Lincoln castle was a large and strong one that
could hold its own against the most modern of siege weapons and house a
considerable garrison. A force based in Lincoln castle would be comparatively
safe from attack, yet could ride out to attack and raid enemy forces in the
area. It was also a strategically placed transport centre. The River Witham ran
inland from the Wash at Boston to Lincoln and although there were a few fording
places there were no bridges. For individual travellers or merchants with pack
horses the fords were good enough, but a sizeable army would have trouble
crossing a large river by a ford. The wagons carrying the supplies, heavy armour
and dismantled siege engines could not cope with bad road surfaces and muddy
fords were quite impassable. Smaller forces could make do with whatever roads
were available, but a royal army needed a bridge or a stone-built ford.
Effectively the Witham between Lincoln and Boston was impassable to an army.
Lincoln was the lowest crossing point on the river.
from "The Battle of Lincoln 1141" by Rupert Matthews.
Buy your copy HERE
Book Description
A book dedicated to the Siege of Lincoln that marked a
turning point in the Wars of Anarchy during the reign of King Stephen. A
civil war between King Stephen and his rival Empress Matilda broke out
in 1136. By 1141 England had fallen in to near anarchy with nobles using
the unrest to pursue local feuds, slaughter rivals and pillage each
other's land. In 1141 Stephen moved to capture Lincoln Castle and put
down one such recalcitrant nobleman. While there he was surprised and
attacked by a larger army led by Matilda. The ensuing battle was complex
and confused, but it ended with Stephen utterly defeated - for now.
This book follows the standard pattern set by others in the Bretwalda
Battles series. The reasons for and course of the war in question are
outlined, then detailed analyses of weapons, tactics and strategies are
given with particular reference to this battle. The course of the
battleis then followed, with comment on what there is to see at the site
today. Short biographies of the commanders are also given. The
aftermath of the battle, its effects and importance to the progress of
the war are then described. The "Bretwalda Battles" series has been
running with increasing success as ebooks for some time. Now the first
books in the series are being published in print format.
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