Dynastic Conflicts

Medieval Warfare
Topic 2: Dynastic Conflicts

The medieval period saw a number of dynastic conflicts beginning with The Anarchy of the 12th century (1135 to 1154).

This was initially a civil war between two rival claimants to the throne; King Stephen and the Empress Maude, with a divided Lincoln becoming the backdrop to one of the early battles.

However, fighting amongst the nobility caused widespread chaos and lawlessness, and the seizure of Ramsey Abbey during Geoffrey de Mandeville’s rebellion would have brought the threat of violence very close to the people of southern Lincolnshire.

Effigy of Sir Geoffrey de Mandeville at the Temple, London. (From an old postcard)