BattlefieldsSiege of Nottingham Castle 1194 — Richard Returns
Medieval

Siege of Nottingham Castle 1194 — Richard Returns

1194
Nottinghamshire, England
Also known as: Richard I at Nottingham · Return from Crusade — Nottingham
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Siege
Location
Nottinghamshire, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Rebels (John's supporters)
Forces
rebel/John's supporters: c. 100–300.
VS
Victor
Richard I
Forces
Richard I's army: c. 1000–2000
Outcome
Castle surrendered within two days of Richard's arrival
The Battle

History & Significance

Richard I's return from German captivity was incomplete while Nottingham Castle held for his brother John. Richard set up his siege machinery in full view of the garrison — who still refused to believe he had returned alive. When he rode up in person, the castle surrendered immediately. The episode is the true historical kernel of the Robin Hood legend of the king returning to find his realm usurped. Richard held his great forest council at Sherwood afterwards.

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