17 October 1173: Battle of Fornham

Today marks the 841st anniversary of the Battle of Fornham, as some historians say, the most decesive battle in Henry II's reign and as I say, the most humiliating defeat in Herny the Young King's Great Revolt. It was fought in England, near Bury St Edmunds, on 17 October 1173, the same year the well known Jocelin of Brakelond entered the monastery. Take a look at my last year's post about the battle and the events surrounding it here. Note that most unusually there was a woman actively involved, fully armed, fighting alongside the men (the latter must have been genuinely shocked at her brazen behaviour ;-)). You can read about this D&D (daring and determined) lady here.

Both Ms Sharon Kay Penman and Ms Elizabeth Chadwick have given a vivid description of the battle in their novels, Devil's Brood and The Time of Singing respectively.

Additionally, we have a cause for celebration. Today's post is our 100th Henry the Young King post. Hurrah! Grasping the opportunity I would like to thank all those who actively support our Henry the Young King blog. Many thanks to Ms Marsha Lambert, Ms Joan Battistuzzi, Ms Maria Grace of Random Bits of Fascination, Ms Anerje, the champion of Piers Gaveston, Ms Gabriele Campbell from the Lost Fort, Ms Gocho from Portal Strategie and Ms Ellen of Historical Ragbag, who has kindly mentioned our Lesser Land in her brilliant post on royal deaths. As always we are grateful to Ms Sharon Kay Penman, Ms Elizabeth Chadwick and Ms Kathryn Warner for their encouragement and kind support. Special "Thank you!" to Mr Malcolm Craig for being my Friend in 11th and 12th Century History.