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12662016 THE SIEGE OF

THE SIEGE OF KENILWORTH 750th anniversary souvenir programme CONTENTS Foreword by Cllr Richard Davies, Mayor of Kenilworth

In 2016 Kenilworth The commemoration also gives us the 12662016 commemorates the opportunity to celebrate Kenilworth’s THE SIEGE OF KENILWORTH Foreword 3 750th anniversary community spirit and I am delighted of the Siege of by the number of local people and Commemorative Kenilworth. It was organisations that are choosing to mark a momentous, yet the occasion with special events and events and activities 4 still relatively little activities. Please give them your support. known, event in Things to see and do Kenilworth’s history, the story of which I would like to thank Kenilworth Historical

in Kenilworth 6 you will find inside this booklet. and Archaeology Society for their support in writing this booklet. Thank The siege was last celebrated in you also to English Heritage for the The Siege of the town in 1966 and in 2016 it is photography. Without their contributions Kenilworth timeline 10 worthy of further recognition. this booklet would not exist.

It gives Kenilworth an opportunity to 750 years ago Kenilworth was at the The Siege of Kenilworth 8 reflect on its history and to showcase centre of a long and bloody civil war some of the features that give the in Britain. We are fortunate today town its unique identity. Kenilworth is to live in more peaceful times. a wonderful town in which many of us are lucky to live and work and the Let us reflect on the past, enjoy siege anniversary gives us the chance the present and look forward to share the town with others. to Kenilworth’s future.

3 COMMEMORATIVE EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES

The Summer of Siege Kenilworth Carnival at Kenilworth Saturday 2 July Various dates Kenilworth Town Centre and and Abbey Fields The Siege of Kenilworth – The Bonfire Elizabethan Garden Join the fun of a siege themed carnival. The Town Commemoration and Fireworks Gala Saturday 27 August Saturday 5 November Kenilworth Castle hosts a range Expect rebel forces and the King’s Abbey Fields Kenilworth Castle of mediaeval themed activities men. Whose side are you on? Join us in Abbey Fields and meet King Set in front of the magnificent for all the family throughout the Henry III as he prepares for the siege. ruins of Kenilworth Castle, enjoy a summer months, including circus See how the Dictum of Kenilworth special evening of fireworks set to performers and arts and crafts. Knights and Tuesday 9 to Thursday 11 August would have been created and learn a backdrop of lights and music. Kenilworth Library more about life in 1266 as the scene Commemorating the Siege 1966 Art workshop series with Steve Smallman. is set for the siege to follow. From July 2016 10.30am-3pm each day (ages 8-11). Old Town Christmas Light Switch Kenilworth Library On presents a Mediaeval Christmas Share memories as the library service The Siege of Kenilworth Castle Friday 2 December hosts an exhibition remembering Siege! Sunday 28 and Monday 29 August High St Tuesday 23 to Thursday 25 August how the siege was commemorated Kenilworth Castle and The always popular light switch-on Kenilworth Library in Kenilworth 50 years ago. Elizabethan Garden event will feature a mediaeval twist. Dance workshop series with The Summer Extravaganza! The biggest Motionhouse Dance Company. show at Kenilworth Castle since 1266. 10.30am-3pm each day (ages 12 to 15). See the siege encampments, meet the Churches Together soldiers and learn more about what life Thanksgiving Service during the siege was like. With flaming Sunday 11 December trebuchets and battle re-enactments St. Nicholas Church, High St this is a show you won’t want to miss! Churches Together marks the end of the events commemorating the 750th anniversary of the Siege and Dictum of Kenilworth with a service of thanksgiving.

4 5 THINGS TO SEE AND 1 Kenilworth Castle The stronghold of Simon de Montfort, Kenilworth Castle hosted the rebel DO IN KENILWORTH forces between 1265 and 1266 as they fought the King and his men. Enjoy a range of mediaeval themed events and activities at Kenilworth Castle throughout 2016. Don’t miss 3 the spectacular recreation of the siege taking place on 28 and 29 August!

6 5 2 Kenilworth Abbey and Museum 1 A Priory in mediaeval times, 2 Kenilworth’s Abbey, though now in ruins, is likely to have hosted the King and the many other important people during the Siege in 1266. It is also the site at which historians believe the Parliament would have been held. Visit the Barn Museum between June and mid-September where a special 4 siege exhibition will be on show. The town will also be commemorating the siege on 27 August with an event in Abbey Fields where visitors will be able meet King Henry III as he prepares for the siege of the castle.

