English army was too large to be taken on the Welsh would have several escape routes deeper into Wales and across into neighbouring valleys. If battle brought victory then the English border town of Leominster or numerous manor houses and churches down the valley would be within striking distance of men with their blood up. — Part of Bryn Glas hill above Pilleth Credit: Jeremy Bolwell

Big Wood is a dense forest located in the county of Radnorshire, Wales. Spanning across a vast area of approximately 500 acres, this woodland is renowned for its rich biodiversity and picturesque landscapes. It is situated near the village of New Radnor, surrounded by rolling hills and meandering streams.

The forest is predominantly composed of broadleaf trees, including oak, beech, and birch, which create a lush and vibrant canopy during the summer months. These trees provide shelter and food for a diverse range of wildlife, making Big Wood a haven for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers.

Visitors to Big Wood can explore the forest through several well-maintained walking trails, allowing them to immerse themselves in the tranquility of nature. The trails wind through the forest, offering glimpses of enchanting wildflowers, fern-covered forest floors, and occasional sightings of deer and foxes.

Beyond the natural beauty, Big Wood also holds historical significance. The forest has remnants of ancient settlements, including burial mounds and stone circles, dating back to the Bronze Age. These archaeological sites provide a glimpse into the rich human history of the area.

Big Wood is not only a haven for wildlife and a place of historical importance but also serves as a recreational space for locals and tourists alike. Whether it is a leisurely walk, a picnic, or simply enjoying the serenity of nature, this woodland offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Show me another place!

If you have any feedback on the listing, please let us know in the comments section below.

Big Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.322096/-3.110718 or Grid Reference SO2469. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Part of Bryn Glas hill above Pilleth

It was here, almost certainly, that in late June 1402 a force of Welsh men loyal to Owain Glyndwr must have camped, prior to the Battle of Bryn Glas or Battle of Pilleth. The hill is a perfect medieval defensible site, domed with good all round views, with a water supply at a well or spring at Pilleth church and large enough to temporarily house several hundred men, some horses, baggage train and camp followers. It commands the valley of the River Lugg, where a larger English army would have to come. If the English army was too large to be taken on the Welsh would have several escape routes deeper into Wales and across into neighbouring valleys. If battle brought victory then the English border town of Leominster or numerous manor houses and churches down the valley would be within striking distance of men with their blood up.

Jeremy Bolwell

Part of Bryn Glas hill near Pilleth, looking north west

Looking into Wales the hills get a little higher and more steep, imposing and impressive. It was here that a Welsh army loyal to Owain Glyndwr camped on the night of 21st June 1402 prior to what has become known as the Battle of Bryn Glas or Battle of Pilleth, a resounding Welsh victory just under two years into the revolt against usurper English king, Henry Bolingbroke, King Henry IV. Of course the Welsh force didn't know that they would be victors that night but they must have hoped for it, based on intelligence that the county levy of Herefordshire was a day or so march down the valley. This was no massive English army of professional knights, time served noblemen, seasoned soldiers or men-at-arms but a force comprising farmers, their sons, yeomen and tavern braggards. It was led by Edmund Mortimer and dotted with Herefordshire landowners and their retinues. It also comprised Welsh archers, in service to English lords but possibly already in league with Glyndwr's men and ready to turn on their appointed lords at the precise time instructed.

Jeremy Bolwell

The site of the Battle of Brynglas / Pilleth

Where the Welsh force must have stood before the battle, watching the English force approach up the valley of the River Lugg. The Welsh were on home soil. They were prepared. They were rested. The English were footsore, a county levy and a larger force but seemed to walk into a baited trap like greenhorns. The Welsh baited the trap with a vulnerable looking force of longbow archers on the hill, while in the valley to their left they hid their reserves, ready to join battle once the English were committed. The English must have toiled up the hill under a rain of longbow arrows. Welsh archers had already sealed English victories at Crecy and Poitiers over the French armies, under the Black Prince. Their reputation was a known quantity. Welsh archers from Llantrisant, Abergavenny and other localities could fire at a rate that would significantly contribute to the win at Agincourt for Henry V in 12 years hence. But the English came on, uphill, under a hot sun into a hail of death. Why didn't they stand off? Assess. Parley. Maybe they were just up for a scrap, Earl and brawny farmer alike, reckless and feeling superior to the devious 'barefoot dogs' within their grasp. Greedy for glory? Seeing fame and favour? They sweated and panted to their deaths as Welsh arrows struck them down, or wrenching themselves out of the fray they ran back down the hill, back down the valley, back down the River Lugg, sick with defeat and just glad to be a survivor.

Jeremy Bolwell