BattlefieldsFirst Barons War — Louis Invades — Dover Siege 1216
Medieval

First Barons War — Louis Invades — Dover Siege 1216

1216
England
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Prince Louis VIII of France
Forces
Hubert de Burgh garrison
VS
Victor
Hubert de Burgh / Royal garrison
Forces
Prince Louis with French and rebel forces
Outcome
Dover held throughout; Hubert de Burgh maintained the garrison until Louis abandoned the siege
The Battle

History & Significance

Prince Louis of France invaded England at the invitation of the rebel barons. Dover Castle, held by Hubert de Burgh for King John, was besieged but never fell. Louis attempted undermining and assault but could not reduce the castle. De Burgh used Dover as a base that constrained French control of the Channel. The successful defence of Dover proved crucial to the royalist recovery after John died.

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

Aubrey Research

Explore the landscape around this battlefield

Aubrey generates in-depth historical research for any location in Britain — drawing on Domesday records, scheduled monuments, Victorian OS maps, geological data and archaeological archives to tell the full story of a place.

Research a location near this battlefield