Hanley, Catherine 1217

The Battles that Saved England

In 1215, King John had agreed to the terms of the Magna Carta, but then he broke his word and plunged the kingdom into war. The rebellious barons offered the throne to the French prince Louis, setting in motion a chain of events that almost changed the course of English history. Louis arrived in May 1216, was proclaimed king in the heart of London, and by autumn had about half of England under his control. However, the choice of a French prince had enormous consequences: it was no longer just an internal rebellion, but a war in which the defenders were fighting to prevent a foreign takeover. John's death in October 1216 left the throne to his nine-year-old son Henry and his regent William Marshal, which changed the face of the war once again, for now the king trying to repel an invader was no longer a hated tyrant, but an innocent child. 1217 traces the burgeoning sense of national identity that began to develop. Three important battles would decide England's fate. The fortress of Dover was besieged, the city of Lincoln was attacked, and a large invasion force set sail and was intercepted at sea, which was unusual for the time. Catherine Hanley skilfully guides us through the medieval siege warfare, royal politics and battles at sea, bringing this remarkable period of English history to life.