Siege of Bristol (1326) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Siege of Bristol
Part of Invasion of England (1326)
Isabella oversees the siege.
Date 18–26 October 1326 Location Bristol, England Result Contrariants' victory
Belligerents
Royalists	Contrariants
Commanders and leaders
Earl of Winchester	Queen Isabella Earl of March Earl of Leicester Earl of Norfolk Earl of Kent
Strength
unknown	1,500
Casualties and losses
unknown	unknown

The Siege of Bristol happened in October 1326. It was a big event during the 1326 Invasion of England. The city of Bristol was attacked by the forces of Queen Isabella and Roger Mortimer. They fought against the soldiers defending Bristol, who were led by Hugh Despenser the Elder. The siege lasted for eight days. Isabella and Mortimer's forces eventually captured the city after many attacks.

What Happened During the Siege?

Hugh Despenser the Elder knew an attack was coming. He made sure the city walls were ready. He ordered many archers to stand on the walls. He also told all the people living in Bristol to move inside the castle for safety.

Queen Isabella's army was prepared to march. Isabella herself led her troops to the castle. They began their attack on October 18. Despenser's archers fired many arrows, but Isabella's troops kept pushing forward.

Despenser's soldiers bravely defended the castle against several more attacks. But Isabella did not give up. Her forces used large battering rams to try and break down the castle gates. During the fighting, Isabella was able to rescue her daughters, Eleanor of Woodstock and Joan of the Tower. They had been held by Despenser.

After one final, strong attack, Despenser had to give up. He surrendered the castle. The next day, he was hanged. Isabella's army had successfully taken Bristol, which was a very important city in western England at that time.

What Happened Next?

After the siege, Queen Isabella set up her main camp in Hereford. This city was close to the Welsh Border. Her campaign was a great success. It helped to end the civil war that was happening in England.

Two important figures, Hugh Despenser the younger and Edmund Fitzalan, were captured. Fitzalan died on November 17. Despenser the younger died on November 24.

With the war over, Edward II was removed from his position as king by the parliament. He was put in prison. Later, he died in Berkeley Castle under mysterious circumstances.

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