Robert’s Formal Renunciation of Allegiance
Soon after Whitsuntide, Robert sent to the king a formal renunciation of his allegiance and to his vassals in England instructions to prepare for war.…
The General Rising of the Barons
Robert’s message proved the signal for a general rising. Geoffrey Talbot had already seized Hereford castle; in the north Eustace Fitz-John, as already noted, had joined hands wit…
Castle Holdings of the Insurgents
The insurgents immediately made ready a wide network of castles for defence or defiance. Bristol was held under Robert’s own son; Harptree under William Fitz-John; Castle Cary und…
Siege of Hereford
The full force of the blow fell on Stephen while he was trying to dislodge Geoffrey Talbot from Hereford.…
The Bishop of Bath Incident
While Stephen was occupied elsewhere, Geoffrey Talbot made an attempt on Bath but was captured and imprisoned by the bishop.…
Survey of Bristol’s Defences
A survey of the environs convinced Stephen he had undertaken a very difficult task. Bristol, encircled by two rivers, was a natural stronghold of no common order, and on the unpro…
Bristol as the Rebel Headquarters
Bristol was Earl Robert’s military capital, and under the command of his eldest son it had become the chief muster-place for all his dispossessed partisans and followers, as well…
Council of War at Bristol
Stephen held a council of war with his barons to deliberate on the best method of beginning the siege.…
March into Somerset
Abandoning Bristol, Stephen turned southward and struck across the Mendip hills into the heart of Somerset.
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