BattlefieldsBattle of Lewes (1264) — skirmish at Fletching
Medieval

Battle of Lewes (1264) — skirmish at Fletching

1264
East Sussex, England
Also known as: De Montfort's advance from Fletching
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
East Sussex, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Royalist outposts
Forces
c.5,000 Simon de Montfort; Henry captured
VS
Victor
Baronial forces (de Montfort)
Forces
c.5,000 Royalists (Henry III)
Outcome
De Montfort's night march from Fletching preceded the main battle; Royalist pickets surprised
The Battle

History & Significance

De Montfort assembled his army at Fletching and made a night march to surprise the royal army at Lewes. Royalist outposts were caught unaware. The night march was a bold stroke that gave de Montfort the crucial element of surprise at the subsequent battle. The Fletching base camp and subsequent march are well documented.

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