Two months after the Battle of Didbrook, Gilbert of Claire, revelling in his triumph, persisted in raiding his rival Engelard de Cigogné's territories. The climax of this confrontation emerged in early September, as Gilbert successfully cornered Engelard within the walls of Awre Castle.
Castle Awre's Defensive Dilemma
Facing numerous challenges, the defenders of Awre Castle were at a disadvantage. Dilapidated walls, meagre maintenance, and insufficient supplies marked the castle's ill-prepared state. The only glimmer of hope rested on the unpredictable weather, potentially compelling Gilbert to lift the siege. However, an unexpected Indian summer dashed those hopes, propelling Engelard into a daring raid on Gilbert's camp.
Engelard's Bold Gambit
In a desperate bid to break the siege and humiliate Gilbert, Engelard orchestrated a last-ditch raid on his adversary's camp. The mission was to relieve the siege and set Gilbert's tent ablaze, housing his precious treasury.
The Tactical Dance Unfolds
Engelard and his forces charged forward despite initial hesitation, supported by household sergeants and Welsh mercenaries. Breaking through the camp's outer defences, they encountered resistance from Gilbert's spearmen. A countercharge from Gilbert's sergeants stalled Engelard's advance, buying crucial time for organising the defences.
Gilbert's Tactical Brilliance
In a display of strategic acumen, Gilbert seized the opportunity to attack Engelard's flank, decimating the Welsh mercenaries and exposing the knights to a vulnerable flank.
Shadows of Treachery
As the battle teetered on the brink, whispers of treachery surfaced. Under local levy command, the castle militia refused to support their lord. Speculation arose – had the de Clares bribed them? Though evidence was scarce, the castle castellan, Roger of Trowbridge, retained his position when Engelard de Cigogné was forced to abandon the castle, facing the aftermath of his failed raid.
The Aftermath
Gilbert's humiliation did not go down well with King John, who summoned him to his Christmas Court. A demand that Gilbert de Clare and his allies choose to ignore. Instead, Gilbert strengthened his local position. Abbot Peter was 'removed' from Hailes Abbey, and he thought it advisable to search for his soul by pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Gilbert joined the great revolt against John's rule, and in 1215, Gilbert became one of the council of twenty-five lords and barons who acted as sureties for the Magna Carta. The Charta also felt with Engelard de Cigogné. Clause 50 Engelard de Cigogné was banished from the Kingdom, and his lands were confiscated. Gilbert's revenge?
Some Thoughts
The campaign was an enjoyable set of three games I played over several months. During this period, the main protagonist began to develop their own characters. Engelard de Cigogné was a man on the make who was sensitive of his own honour. This made him take risks, like demanding a duel with Gilbert, and this hotheaded personality impacted how I played him in the later games. Gilbert was the opposite. Born into one of the great families, he had little to prove, but he, too, was conscious of his family's honour. However, his approach was cool and tactical - a remote personality but tactically acute. One of the great joys of a campaign is how the main protagonists develop in your mind, making solo play easier.
No comments:
Post a Comment