BattlefieldsSiege of Colchester Castle 1216
Medieval

Siege of Colchester Castle 1216

1216
Essex, England
Also known as: Colchester 1216 · French at Colchester 1216
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Siege
Location
Essex, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Royal garrison
Forces
Garrison: royal troops under constable
VS
Victor
Louis of France
Forces
French: Louis of France with baronial allies
Outcome
Colchester Castle fell to Louis as he consolidated control of East Anglia
The Battle

History & Significance

Colchester Castle, with its immense Norman keep — the largest in England — was a formidable prize. Its fall to Louis in 1216 gave him control of eastern England and seemed to confirm his path to conquest. The great keep survived intact and remains the largest Norman keep in Britain.

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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