Map Description

History Map of Northern England


Illustrating

The Anglo-Norman Rebellion 1173-1174

Leicester's Invasion
Robert de Breteuil, commonly known as Robert Blanchemains (meaning "White Hands" in French, or Robert the Whitehanded), or Robert de Beaumont, was the third earl of Leicester. He lived 1121-1190 and joined Henry the Young King in his rebellion against his father Henry II.

In more detail:
When the revolt led by Henry the Young King broke out in April 1173, Robert aligned himself with the young king and took refuge in his castle at Breteuil, Normandy. The rebellion aimed to seize control of the duchy from Henry II. However, the king personally besieged Breteuil, forcing Robert to flee as the castle fell on September 25 or 26, 1173.

Following this defeat, Robert traveled to Flanders to gather mercenaries.

He returned to England on September 29, 1173, and joined forces with Hugh Bigod, 1st Earl of Norfolk. Their objective was to split England in two and relieve the siege on Leicester Castle. Unfortunately, they were intercepted and defeated at the Battle of Fornham on October 17, 1173. Robert was captured along with his wife and many others.

- Principal Fortress

- Castle

- Approximate border of Cumbria (Scottish to 1092)

- Modern border

Go here to read Jordan Fantosme's Chronicle of the War Between the English and the Scots in 1173 and 1174

Scroll down to Lines 813 - 1100.

Credits

Courtesy of the United States Military Academy Department of History.

Related Maps

Map of England and France 1069-1135

Map of England and France 1455-1494

Related Links

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