A History of Lincoln Part 4

How the barons went out of the city of Lincoln and reconnoitred the king's army.

The barons who were in the city of Lincoln and the French felt such great confidence of success in their cause, that when their messengers told them of the approach of their adversaries they only laughed at them, and continued to hurl missiles from their mangonells, to destroy the walls of Lincoln castle. But Robert Fitz-Walter, and S. Earl of Winchester, when they heard that the enemy were approaching Lincoln, went out to watch their approach and to count their numbers; and when they had made a careful survey of the approaching enemy they returned to the city to their companions, telling them, "The enemy are coming against us in good order, but we are much more numerous than they are; therefore, our advice is that we sally forth to the ascent of the hill to meet them, if we do, we shall catch them like larks." In reply to them, the count of Perche and the Mareschal said, "You have reckoned them according to your own opinion we also will now go out and count them in the French fashion."

They then went out to reconnoitre the coming army of the king, but in their estimation of them they were deceived. When they saw the wagons and baggage in the rear of the army, with guards who followed the squadrons which were already disposed in order of battle, they thought that this was an army of itself, because they beheld there a great multitude of men with standards flying. For each of the nobles had two standards, one, as we have already said, following the troops at a distance in the rear, with the baggage, and another preceding the persons of each of them, that they might be known when engaged in battle. And the count of Perche with the Mareschal, being thus deceived, returned in a state of uncertainty to their companions.

On their return into the city they proposed this plan to their companions, whose advice they did not despise, namely, to divide the nobles that the gates might be guarded and the enemy prevented from entering, until the others had taken the castle, the capture of which would soon be effected. This plan was approved of by many, but several disagreed with it. They then secured the gates, appointed guards to them, and prepared for a defence.

Of the battle fought at Lincoln, called by some the 'Fair'

The King's army in the meantime approached Lincoln city on the side nearest the castle, and when it was discovered by the castellans they sent a messenger by a postern door of the castle to the commanders of the army, to inform them of what was being done inside. This messenger told them that if they wished they could enter the castle by the postern, which had been just opened on account of their arrival. The commanders of the army, however, would not enter the castle that way, but sent Falkes de Breaute, with all the division under his command, and all the crossbowmen, to force open at least one gate of the city for the army. The whole body then marched to the northern gate and endeavoured to force it open, the barons, not withstanding this, continuing to cast heavy stones from their petrarie against the castle.