6 7 3 Parliament Piece 5 St. Nicholas Church Now a nature reserve, Parliament Kenilworth’s oldest church first Piece has long been thought of referred to in 1281 just a few years locally as the site at which King after the Siege of Kenilworth. Henry III held his Parliament. An During the siege weekend in August, interpretation board at the site the church will be displaying High explains more about the site’s history Mass vestments. The church and its current management. will also be hosting a service of thanksgiving to mark the end of the siege events in December.

4 Kenilworth Library The library service will be marking the 750th anniversary of the siege with an exhibition about life in Kenilworth in 1966 – the last time the town marked 6 Castle Hill the event during the 700th anniversary! Cardinal Ottobuono excommunicated There will be a series of talks the rebels from Castle Hill. The between July and December, document from which the Cardinal as well as workshops for young read was a Papal Bull and Castle Hill people during the summer holidays. remains known locally as Bull Hill. Participants will take part in the town celebrations on 27 August.

8 9 June 1266 King Henry III and THE SIEGE OF KENILWORTH - his men march on Kenilworth and the Siege of TIMELINE 1264 Kenilworth begins. The Second Barons War begins July 1266 The representative of as the King fails the Pope in England to to the excommunicates the changes agreed 1258 rebels in the Castle. Powerful in the Provision of landowners, known Oxford. The war as Barons, become August 1266 pits the King’s men 1265 A Parliament takes unhappy with the The Royal Army against the armies place in Kenilworth rule of King Henry defeats the Barons’ 1230 of the Barons. to find a way to end Simon de Montfort, III. They force army at the Battle the siege peacefully. future Earl of reforms - known of . Simon The Dictum of Leicester, arrives in as the Provisions de Montfort is killed Kenilworth is agreed England. He later of Oxford which and power returns which sets out the marries the sister reduce the power to King Henry III. terms of surrender. of King Henry. of the King.

1216 1253 1264 1265 October 1266 King Henry III King Henry III The Barons’ The surviving The rebels reject the becomes King gives Kenilworth army defeats the rebel army retreat Dictum of Kenilworth. of England. Castle to Simon Royal Army at the to Kenilworth de Montfort Battle of Lewes. Castle. King Henry November 1266 and his wife. Simon de Montfort III offers them Fighting continues becomes virtual several chances but disease and ruler of England. to surrender the famine start to Castle but these affect the rebels are turned down. in the Castle. December 1266 The siege ends. The rebels surrender and accept the terms of the Dictum. 10 11 The Whose side are you on? To understand the background to the Despite the fact that Simon de Montfort Siege of Kenilworth, we need to know and King Henry were very different something of the main characters people, they got on well. However concerned, King Henry III and Simon de by 1258, Henry’s rule had become Montfort, and the events that led up to it. unpopular with his barons, including Simon, because of his abuse of power, Henry III became King in 1216 when his expensive overseas campaigns, he was only nine years of age. high taxation and his growing reliance on his foreign favourites for advice. From 1232 Henry ruled England personally, investing heavily in a A group of his barons - including Simon handful of his favourite palaces and De Montfort - forced the King to make castles, including Kenilworth Castle. changes to how he ran the country and reformed the royal government In the feudal hierarchy of mediaeval through a process called the Provisions England, Henry ruled the country of Oxford which took some of the supported by his barons. One of these King’s power away from him. barons’ was Simon de Montfort. The King ignored the Provisions of Simon de Montfort was born at Montfort- Oxford. This led to civil war – the second l’Amaury, France, around 1208 and came Barons War of the 13th century - where to England in 1230 to regain the earldom the armies of the King battled for of Leicester which had once been held power against the armies of the Barons by his family. He found favour with King – now led by Simon de Montfort. Henry III, became Earl of Leicester and married Eleanor, the King’s sister. In May 1264 The Battle of Lewes took place. At Lewes, King Henry Kenilworth Castle was a favourite was defeated by the Barons and family residence of the De Montforts taken prisoner along with his eldest and two of their seven children were son Edward. Simon de Montfort born there. In 1253 the King gave the became virtual leader of England. castle to Earl Simon and his wife for THE SIEGE OF KENILWORTH both their lifetimes – a generosity which he would no doubt come to regret!

