BattlefieldsAction at Tonbridge Castle 1088
Medieval

Action at Tonbridge Castle 1088

1088
Kent, England
Also known as: Tonbridge 1088 · Gilbert de Clare holds Tonbridge against William Rufus
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Siege
Location
Kent, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Gilbert de Clare (rebel barons)
Forces
Gilbert de Clare garrison c.150–300.
VS
Victor
William Rufus
Forces
William Rufus c.800–1,500
Outcome
Tonbridge Castle taken; Gilbert de Clare surrendered; rebellion weakened
The Battle

History & Significance

Tonbridge Castle was another stronghold held against William Rufus by rebel barons who supported Robert Curthose in 1088. Gilbert de Clare held it briefly before being forced to surrender. The fall of Tonbridge, together with the sieges of Pevensey and Rochester, broke the 1088 rebellion in the southeast. Tonbridge's position on the Medway made it a significant point on the communications route between London and the channel ports.

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