PAST AND PRESENT

A Hard and Grievous Battle: the Siege of Haughley Castle and the Battle of Fornham in 1173... An exciting illustrated lecture bringing to life little-known but crucial events in Suffolk of 850 years ago. These events are packed with dramatic incidents, and populated with extraordinary people. It covers in particular the invasion of Suffolk by 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. It is the first study in depth of this battle, which has previously been overlooked, and restores it to prominence as a turning point in Henry's eventual victory in the Great Revolt. The book of the same title will be on sale after the talk... The Society was formed in 1960 to promote and encourage an interest in the history of our town and its surrounding area. To this end we hold a series of lectures..

Primary location: Bury St Edmunds United Kingdom