BattlefieldsSiege of Ely
Medieval

Siege of Ely

1071
Cambridgeshire, England
Also known as: William besieges Ely 1071 · Hereward at Ely
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Siege
Location
Cambridgeshire, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Hereward the Wake
Forces
Hereward c.1,000–2,000
VS
Victor
William I
Forces
William I c.3,000–5,000
Outcome
Causeway built; island assaulted; English resistance ended; Hereward escaped
The Battle

History & Significance

The siege of Ely in the Fenland marshes was the final chapter of organised English resistance to the Norman Conquest, and its fall marked the point at which armed opposition became impossible and legend had to take over.

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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