BattlefieldsAnarchy — Wherwell Ambush 1141
Medieval

Anarchy — Wherwell Ambush 1141

1141
England
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Empress Matilda's rearguard
Forces
Flemish mercenaries under William of Ypres
VS
Victor
William of Ypres
Forces
Small Empress Matilda rearguard
Outcome
Imperialist rearguard overwhelmed; abbey burned; defenders killed or captured
The Battle

History & Significance

During the rout from Winchester, Empress Matilda sought refuge at Wherwell Abbey. Queen Matilda's forces under William of Ypres surrounded and set fire to the abbey to flush out defenders. A detachment holding the nunnery was overcome, and the prioress was blinded in the burning. A noted atrocity of the civil war.

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