Events on February 2 in history

The Battle of Lincoln, at which Stephen, King of England is defeated and captured by the allies of Empress Matilda.

The First Battle of Lincoln, also historically known simply as the Battle of Lincoln, was a defining military engagement fought on 2 February 1141 in Lincoln, England. This crucial clash unfolded amidst The Anarchy, a devastating civil war that gripped England from 1135 to 1153, triggered by the succession crisis following the death of King Henry I. The principal adversaries were forces loyal to Stephen of Blois, who had claimed the English throne, and the formidable army supporting Empress Matilda, Henry I's rightful heir, led by her half-brother Robert, 1st Earl of Gloucester, and the powerful Anglo-Norman magnate Ranulf de Gernon, 4th Earl of Chester.

The strategic importance of Lincoln lay in its commanding castle, which Ranulf of Chester and his wife had secured. King Stephen had laid siege to Lincoln Castle, aiming to suppress Ranulf's rebellious hold. However, Ranulf managed to escape the siege and swiftly sought military aid from Robert of Gloucester, who mustered a substantial relief force, including a contingent of Welsh mercenaries, and marched towards Lincoln to challenge Stephen's siege.

On the morning of the battle, Stephen's forces, reportedly taken by surprise by the swift approach of the relief army, arrayed themselves outside the castle walls. Despite the numerical disadvantage and facing a determined charge by Robert of Gloucester's disciplined cavalry, King Stephen exhibited remarkable personal bravery. He fought on foot with his loyal retainers in the thick of the fray, wielding his sword and then a battle-axe even after being deserted by many of his own barons who fled the field. Ultimately, Stephen was overwhelmed by the combined forces of Gloucester and Chester. He was captured after a fierce struggle, an event that sent shockwaves across England.

Following his capture, King Stephen was imprisoned, initially at Gloucester and then famously at Bristol Castle, a stronghold of Robert of Gloucester. This significant victory for the Empress Matilda led to her effective, albeit temporary, deposition of Stephen. Matilda subsequently entered London and was proclaimed "Lady of the English" – a title she adopted as she prepared for her coronation as Queen. However, her attempt to solidify her rule was short-lived. Her increasingly autocratic style and failure to garner widespread support, particularly from the citizens of London, soon alienated key figures. Within a matter of months, she was forced to flee London after opposition escalated, culminating in the "Rout of Winchester" later that year, where Robert of Gloucester himself was captured. This turn of events led to a crucial prisoner exchange, with Stephen being released in November 1141 in return for the Earl of Gloucester, effectively reinstating him as King.

While the First Battle of Lincoln initially shifted the balance of power dramatically in favour of Empress Matilda, its immediate impact on the overall trajectory of The Anarchy was ultimately a temporary one. Stephen's restoration meant the civil war dragged on for another decade until the Treaty of Wallingford in 1153 finally established Henry Plantagenet, Matilda's son, as Stephen's successor, bringing a close to the devastating conflict and paving the way for the Plantagenet dynasty.

Frequently Asked Questions About the First Battle of Lincoln

What was the primary cause of the First Battle of Lincoln?

The battle was primarily a relief effort by Empress Matilda's forces to break King Stephen's siege of Lincoln Castle, which was held by Ranulf de Gernon, 4th Earl of Chester, a powerful magnate who had previously supported Stephen but rebelled against him.

Who were the main commanders in the battle?

On King Stephen's side, he led his own forces. For Empress Matilda, the army was commanded by her influential half-brother, Robert, 1st Earl of Gloucester, and Ranulf de Gernon, 4th Earl of Chester.

What was the immediate consequence of King Stephen's capture?

Stephen's capture led to his imprisonment and a brief period where Empress Matilda was acknowledged as "Lady of the English," effectively seizing control of the kingdom. However, her rule was short-lived, and Stephen was released later that year in a prisoner exchange.

How did the First Battle of Lincoln impact The Anarchy?

While a significant victory for Matilda, the battle did not end The Anarchy. It temporarily swung momentum in her favour, but the civil war continued for over a decade. Stephen's eventual release and re-establishment as king meant the conflict persisted until the Treaty of Wallingford in 1153.