BattlefieldsSiege of Northampton Castle — The Anarchy 1140
Medieval

Siege of Northampton Castle — The Anarchy 1140

1140
Northamptonshire, England
Also known as: Northampton Castle Anarchy · Stephen and Matilda Northamptonshire
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Siege
Location
Northamptonshire, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Varied
VS
Victor
Varied (castle changed hands)
Outcome
Northampton changed hands between Stephen and Matilda\'s supporters during the Anarchy
The Battle

History & Significance

Northampton Castle was an important Midlands stronghold during the civil war of Stephen and Matilda. Its position controlling the Nene crossing and the main road network of the East Midlands made it strategically vital. The castle was held at various points by supporters of both sides, contributing to the general devastation of Northamptonshire documented in the Peterborough Chronicle\'s famous account of the terrors of the Anarchy: the nineteen long winters when Christ and his saints slept.

Forces Involved

Baronial forces supporting Stephen or Matilda; castle garrison

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

Aubrey Research

Explore the landscape around Northamptonshire

Aubrey generates in-depth historical research for any location in Britain — drawing on Domesday records, scheduled monuments, Victorian OS maps, geological data and archaeological archives to tell the full story of a place.

Research a location near Northamptonshire