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New booklet commemorates the great siege of Bedford Castle

Bedfordshire Times 27th June 1985

The siege of Bedford Castle began on the 20th June 1224 as a result of the actions of the Norman mercenary Falkes de Breaute.  Falkes was a favourite of King John and was found guilty by three judges of pillage and plunder in the local area. His reply was to imprison one judge in Bedford Castle. King Henry III therefore laid siege to Bedford Castle determined to punish Falkes for his actions.

The siege ended on the 14th August 1224 with the capture of the castle. The defenders were hanged but Falkes de Breaute had escaped leaving the defence of the castle to his brother William. Although Falkes was later captured, his life was spared and he was exiled. He died two years later in France, after eating fish for supper; the fish was said to have been poisoned.

Bedfordshire Times
Published with permission
www.bedfordtoday.co.uk

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