Flight of Matilda from Oxford Castle, December 1142, siege of Oxford during the civil war known as the anarchy
Illustration by Charles Ricketts (1866–1931) from a special edition history of England published in 1903. Info from wiki: During the summer of 1142 Robert returned to Normandy to assist Geoffrey with operations against some of Stephen's remaining followers there, before returning in the autumn.[167] Matilda came under increased pressure from Stephen's forces and was surrounded at Oxford.[166] Oxford was a secure town, protected by walls and the River Isis, but Stephen led a sudden attack across the river, leading the charge and swimming part of the way.[168] Once on the other side, the King and his men stormed into the town, trapping Matilda in the castle.[168] Oxford Castle was a powerful fortress and, rather than storming it, Stephen decided to settle down for a long siege.[168] Just before Christmas, Matilda sneaked out of the castle with a handful of knights (probably via a postern gate), crossed the icy river on foot and made her escape past the royal army to safety at Wallingford, leaving the castle garrison free to surrender the next day.
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Photo credit: © Historical Images Archive / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
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