BattlefieldsAnarchy — Siege of Winchester Castle 1141
Medieval

Anarchy — Siege of Winchester Castle 1141

1141
England
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Empress Matilda
Forces
Empress Matilda garrison in Winchester
VS
Victor
Queen Matilda and William of Ypres
Forces
Queen Matilda and William of Ypres besieging
Outcome
Empress Matilda driven from Winchester; Earl Robert of Gloucester captured in rout
The Battle

History & Significance

In 1141 after the Battle of Lincoln and Stephen s capture, Empress Matilda advanced on Winchester. Henry of Blois, Bishop of Winchester and Stephen s brother, initially welcomed Matilda but when she antagonised him he changed sides. The subsequent siege of Winchester saw the bishop s men, Queen Matilda s forces, and William of Ypres trap Empress Matilda s army in the city. The Rout of Winchester followed, one of the most dramatic reversals of the Anarchy.

Questions & Answers

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