BattlefieldsWark Castle Siege 1136
Medieval

Wark Castle Siege 1136

1136
Northumberland, England
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Northumberland, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Scotland/David I
Forces
William Benet garrison; Stephen marching to relieve
VS
Victor
England/Stephen
Forces
David I Scottish forces besieging
Outcome
Scots withdrew without storming; Wark held; Stephen s appearance preserved the border
The Battle

History & Significance

Wark Castle on the Tyne was besieged by David I of Scotland in 1136 as the Scots exploited the English civil war. The castle was held by William Benet for the English. Stephen marched north to relieve it and David I withdrew without giving battle, though the situation was tense. The episode illustrated how the Anarchy allowed Scottish expansion southward and forced Stephen to divide his military attention between his baronial opponents and the Scots.

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