12 13 Life After Lewes The Aftermath of Evesham Reeling from the loss of their leader and forced to agree to surrender King Henry struggled with his barons for The surviving rebel forces retreated at the , Simon de Kenilworth Castle to the King. However the right to rule over England. Having from Evesham to Kenilworth Castle Montfort’s surviving supporters retreated on arriving at the Castle the garrison been defeated at the Battle of Lewes in where they hoped to recover to Kenilworth Castle. King Henry commander, Henry de Hastings, 1264 his army again fought the barons and decide what to do next. attempted to negotiate the surrender of refused to hand it over the Castle the following year at Evesham where the castle but his demands for the rebels saying that he held the castle in the this time his army, led by Prince Edward, to give it back were rejected. The scene name of the Countess of Leicester and claimed victory over Simon de Montfort. was set for the Siege of Kenilworth. would only surrender it to her. Simon was then sent under guard to The Battle of Lewes in May was a In August 1265 survivors of the Battle but escaped and fled to France to resounding victory for the Barons. The of Evesham made their way back to try to raise support for the rebels. King, his son Prince Edward, and his Kenilworth Castle where Simon de brother Earl , were Montfort’s wife Eleanor was waiting In March 1266 the King sent a messenger taken prisoner. Simon de Montfort, with her younger children. The castle to Kenilworth Castle to discuss terms Earl of Leicester, ruled England in the had been kept well stocked with food with Henry de Hastings for the return of King’s name for the next 15 months. and siege equipment. Several months the castle. De Hastings, in no mood to of negotiations followed between the negotiate, gave the King his response In May 1265 Prince Edward escaped King and the rebel Barons. During this in savage fashion. The messenger from imprisonment and began the fight process, the Countess Eleanor and her returned from Kenilworth minus a to restore his father to the throne. He younger children left Kenilworth for Dover hand. The King was outraged by this organised an army and on the 4 August Castle and eventual exile in France. brutal act of defiance and assembled he led them against Simon de Montfort’s Later in 1265 Simon also left Kenilworth troops in Northampton in May 1266 army at the Battle of Evesham. to meet other supporters at Ely. as he planned his next move. On his way back to Kenilworth young Prince Edward’s army of 10,000 Simon was captured by Prince Edward outnumbered the army of Simon de Montfort by two to one. The battle became a massacre and over three quarters of the baronial army were killed including Earl Simon. The royal army had won the battle.

14 15 June 1266 - The Siege Begins July 1266 - The Defiant Rebels Having turned down the chance to - and fighting towers were brought in, The strong defences of Kenilworth make peace on King Henry’s terms, the as were barges for an assault across Castle meant the rebels successfully supporters of Simon de Montfort prepared the water that surrounded the Castle. fought off the King’s Army outside. to defend Kenilworth Castle. The King When not in his siege camp, the Intervention from the Pope did little moved his men to Kenilworth and the King is likely to have stayed in the to dampen the spirit of the rebels. Siege of Kenilworth began in June 1266. Priory with his Queen where he would have been fed and entertained. During July, on the Pope’s The King arrived outside Kenilworth instructions, Cardinal Ottobuono Castle with a vast army, vowing not to During the siege, powerful and influential excommunicated those inside the leave until he had won the Castle back. men such as the Archbishops of castle. This meant that they could Four siege camps were established Canterbury and York and a personal no longer take part in any church around the Castle commanded by representative of the Pope -the Papal services and their immortal souls King Henry, Prince Edward, Prince Legate, Cardinal Ottobuono - spent were in peril – a terrifying prospect Edmund and Roger de Mortimer. much time at Kenilworth as they tried in these dangerous times when to bring the fighting to a peaceful end. most people in England took Prepared to fight a long battle for great comfort from the Church. the Castle, the King ordered huge quantities of weapons, money, food The Cardinal read out the Papal and drink to be sent to Kenilworth. Bull, which contained the details Powerful siege machines – including Siege Trivia of excommunication, from a safe trebuchets, mangonels and ballistas Trebuchets were capable of throwing stone distance at the top of Castle Hill. balls weighing up to 300 lbs (the size of a Giant Panda) with remarkable accuracy. This act only led to a defiant response from the rebels. To show they did not care about the excommunication, they dressed up one of their men in white sheets to represent the clothes of the Pope. The rebel then stood on the battlements of the Siege Trivia During excavations at the castle in 1960 castle and called back that he had archaeologists found several such stone balls in the ‘excommunicated’ the King, the outer court which had been catapulted 350 yards (1 Cardinal and the King’s army! fifth of a mile) across the Mere and had apparently destroyed a building inside the curtain wall.

