Battlefields›Siege of Orford Castle 1173
Medieval

Siege of Orford Castle 1173

1173
Suffolk, England
Also known as: Orford 1173
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Siege
Location
Suffolk, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Rebel supporters
VS
Victor
Royal forces
Outcome
Newly completed castle successfully held for Henry II
The Battle

History & Significance

Orford Castle, built by Henry II specifically to counter Bigod power in Suffolk, withstood the 1173-1174 revolt and proved the value of royal castle-building.

Forces Involved

Royal forces: c.500–800 men. Rebel garrison: c.50–100 men.

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

Protected heritage nearby

Scheduled Monuments near Siege of Orford Castle 1173

Orford Castle with adjoining quarry and remains of 20th century look-out post
Scheduled monument · ~0.3 miles
Orford Ness: the Atomic Weapons Research Establishment test buildings and associated structures
Scheduled monument · ~1.4 miles
Bowl barrow in Tunstall Forest, 900m west of Blacklands Farm
Scheduled monument · ~2.4 miles
Bowl barrow in Tunstall Forest, 1300m south of Heath Cottages
Scheduled monument · ~3 miles
Bowl barrow on Iken Heath, 620m north of Fazeboons
Scheduled monument · ~3.2 miles
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