BattlefieldsSiege of Dover Castle (1216–1217)
Medieval

Siege of Dover Castle (1216–1217)

1216–1217
Kent, England
Also known as: First Barons War siege of Dover
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Siege
Location
Kent, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
French / Louis VIII
Forces
French/Louis forces: c. 2,000-3,500.
VS
Victor
English garrison (held)
Forces
English garrison (de Burgh): c. 150-250
Outcome
Castle never taken; cornerstone of eventual Royalist recovery
The Battle

History & Significance

Dover Castle — "the key of England" — was the one strategic point Louis never captured. Hubert de Burgh held it through two determined French sieges, fighting off an attempt to collapse the gatehouse by mining. As long as Dover held, England could not be considered truly conquered. Its resistance was essential to the eventual recovery of the kingdom by the young Henry III's regents.

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