BattlefieldsSiege of Lincoln Castle 1141
Medieval

Siege of Lincoln Castle 1141

1141
England
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Stephen
Forces
Earl Ranulf and Robert of Gloucester relief army from the west
VS
Victor
Earl Ranulf and Robert of Gloucester
Forces
Stephen besieging Lincoln Castle
Outcome
Stephen besieged Lincoln Castle; relief army arrived and defeated him; Stephen captured; Empress briefly dominant
The Battle

History & Significance

The crisis at Lincoln Castle in January 1141 arose when Earl Ranulf of Chester occupied the castle by a ruse and Stephen was persuaded to come and besiege it. The besieging of Lincoln by Stephen allowed the Earl of Gloucester to march to its relief with Welsh allies, and the confrontation produced the Battle of Lincoln in February 1141 where Stephen was captured. The castle thus became the pivot of the entire war.

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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