Windsor Castle's Fortunes: Siege and Conquest

Windsor Castle, one of the oldest and most famous castles in the world, has a rich and turbulent history. This storied structure, completed around 1070, has seen numerous sieges over the centuries. A prime example is the besieging and the eventual capture of the castle during the tumultuous period of English history. Two notable sieges during the 12th and 13th centuries demonstrate its significance in the narrative of the English monarchy and its conflicts.

The First Siege: 1193

In 1193, just four years after the death of King William I, the castle found itself at the heart of political turmoil. King Richard I, known as 'the Lionheart,' had been taken captive while on crusade in the Holy Land. Held initially by Leopold of Austria and later by the Holy Roman Emperor, Richard was effectively a hostage for ransom. During this time, Richard's brother, John, began to assert his claims to the throne, leading to a power struggle.

As a response, William Marshal, a trusted regent, took a force to Windsor to siege the castle. However, on April 1193, John's mother, Eleanor of Aquitaine, took control of Windsor Castle. The elevation of Eleanor to the position of Queen Mother significantly affected this situation, as she played a pivotal role in the political landscape of the time.

The existence of Eleanor of Aquitaine's tomb at Fontevraud Abbey in France serves as a stark reminder of her influence. Eleanor's background as a former Queen of France added a complex layer to the power dynamics in England during this period.

The Second Siege: 1215–1216

The most significant siege in Windsor Castle's history occurred during the First Baron's War, just a few years after the Magna Carta was signed. This conflict originated from King John I's failure to uphold the terms of the Magna Carta, thus again leading to political unrest and rebellion.

The First Baron's War saw King John I, now the actual king, break his vow and initiate a new round of hostilities. Frustrated and seeking revenge, John, now King John I, launched an incursion with a mercenary army, aiming to crush the rebellious barons. However, these barons turned to the power of their French ally, Philip II, for assistance.

In a critical move, the barons promised the throne to Prince Louis of France, thereby compelling Louis to invade England with a large army. This invasion led to a swift control of most of England, except for Windsor and Dover castles, which remained bastions of resistance. The barons laid siege to Windsor Castle, which was under the command of Engelard de Cygony at the time.

The siege of Windsor lasted approximately two months. During this period, various factors influenced the outcome. According to historical accounts, the baron army either withdrew to pursue a Welsh army under King John's command or were bribed to end the siege. Regardless of the precise reason, Windsor Castle emerged victorious, standing as a testament to its strength and strategic importance.

The second siege at Windsor Castle remains a poignant reminder of the tumultuous times in English history when political intrigue and military conflict were intertwined. This event not only underscores the castle's role in pivotal moments of the English monarchy but also highlights the complexities of medieval warfare and governance.