Faringdon Castle was built by Robert of Gloucester as an offensive strongpoint threatening the royalist Thames valley. Stephen besieged and took it promptly in 1145, one of his most effective moves of the later Anarchy. Robert of Gloucester's inability to relieve the castle -- despite Matilda's presence in the area -- marked a low point for the Angevin cause and confirmed Stephen's continued ability to take the military initiative when he focused his efforts.
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