Philip of Gloucester at Cricklade
Philip of Gloucester, Earl Robert’s son, took William of Dover’s place at Cricklade but was so hard pressed by the Oxford garrison that he called his father for aid.
Siege of Farringdon Castle
Robert built a great castle at Farringdon in support of his son, but Stephen besieged it with such vigour that its defenders were compelled to surrender.
Philip Defects to Stephen
Young Philip of Gloucester went over to Stephen and turned his arms against his own father, marking the rapid disintegration of the Angevin party.
Earl of Chester Submits at Stamford
The earl of Chester came to meet Stephen at Stamford, humbly apologizing for his rebellion and seeking to prove his repentance by recovering Bedford for the king, accompanying him…
Building of Crowmarsh
As proof of his renewed loyalty, Ralf of Chester helped Stephen build a fortress at Crowmarsh to contain the garrison of Wallingford.
Crisis at Northampton
In summer 1146, mutual distrust between Ralf and the king reached a crisis at Northampton when Ralf requested Stephen’s help against the Welsh.
Arrest of Ralf of Chester
When Stephen’s barons answered that he would only aid Ralf if the earl surrendered his castles and gave hostages, Ralf refused indignantly.…
Surrender of Lincoln
Among the castles Ralf surrendered to regain his freedom was Lincoln, the one Stephen valued most.
Stephen’s Triumph at Lincoln
Triumphant at last, Stephen resolved to hold his midwinter feast in Lincoln—defying the old superstition forbidding any English king to appear in regal state within its walls.…
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