1216-17 Dover (siege)

One of most important sieges in English history. The castle was held by Hubert de Burgh against Louis of France who had invaded England at the behest of the rebel barons. The failure to capture such a strategically important castle was a major set-back for Louis. The siege featured many aspects of siege warfare: attempted bribery; siege engines; mining. The French captured Dover’s barbican and undermined the main gate (subsequently rebuilt and blocked) but the defenders built a barricade and drove back the French. Evidence of mining tunnels can still be seen.

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Lord Bingham

Master of the Rolls (1992-1996)

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