BattlefieldsSiege of Leicester Castle 1173
Medieval

Siege of Leicester Castle 1173

1173
Leicestershire, England
Also known as: Leicester 1173 · Henry II retakes Leicester 1173
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Siege
Location
Leicestershire, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Robert Earl of Leicester (rebel)
VS
Victor
Henry II loyalists
Outcome
Castle fell to loyalists; town burned by the earl before he fled to France
The Battle

History & Significance

The Earl of Leicester was one of the most dangerous rebel barons of the 1173 revolt. When he left for France to recruit mercenaries, he burned Leicester town to deny it to Henry. The castle was subsequently secured by royal forces, demonstrating that the rebellion lacked sufficient home support to hold the Midlands.

Forces Involved

Royal: Richard de Lucy and Humphrey de Bohun with feudal levies

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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