BattlefieldsBattle of Fornham
Medieval

Battle of Fornham

1173
Suffolk, England
Also known as: Battle of Fornham St Genevieve · Great Revolt 1173
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Suffolk, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Robert de Leicester (rebel)
Forces
English local forces; Flemings destroyed
VS
Victor
Henry II (Humphrey de Bohun)
Forces
c.3,000 Flemish mercenaries
Outcome
Rebel army with Flemish mercenaries routed; Leicester captured
The Battle

History & Significance

Part of the Great Revolt of 1173–74 — the rebellion of Henry II's own sons aided by the King of France and Scottish invasion. Robert de Leicester landed Flemish mercenaries in Suffolk but his army was caught at Fornham by a much smaller royal force and routed, many drowning in the River Lark. Countess Petronilla of Leicester was captured. The swift defeat helped save Henry's throne.

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