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.
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