BattlefieldsBattle of Fornham (1173)
Medieval

Battle of Fornham (1173)

1173
Suffolk, England
Also known as: Battle of Fornham St Genevieve · Flemish mercenaries defeated 1173
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Suffolk, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Flemish rebels (Earl of Leicester)
Forces
English local forces; Flemings destroyed
VS
Victor
Royalists (Earl of Cornwall)
Forces
c.3,000 Flemish mercenaries
Outcome
Flemish mercenary army of rebel earl routed and massacred in marshy ground near Fornham
The Battle

History & Significance

During the Great Revolt against Henry II, the Earl of Leicester landed Flemish mercenaries in East Anglia and marched inland. His army — including many women camp followers — was caught and routed near Fornham by royalist forces. The Flemings were massacred in the marshy ground; the earl and countess were captured. The victory secured East Anglia for Henry and undermined the broader baronial revolt.

Casualties & Losses

Most of the Flemish army killed

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

Aubrey Research

Explore the landscape around Suffolk

Aubrey generates in-depth historical research for any location in Britain — drawing on Domesday records, scheduled monuments, Victorian OS maps, geological data and archaeological archives to tell the full story of a place.

Research a location near Suffolk