Site of Richard II's ambush, Penmaen Head

What is it? 

In 1399 the unpopular King Richard II (1367-1400) was ambushed here, as he returned to England from Ireland, by supporters of Henry Bolingbroke (who later became Henry IV) 

Where is it? 

Penmaen Head, Old Colwyn, Colwyn Bay, LL29 9LQ 

What’s there? 

There isn’t much at the site, it can be accessed by the coastal path 

Facts - 

▪ Richard had experienced a turbulent and insecure reign, but ironically by 1399 he finally felt secure and decided to lead an expedition to Ireland to re-establish his authority there. This proved to be a fatal error.

▪ Henry Bolingbroke decided to take the opportunity to return from exile with some supporters, ostensibly to claim his inheritance as the rightful Duke of Lancaster. News of his landing was sent to Richard in Ireland, he needed to return to England quickly to rally his supporters and crush the revolt before it gained momentum. 

▪ However, for reasons which are still disputed by historians, he fatally delayed for nearly a fortnight before starting his return. 

▪ He sent the Earl of Salisbury to North Wales with a small retinue to raise an army, who succeeded in getting an army together. Unfortunately, this army became impatient waiting for Richard and broke ranks. Some went home and some defected. 

▪ By the time he landed, Richard only had 15 followers to ride with him to Conwy Castle. 

▪ Although Penmaenhead is still a very prominent headland, it is difficult now to visualise now what an obstacle it presented in the Middle Ages. Some of the headland has since been quarried away, but in those days the headland reached all the way to the seashore and was extremely difficult to cross 

▪ Richard was ambushed and led to Flint Castle as a prisoner. Not long after he was dethroned by Henry IV. Richard died a prisoner in Pontefract Castle under ‘suspicious circumstances’ (likely foul play or starvation)