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Battle of Fornham: Call to remember historic Suffolk site

News imageDuncan McAndrew Battlefields Trust The church tower of St Genevieve near the site of the Battle of FornhamDuncan McAndrew Battlefields Trust
The ruined church tower of St Genevieve marks part of the site of the Battle of Fornham

History enthusiasts are hoping to kick-start interest in the site of one of the "very few" battles to take place in medieval East Anglia.

The Battle of Fornham, near Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, happened in 1173.

The confrontation pitted supporters of King Henry II against thousands of Flemish mercenaries led by Robert Beaumont, Earl of Leicester.

Historian Dr Duncan McAndrew said a study day in Bury St Edmunds aimed to highlight the little-known battle.

News imageGetty Images Henry IIGetty Images
The battle saw supporters of King Henry II (pictured) against thousands of Flemish mercenaries led by Robert Beaumont

It was won by the king's supporters and saw the deaths of about 3,000 mercenaries.

The study day on Saturday, organised by the Battlefields Trust, is the first of a planned series of events leading up to the 850th anniversary celebrations in 2023.

Fornham 2023 Project director Dr McAndrew said: "We would like there to be facilities at the battle site. If the battle is not celebrated it could be forgotten."

He said the conflict was important firstly because "it is one of the very few medieval battles that occurs in the East of England" and secondly it is "about the only one we can be reasonably sure where it was and who most of the people involved were" because of the written sources.

The study day includes speakers from the University of East Anglia, Archaeological Solutions and the Battlefields Trust talking about the campaign, the battle and who died.

News imageline

Battle of Fornham

News imageDuncan McAndrew Battlefields Trust A sword found at the site of the battle is now on display in Bury St EdmundsDuncan McAndrew Battlefields Trust
A sword, found at the site of the battle in the Victorian era by archaeologist Henry Trigg, is on display at Moyse's Hall Museum in Bury St Edmunds
  • The battle took place on 17 October 1173
  • The Earl of Leicester was accompanied by his wife, Petronilla de Grandmesnil, who dressed in armour
  • The mercenary forces were thought to be on their way to the Abbey in Bury St Edmunds, intent on looting one of the richest monasteries in England
  • The rebel troops were caught fording the River Lark near the villages of Fornham St Genevieve, Fornham All Saints and Fornham St Martin.
  • With his forces split, Leicester's cavalry was captured and the mercenaries driven into a nearby swamp.
News imageAdrian S Pye/Geograph The Battle of Fornham is recalled in the Fornham All Saints village signAdrian S Pye/Geograph
The battle is recalled in the Fornham All Saints village sign