BattlefieldsSiege of Winchester Castle 1141
Medieval

Siege of Winchester Castle 1141

1141
Hampshire, England
Also known as: Winchester 1141 · Anarchy siege of Winchester
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Siege
Location
Hampshire, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Matilda and Robert of Gloucester
Forces
Queen Matilda and William of Ypres: Flemish mercenaries
VS
Victor
King Stephen (castle) vs Matilda (city temporarily)
Forces
Matilda and Robert of Gloucester: significant force
Outcome
Matilda held Winchester briefly after Lincoln but was expelled by Stephen loyalists holding the castle; precipitated the Rout of Winchester
The Battle

History & Significance

After capturing Stephen at Lincoln in February 1141, Matilda entered Winchester and was recognised as Lady of the English. However Stephen supporters still held the castle and called in the queen. The subsequent fighting led to the Rout of Winchester and the capture of Robert of Gloucester, forcing a prisoner exchange that freed Stephen.

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

Aubrey Research

Explore the landscape around Hampshire

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 Hampshire