Battlefields›Siege of Bristol Castle 1138
Medieval

Siege of Bristol Castle 1138

1138–1147
Somerset, England
Also known as: Bristol Castle Anarchy · Robert of Gloucester holds Bristol
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Siege
Location
Somerset, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
King Stephen
Forces
Garrison: Robert of Gloucester with experienced garrison
VS
Victor
Empress Matilda / Robert of Gloucester
Forces
Stephen: large royal army
Outcome
Castle held throughout the Anarchy; principal base of Matilda in England
The Battle

History & Significance

Robert of Gloucester held Bristol Castle as Empress Matildas main stronghold throughout the Anarchy, making it the strategic heart of the anti-Stephen resistance.

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

Protected heritage nearby

Scheduled Monuments near Siege of Bristol Castle 1138

Section of City Wall, King Street
Scheduled monument · ~0.1 miles
Part of Bristol city wall 185m west of Bristol Bridge
Scheduled monument · ~0.1 miles
Hermitage in Quaker burial ground near St Mary Redcliffe
Scheduled monument · ~0.4 miles
Temple Church
Scheduled monument · ~0.4 miles
Civil War defences on Brandon Hill
Scheduled monument · ~0.4 miles
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