BattlefieldsSiege of Dover Castle — First Phase 1216
Medieval

Siege of Dover Castle — First Phase 1216

1216
Kent, England
Also known as: Dover Castle 1216 first assault · Louis the Dauphin attacks Dover
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Siege
Location
Kent, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
French (Louis the Dauphin)
Forces
Dover garrison (de Burgh): c. 150-250.
VS
Victor
Defenders (Hubert de Burgh)
Forces
French besiegers (Louis): c. 2,000-3,500
Outcome
Initial French assault repulsed; mine collapsed northern gateway but the breach was not exploited
The Battle

History & Significance

When the Dauphin Louis invaded England in 1216 at the invitation of the rebel barons, he besieged Dover Castle held by Hubert de Burgh with a small but determined garrison. Louis had a mine driven under the north gateway, collapsing a tower, but Hubert held the breach. This first phase of the siege ended when Louis moved on London — a strategic error that allowed Hubert to remain as a thorn in the French flank. The castle's resistance was crucial to eventual English victory.

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

Aubrey Research

Explore the landscape around Kent

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 Kent