BattlefieldsSiege of Nottingham Castle (1194)
Medieval

Siege of Nottingham Castle (1194)

1194
Nottinghamshire, England
Also known as: Richard I retakes Nottingham · Nottingham 1194
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Siege
Location
Nottinghamshire, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
John's garrison
Forces
rebel garrison: c. 100–300.
VS
Victor
Richard I
Forces
Richard I's forces: c. 1000–2000
Outcome
Castle surrendered; Richard confirmed as king; John forgiven
The Battle

History & Significance

Richard I's return from captivity and crusade was marked by the swift reduction of Nottingham — the castle that had held for John. The garrison surrendered within days when Richard appeared in person. He is said to have climbed a wooden palisade himself and shot arrows into the castle yard to prove he was really there. He then went to Sherwood and hunted — giving the Robin Hood legend its royal context.

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