BattlefieldsSiege of Bedford Castle (1224)
Medieval

Siege of Bedford Castle (1224)

1224
Bedfordshire, England
Also known as: Bedford Castle siege 1224 · Falkes de Breaute expelled
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Siege
Location
Bedfordshire, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Rebels (Falkes de Breaute)
Forces
garrison c.200–400.
VS
Victor
Royalists (Hubert de Burgh / Henry III)
Forces
Royalist siege force c.3,000–5,000
Outcome
Castle taken after eight-week siege; garrison hanged; de Breaute expelled from England
The Battle

History & Significance

The Siege of Bedford Castle in 1224 was one of the most important sieges of Henry III's minority. Falkes de Breaute, a powerful mercenary captain from the John era, defied royal authority. Hubert de Burgh besieged the castle systematically; after eight weeks the garrison surrendered. Henry III ordered all twenty-four defenders hanged on the castle mound. The castle was then demolished to prevent future rebellions using it as a base.

Casualties & Losses

24 garrison members hanged; castle demolished

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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