BattlefieldsSiege of Winchester (The Anarchy 1141)
Medieval

Siege of Winchester (The Anarchy 1141)

1141
Hampshire, England
Also known as: Rout of Winchester 1141 · Winchester siege 1141
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Siege
Location
Hampshire, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Empress Matilda
Forces
Empress Matilda c.2,000–4,000
VS
Victor
Queen Matilda / Stephen's supporters
Forces
Queen Matilda c.3,000–5,000
Outcome
Empress besieged in Winchester; Robert of Gloucester captured covering her escape; Robert exchanged for King Stephen
The Battle

History & Significance

After capturing Stephen at Lincoln, Empress Matilda besieged the Royalists in Winchester castle. Stephen's queen and mercenary captain William of Ypres besieged the besiegers in turn. Matilda fled but Robert of Gloucester was captured in the rout — then exchanged for the captive King Stephen, resetting the war. One of the most strategically decisive episodes of the Anarchy.

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