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.
Death of William of Dover
After capturing the commandant of Malmesbury and sending him as a prize to the Empress, William of Dover suddenly abandoned his evil ways and departed to die in Palestine.
Death of Geoffrey de Mandeville
Geoffrey de Mandeville, the worst of England’s troublers, who had accepted titles from both sovereigns while serving neither, met his death in the summer of 1144 in a skirmish wit…
Death of Robert of Marmion
Robert of Marmion, Mandeville’s fellow-sinner, was soon slain by the earl of Chester’s men at the gates of Bath Abbey, which he had desecrated.
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