Battle of Wilton facts for kids

The Battle of Wilton was an important fight during a civil war in England called The Anarchy. It happened on July 1, 1143, in a place called Wilton in Wiltshire. King Stephen's army was staying at Wilton Abbey. They were suddenly attacked by an army led by Robert, Earl of Gloucester. King Stephen's army lost the battle, but the king managed to get away.

Why Did the Battle Happen?

The Fight for the Throne

After King Henry I of England died in 1135, there was a big problem. Henry had said his daughter, Empress Matilda, should be the next ruler. But his nephew, Stephen of Blois, quickly came to England and said he should be king instead.

Stephen got support from important people in London and the church. He also took control of the royal money at Winchester. Stephen was crowned king in December 1135.

Matilda's Challenge

By 1138, Empress Matilda had many supporters. Her half-brother, Robert, Earl of Gloucester, led her side. They believed Matilda should be queen. This started a long civil war, which is a war between people from the same country. This war was called The Anarchy.

The fighting lasted for many years. Finally, in 1153, a peace agreement was made. King Stephen agreed that Matilda's son, Henry, would become king after him.

The War of Sieges

Moving Towards Wilton

By 1142, both sides in the civil war were careful. They did not want to risk big open battles. Instead, the war became about sieges. A siege is when an army surrounds a castle or town to try and capture it.

Empress Matilda's strongholds were mostly in southwest England. So, many of the sieges happened in that area.

In 1143, King Stephen wanted to make his power stronger in the west country. He marched towards Wareham, a port that Matilda's side used to get supplies from Normandy. Wareham was too strong for Stephen to capture.

So, he changed his plan and headed towards Salisbury. On his way, he stopped at Wilton Abbey. He was waiting for more soldiers to arrive from Winchester before attacking Salisbury.

The Battle at Wilton Abbey

A Surprise Attack

While King Stephen was at Wilton Abbey, getting his army ready, Earl Robert launched a surprise attack. It happened at sunset on July 1, 1143.

Stephen tried to escape the abbey. But Earl Robert's cavalry (soldiers on horseback) charged. Stephen's army was pushed back and scattered. In the darkness, Stephen managed to get away from the abbey, which was burning.

William Martel's Stand

King Stephen's steward, William Martel, stayed behind. He fought to delay Earl Robert's soldiers. This brave action helped King Stephen escape. After the battle, Earl Robert's forces looted and burned houses in Wilton.

What Happened Next?

Sherborne Castle Changes Hands

After the battle, King Stephen had to give up Sherborne Castle to Earl Robert. This was the price to get William Martel, who had been captured, back. Sherborne Castle was a very important place for the king in the west country.

Because Stephen lost Sherborne, Earl Robert's power grew. His control now stretched from the Bristol Channel all the way to the south coast of Dorset.

A Standoff Continues

After Wilton, the civil war became a stalemate. This means neither side could win a clear victory. King Stephen could not gain more power in the west country. Empress Matilda also could not expand her power beyond that region. The long civil war continued for several more years.