Battlefields›Siege of Oxford Castle 1139
Medieval

Siege of Oxford Castle 1139

1139
Oxfordshire, England
Also known as: Siege of Oxford 1139 · Stephen besieges Oxford 1139
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Siege
Location
Oxfordshire, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Empress Matilda garrison
Forces
Matilda: garrison under Robert of Gloucester
VS
Victor
King Stephen
Forces
Stephen: royal army c.3,000
Outcome
Castle held out; Matilda escaped across the frozen Thames in white camouflage
The Battle

History & Significance

Stephen besieged Oxford Castle in 1142 (the famous crossing) but an earlier 1139 siege was also attempted after Matilda landed. The castle formed the pivot of her West Midlands power base throughout the Anarchy.

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

Protected heritage nearby

Scheduled Monuments near Siege of Oxford Castle 1139

Oxford Castle and earlier settlement remains
Scheduled monument · ~0 miles
Rewley Abbey
Scheduled monument · ~0.3 miles
Osney Abbey (remains of)
Scheduled monument · ~0.4 miles
Swing bridge, LNWR Station
Scheduled monument · ~0.4 miles
Section of the Grandpont causeway
Scheduled monument · ~0.5 miles
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