BattlefieldsSiege of Bristol Castle (Anarchy)
Medieval

Siege of Bristol Castle (Anarchy)

1138
Bristol, England
Also known as: Bristol 1138
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Siege
Location
Bristol, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Stephen
Forces
Matilda: c. 600–1,000 garrison.
VS
Victor
Inconclusive (castle held for Matilda)
Forces
Stephen: c. 3,000–5,000
Outcome
Bristol held throughout as Matilda's strongest base; never taken
The Battle

History & Significance

Bristol was the strongest point in Empress Matilda's English network, held by Robert of Gloucester. Stephen besieged it but could not take it. From Bristol, Robert and Matilda directed the Angevin war effort. When Robert was captured at Winchester, he was exchanged for Stephen specifically because Bristol's fall would have ended the Angevin cause.

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