Books
Battle
First Battle of Lincoln
1141 CE
The Battle of Lincoln was fought on 2 February 1141 between King Stephen's army and forces supporting Empress Matilda. The opposition army included Robert of Gloucester and Ranulf of Chester, while Welsh troops also fought in the campaign. Stephen was defeated and captured after fighting in the centre of the battle.
His imprisonment transformed the political situation and allowed Matilda to press her claim to rule England. Her advantage proved temporary, but Lincoln was one of the decisive reversals of The Anarchy and led directly to further conflict around London and Winchester.
Dead Man's Ransom begins with the consequences of the battle, including prisoners taken during the fighting and negotiations for their exchange. Ellis Peters brings the national struggle into Shropshire through Welsh participants and the capture of the county sheriff.
