BattlefieldsSiege of Norwich Castle (Stephen and Maud — 1136)
Medieval

Siege of Norwich Castle (Stephen and Maud — 1136)

1136
Norfolk, England
Also known as: Norwich castle siege 1136 · Stephen besieges Norwich
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Siege
Location
Norfolk, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Rebels
Forces
Norwich garrison: c. 200–400.
VS
Victor
Royalists (King Stephen)
Forces
Stephen's forces: c. 2,000–4,000
Outcome
Norwich castle taken; East Anglian rebellion against Stephen suppressed
The Battle

History & Significance

During the Anarchy, East Anglia was contested between Stephen and the Empress Maud's supporters. Stephen besieged and took Norwich Castle in 1136, demonstrating his ability to project royal power in the east country. The region's strategic importance — its ports facing the continent and its wealth — made it a key prize in the civil war.

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