BattlefieldsSiege of Colchester (First Barons' War)
Medieval

Siege of Colchester (First Barons' War)

1216
Essex, England
Also known as: Colchester 1216
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Siege
Location
Essex, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Rebel barons
Forces
Rebel barons: c. 1,000-1,500.
VS
Victor
King John
Forces
King John: c. 2,500-3,500
Outcome
Colchester fell; John ravaged the eastern counties
The Battle

History & Significance

Part of King John's autumn 1216 campaign to suppress the baronial rebellion and Louis of France. John swept through East Anglia with characteristic ferocity, burning and destroying rebel property. He then attempted to cross the Wash estuary and lost his baggage train — including, legend says, the crown jewels — to the tides. He died of dysentery at Newark days later. The campaign showed John's military energy even in its final chapter.

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