The Battle of Fornham

"A Hard and Grievous Battle; the Siege of Haughley Castle and the Battle of Fornham in 1173"

An exciting illustrated lecture and walk around the battle site, bringing to life little-known but crucial events in Suffolk 850 years ago.

Historian Dr Mike Walker will talk about this almost forgotten, but hugely significant battle, which ended the revolt against Henry II. The talk will be preceded by a tour of the battlefield, on the Lark’s floodplain, which is now the hotel’s golf course and is rich in archaeology.

The Battle

The Battle of Fornham was fought on 17 October 1173, near Bury St Edmunds, as part of the Revolt of 1173–74, a major uprising against King Henry II led by his sons and supported by various disgruntled nobles. It was a turning point in Henry's eventual victory in the Great Revolt.

These events are packed with dramatic incidents and populated with extraordinary people! It covers in particular the invasion of Suffolk by Robert de Beaumont, Earl of Leicester and his army of Flemish mercenaries, his campaign across Suffolk, the successful siege and fall of Haughley Castle, the role of Bury St Edmunds and of Saint Edmund's body and banner, and in detail the events of the Battle of Fornham.

Our Speaker and Battlefield Guide

Dr Mike Walker read History at Corpus Christi College, Cambridge University, where he also took his PhD. He has taught in Universities and schools, lectured in the United States, was Headmaster of King Edward VI Grammar School, Chelmsford, and then of Felsted School in Essex. He has also lectured at the Judge Business School, Cambridge University. Since retirement to Suffolk he has written a history of events in Suffolk in 1173 and has been a regular contributor of items on a wide range of Suffolk history topics to BBC Radio Suffolk. He is a very experienced speaker who receives excellent reviews, and is passionate about history and making the past accessible to all!

Format

We begin with a walk around the battlefield, which is now the hotel's golf course. Golf is suspended for the duration of our walk, for our safety!

The talk will then take place in a meeting room overlooking the battle site. Mike will tell the story of the battle, and the events leading up to and following it. Coffee will be proviced.

Mike’s book of about the battle will be on sale after the talk and tour.

Some of us have been to a previous talk by Mike on this topic, at this venue, and it was excellent and engaging (as is his book!)

Booking

£10 for members, £15 for non-members. Booking opens on 9th September.

Hotel Facilities

The hotel has both a café and a restaurant, either of which you may wish to have lunch in after the talk. This is not included in the ticket price. If you wish to have lunch in the restaurant, please book directly with the hotel. Click here.

Parking etc.

Detailed instructions on where to park, and where to find the lecture room will (as usual) be sent out by email to all ticket holders 2-3 days before the event.