16 17 August 1266 - Parliament in Kenilworth October 1266 - The Dictum of Kenilworth As the siege continued, the Church nephew were asked to play the part of The Dictum of Kenilworth formalised The rebels rejected the terms of the asked the King to consider peaceful arbiters in case of disagreement. Their the terms of surrender. The rebels Dictum on the basis that they were ways to end the skirmish. services were called upon several times were given their last chance to unfair and they had not been given any during the tense and difficult deliberations. give up Kenilworth Castle. say in choosing the Committee. The Cardinal Ottobuono requested that the rebels continued to hold out hope that King call a Parliament at Kenilworth to Eventually an agreement was The Dictum was read out to the rebels help would come from France. The King try and end the siege through talks and reached and the terms of surrender and was also publicly proclaimed at gave the rebels 40 days of grace to negotiations. Given the people involved were set out in a document known St. Mary’s Church in the County town consider. They were told that if no word and the facilities which they would as the Dictum of Kenilworth. of on the 31 October 1266. had been received from France by 11 require, the most likely venue for this December, they must surrender or expect meeting would have been the Priory. The terms of surrender included allowing no mercy. The King and Prince Edward most of the rebels to leave the Castle prepared for an all-out final assault. The purpose of the Parliament was to unharmed. It also gave the ‘disinherited’ set up a committee of twelve men (Earls, barons the chance to buy back their Barons and senior members of the lands on payment of heavy fines set Church) to decide what steps should be on a sliding scale dependent upon taken to return peace to the land and to the extent of their involvement in the consider the case of the ‘disinherited’, war and siege. The exceptions to this as the rebels had come to be known. included the leader of the rebels, Henry Cardinal Ottobuono and the King’s Siege Trivia de Hastings and the members of the The King’s Siege Tower was known as “The Bear”. garrison who cut off the hand of the King’s messenger before the start of the Stories of the siege suggest missiles from trebuchets on both sides were siege. They were to be put in prison. Siege Trivia seen colliding in mid-air. The Dictum of Kenilworth was later incorporated into the Statute of Marlborough. The Statute of Marlborough remains the oldest piece of statute law in the United Kingdom.

18 19 November 1266 - December 1266 - The Siege Ends The rebels were finally forced to six months’ stay during which time famine and disease sets in accept the terms of the Dictum England was governed directly from of Kenilworth and surrender. Kenilworth – a situation unprecedented Starvation and disease succeeded in English mediaeval history. Kenilworth Castle’s strong defences where siege warfare had failed! meant the King’s Army continued to Despite the exclusion of Henry de struggle to take it by force. Five long On 13 December representatives of Hastings and others from the ‘benefits’ months of siege were making conditions the rebels surrendered to the King’s of the Dictum, by July 1267 Prince unbearable inside the Castle. Siege Trivia It is alleged that the rebels inside the castle army. Keeping true to the terms of the Edward had taken pity on the men as picked up and reused undamaged arrows Dictum of Kenilworth, the King granted they had sworn on the Holy Gospels to After many weeks defending Simon which had been fired by the King’s army. letters of safe conduct to the rebels to keep the peace and never bear arms de Montfort’s former stronghold, go where they wished. They left the against the King or his heirs again. conditions for the rebels inside the According to folklore King Henry III ordered a whole whale to be brought to Kenilworth to feed his army Castle with their banners still flying. Having been released, Henry de Hastings castle deteriorated very quickly. By mid- and to entice the starving rebels out of the Castle. did not keep his word. He became November food supplies were almost The Annals of Dunstable tell us that leader of the remaining “disinherited” in exhausted - the rebels had already “at the beginning of the siege there the Isle of Ely just prior to their surrender eaten their starving horses - and disease were within the castle 1,000 men and died the following year in 1268. began to spread rapidly through the – 700 of whom were armed and Castle with many deaths occurring. vigorous – plus 160 women and an unknown number of servants.” There is no record of how many survived. On 15 December 1266 the King left Kenilworth ending an almost

20 21 After the Siege Once it had been cleared up, King Henry III passed Kenilworth Castle on to family ownership. The town and its castle began the next stage of its history.

The conditions inside the castle would have been dreadful and the Sheriff of and Leicestershire was given the horrible task of having it cleared up. He was also instructed to dismantle the siege engines. The Priory was completely bankrupt, having been forced to support the King for such a very long time.

On 16 December 1266 the King granted the castle and the earldom Adverts of Leicester to his second son Prince Edmund, later also creating him . Thus began almost 200 years of Lancastrian ownership of the castle and patronage of the priory during which time both grew and prospered once more – but that is another story!

Siege Trivia In 1966 an estimated 6,000 people attended the Siege event held at Kenilworth Castle.

22 23 12662016 THE SIEGE OF KENILWORTH

English Heritage Kenilworth Carnival Kenilworth Chamber of Trade Kenilworth History and Archaeology Society Kenilworth Lions Kenilworth Round Table Kenilworth Town Centre Partnership Kenilworth Town Council Open Spaces Society Shakespeare’s England Warwickshire Library Services Warwickshire Wildlife Trust

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