Bridgnorth Castle is located on a cliff by the side of the River Severn. In 1102 the castle belonged to Robert Belleme, Earl of Shrewsbury a powerful Norman baron. Henry brought several charges against Robert in an attempt to bring the baron under control and confiscated his castles including Brignorth and Arundel. The castle was also surrendered to Henry II in 1155. There are records of building work at the castle between 1166 and 1174 and also in 1211. Not much of the square keep remains. What is left is leaning at a very odd angle.
As part of his attempt to subdue the Barons who had become too powerful during the civil war, Henry took the castle at Scarborough from William of Aumale and Bridgnorth from Hugh Mortimer.2
Simon's son was sent to London to raise money and troops. He diverted back through Winchester which was loyal to the king and then moved through Oxford and Northampton. Edward (I) moved from Worcester to Bridgnorth destroying bridges and means of allowing Simon who was on the Welsh side of the Avon from crossing back. The people of Bristol, friendly to Simon's cause sent ships to Newport to help Simon cross, but they were intercepted and destroyed by Edward.3
StumbleUpon