BattlefieldsFirst Barons War — Bedford Castle Siege 1224
Medieval

First Barons War — Bedford Castle Siege 1224

1224
England
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Falkes de Breaute garrison
Forces
Falkes de Breaute garrison under his brother William
VS
Victor
Henry III royal forces
Forces
Henry III royal besiegers
Outcome
Bedford fell; garrison hanged; Falkes de Breaute exiled; royal authority reasserted
The Battle

History & Significance

Falkes de Breaute, a mercenary captain who had served Henry III loyally, had his brother seize a royal judge. Henry III besieged Bedford Castle in response, an eight-week siege using all available military engineers. The castle was taken, the garrison hanged, and Falkes exiled. The siege marked Henry III's government reasserting control over unruly mercenary captains who had profited from the civil war.

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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