BattlefieldsSiege of Rochester Castle 1264 — Simon de Montfort
Medieval

Siege of Rochester Castle 1264 — Simon de Montfort

1264
Kent, England
Also known as: Rochester 1264 siege · De Montfort takes Rochester
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Siege
Location
Kent, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Royalists (Rochester garrison)
Forces
Royalist garrison c.200–400; Second Barons' War siege.
VS
Victor
Simon de Montfort (baronial)
Forces
De Montfort besiegers c.1,500–2,500
Outcome
Castle taken; Medway crossing secured; road to Lewes opened
The Battle

History & Significance

In the spring of 1264, as the Second Barons War built toward its climax, Simon de Montfort besieged and captured Rochester Castle. Control of the Medway crossing at Rochester was essential to secure de Montfort's eastern flank and prevent royalist reinforcement from the continent or from Kent. The siege's success opened the way for the baronial march south to Lewes where Henry III and Prince Edward were captured in May 1264.

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