The Christmas Massacre at Abergavenny

Happy holidays, APHOUT fans! Join Kelli as she goes over a Welsh Christmas Day Massacre! In 1175, William de Braose committed a massacre against some rival families in Gwent, southeast Wales.

De Braose, a Norman who was given control of Abergavenny Castle after his uncle Henry Fitzmiles was killed, decided to seek retribution against the man responsible - Seisyll ap Dyfnwal. Seisyll, his son, and many of his men, came to have a peaceful Christmas dinner at de Braose's Abergavenny keep. Once inside, de Braose locked the doors and slaughtered them all - a scene that no doubt inspired Game of Thrones' Red Wedding.

De Braose then went out to slaughter the rest of Seisyll's family, including his wife and 7-year-old son Cadwalladr.

He got vengeance for his Uncle's death, but worsened tensions between the Welsh noble families and the invading Normans.

So let's take a look at this story and place it in historical context - what was this massacre really about?

Intro and Outro music credit:  @nedricmusic
Find him on all streaming services and YouTube!
http://www.nedricmusic.com 

Support the show

Intro and Outro music credit: Nedric | Yello Kake

Follow me on Instagram! @beardhistory

If you want to support the show, donate to the cause at Buy Me a Coffee