Stephen Attacks Wareham and Oxford
Stephen Attacks Wareham and Oxford Robert had barely departed when Stephen, who since Easter had been lying sick at Northampton, swooped down upon Wareham with such speed that the…
The Strategic Importance of Oxford
The Strategic Importance of Oxford Oxford stood at the very centre of the Thames valley, the great highway leading from the eastern sea and the capital into the western shires.…
The Storming of Oxford
The Storming of Oxford Stephen broke the chain of forts Matilda’s followers had built to protect her communications—Cirencester, Bampton, and Ratcot—and led his host across the Is…
CHAPITRE VI.
Stephen blockaded Oxford castle for nearly three months until its supplies were almost exhausted, while Earl Robert returned from Normandy and landed at Wareham with some three or four hundred men-at-arms, laying siege to the castle as a diversion in his sister’s favor; when Ste…
Stephen’s Siege of Oxford Castle
Stephen avoided the wrath of S. Frideswide by not formally entering Oxford himself, leaving his troops to win the city while he focused on capturing the castle.…
Barons Gather at Wallingford
The barons who had sworn to protect Matilda, shamed by their failure, gathered at Wallingford prepared to give Stephen battle if he challenged them.…
Earl Robert Returns and Lands at Wareham
Earl Robert’s return brought hope, quickened by news of his sister’s peril. He landed at Wareham with three to four hundred Normans and easily regained the port and village.…
Siege and Surrender of Wareham
The Wareham garrison sent a message to Stephen begging him to come relieve them before a certain day or they would surrender.…
Robert’s Campaign Through Portland and Lulworth
Following the capture of Wareham, Robert proceeded to Portland and Lulworth, taking both places before issuing a summons to the Empress’s supporters.
Summons to Cirencester
Robert summoned all friends of the Empress to meet him at Cirencester, intending to unite their forces and march to rescue Matilda herself.
The Desperate Situation in Oxford Castle
With provisions nearly exhausted and no succour in sight, Matilda despaired. Christmas approached with snow thick on the ground and the river frozen fast.…
Death of Robert of Oilly
Robert of Oilly, Matilda’s faithful friend and lord of the castle, had died a fortnight before the siege began, leaving her without her most trusted defender.
Matilda’s Escape from Oxford
On a winter night, four white-robed figures descended by rope from the castle wall onto the frozen river.…
Flight to Abingdon and Wallingford
The fugitives fled five miles on foot through snow and ice. At Abingdon they took horse, and before dawn Matilda and her companions reached the safety of Brian Fitz-Count’s fortre…
Reunion at Wallingford with Her Son
At Wallingford, Matilda’s brother came to meet her with her son—a child of nine whom Geoffrey, absorbed in conquering Normandy, had sent to England in his stead.
Oxford Castle Surrenders to Stephen
The escape from Oxford was Matilda’s last exploit in the war. The castle surrendered to Stephen as soon as she departed, and she withdrew to Bristol or Gloucester, ceasing to play…
Battle Near Wilton
On July 1, 1143, Stephen and Earl Robert fought near Wilton in the last real Angevin success. The king was utterly routed, escaping capture only by headlong flight.
Death of Miles of Hereford
A severe blow fell on the Empress with the death of her trusted friend Miles of Hereford, slain on Christmas Eve not in battle but by a chance shot while hunting.
Ralf of Chester Seizes Lincoln
Early in 1144, Ralf of Chester again seized Lincoln castle, though he now fought for his own interests rather than for the Empress.
Revolt of the Barons
Hugh Bigod, Turgis of Avranches, and Geoffrey of Mandeville joined Ralf in fighting for themselves, keeping eastern England in ceaseless turmoil.…
William of Dover at Cricklade
William of Dover built a castle at Cricklade from which he ravaged the entire upper Thames valley between Oxford and Malmesbury.
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