BattlefieldsSiege of Barnard Castle 1148
Medieval

Siege of Barnard Castle 1148

1148
County Durham, England
Also known as: Barnard Castle 1148 · Anarchy siege Barnard Castle
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Siege
Location
County Durham, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Scottish/Northern forces under David I
Forces
Castle garrison: c.200–400.
VS
Victor
Uncertain — castle garrison held
Forces
Besiegers: c.1,500–3,000
Outcome
Barnard Castle successfully defended during Stephen period; remained a Balliol stronghold
The Battle

History & Significance

Barnard Castle on the Tees was the caput of the Balliol family and a key fortress of the north-east. During the Anarchy it was contested between the claims of Stephen and Matilda as their Scottish allies pressed south. Its successful defence kept the Tees valley and the road to the north in baronial rather than royal hands during the worst years of the civil war.

Questions & Answers

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