BattlefieldsSiege of Oxford Castle 1142
Medieval

Siege of Oxford Castle 1142

1142
Oxfordshire, England
Also known as: Siege of Oxford 1142 · Matilda trapped at Oxford
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Siege
Location
Oxfordshire, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Empress Matilda
Forces
Matilda: small garrison, escaped with four knights
VS
Victor
King Stephen
Forces
Stephen: royal host
Outcome
Castle fell; Matilda escaped by night across the ice of the frozen Thames wrapped in white cloaks
The Battle

History & Significance

The most dramatic episode of the Anarchy. Stephen besieged Oxford for three months until Matilda made her legendary escape across the frozen Thames in December 1142. The castle fell immediately afterwards. The escape preserved her cause and prolonged the civil war by years.

Questions & Answers

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