BattlefieldsSiege of Devizes Castle (Anarchy)
Medieval

Siege of Devizes Castle (Anarchy)

1139
Wiltshire, England
Also known as: Devizes 1139 · Matilda escapes Devizes
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Siege
Location
Wiltshire, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Matilda
Forces
Matilda c.500–900; siege.
VS
Victor
Empress Matilda (escaped)
Forces
Stephen c.1,500–2,500
Outcome
Matilda sick; Robert of Gloucester escorted her to Bristol; castle held
The Battle

History & Significance

An episode that illustrates the desperate nature of Anarchy politics. Matilda fell dangerously ill at Devizes after the Rout of Winchester and was carried in a litter to Bristol by Robert of Gloucester. The castle held during her absence. Throughout the Anarchy both sides used illness, hunger and weather as weapons — the land itself was being destroyed.

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