Sunday, 2 February 2025

Equal to a thunderbolt


On this day in 1141 King Stephen was defeated and captured at the Battle of Lincoln. Roger of Hoveden gives a vivid account of his capture:

"Then was seen the might of the king, equal to a thunderbolt, slaying some with his immense battle-axe, and striking others down.

Then arose the shouts afresh, all rushing against him and him against all. At length through the number of the blows, the king's battle-axe was broken asunder. Instantly, with his right hand, drawing his sword, well worthy of a king, he marvellously waged the combat, until the sword as well was broken asunder.

On seeing this William Kahamnes [i.e. William de Keynes], a most powerful knight, rushed upon the king, and seizing him by the helmet, cried with a loud voice, "Hither, all of you come hither! I have taken the king!"

Stephen was said to be a mild man, soft and good, who did no justice, but none every doubted his courage. Lincoln resolved nothing: later in the year he was exchanged for Robert of Gloucester, the Empress Maud's half-brother, and the war rattled on.

Attached is a near-contemporary image of the battle from the Historia Anglorum.

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