Siege of Bristol

Siege of Bristol Part of Despenser wars Isabella oversees the siege. Date 18–26 October 1326 Location Bristol, England Result Isabella and Mortimer's victory Belligerents Marcher Lords Royalists Commanders and leaders Isabella of France Roger Mortimer Edward II of England Hugh Despenser the Elder † Strength 1,500 unknown Casualties and losses unknown unknown

In Siege of Bristol (18–26 October 1326) Bristol was besieged by the forces of Isabella of France and Roger Mortimer, 1st Earl of March during the Despenser wars. Isabella and Mortimer's forces fought the garrison under Hugh Despenser the Elder for 8 days in a siege. They captured the fort after several attacks.

Siege of Bristol

Hugh Despenser the Elder was expecting an attack by the rebels. He ordered his walls be double-positioned with archers, and for the civilians to relocate inside of the castle. Isabella's troops were prepared to march. Isabella personally marched to the castle and began to attack it on 18 October. Her troops were mowed down by longbow, but she continued to charge. The Despenser's garrison held out against several more assaults. Again, Isabella continued her attacks. Her forces used battering rams to break down the gates, and Isabella rescued her daughters, Eleanor of Woodstock and Joan of the Tower from Despenser's custody.^[1] After one final attack, Despenser was forced to surrender, and was hanged the next day. Isabella's men had taken the greatest city in western England.

Aftermath

Isabella captured the city of Cardiff near the Welsh Border on 16 November, after she established a base at Hereford. Her campaign was a success, and it ended the Despenser wars. Hugh Despenser the younger and Edmund Fitzalan were captured. Fitzalan was executed on November 17 by hanging, and Despenser was hanged on 24 November. With the end of the war, Edward II died, either murdered or died in prison.

References

1. Doherty, p.92; Weir, pp233-4>.

Coordinates: 51°27′21″N 2°35′13″W / 51.4558°N 2.5869°W