Week 2 French Occupation in 1216
THREAD 👇
THREAD 👇
King John’s tumultuous reign had a destructive impact not only on Winchester Castle but the city beyond.
During the First Barons' War, rebellious magnates invited, Louis, son of Philip II of France, to take the English throne.
During the First Barons' War, rebellious magnates invited, Louis, son of Philip II of France, to take the English throne.
After successfully taking London in June 1216, Louis advanced to Winchester to capture the King. Upon hearing this, John fled Winchester, leaving the castle under the command of Savaric de Mauléon.
With the French army quickly approaching the city, Mauléon attempted to slow his enemy’s advance by starting a fire before joining John in hiding. The inferno soon swept through the city, severely damaging much of its structures.
Despite the garrison’s remarkable efforts in resisting the constant barrage from French siege engines, Mauléon surrendered the castle 10 days later.
The damage to Winchester Castle’s defensive walls was so extensive that the efforts of the French occupying army to patch any breaches with oak palisades were in vain. In 1217, Winchester Castle would be retaken in the name of Henry III, King John’s son.
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