Battle of Lincoln 1141

The first Battle of Lincoln took place on the 2nd February 1141, when the army of King Stephen that was beseiging Lincoln Castle was attacked by a relief force led by the Empress Matilda's half-brother Robert Fitzroy, 1st Earl of Gloucester.1

When Robert's army attacked most of Stephen's army fled, whilst King Stephen was captured and taken to Bristol Castle.2  However, an army loyal to Stephen, and led by his wife Matilda of Bolougne, routed the Empress Matilda at Winchester, capturing Robert Earl of Gloucester. Stephen and Robert were exchanged for each other on the 1st of November.3

• 1. Bradbury, J. Stephen and Matilda: The Civil War of 1139-53. (The History Press, 2005). p102.
• 2. ibid pp102-109
• 3. ibid pp121-125