Talk on the Battle of Fornham in 1173

The Bury Society is pleased to invite Dr Mike Walker to speak on the topic of the Battle of Fornham.

The talk and battlefield tour ‘A Hard and Grievous Battle; the Siege of Haughley Castle and the Battle of Fornham in 1173’ is 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 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.

Dr Mike Walker read History at Corpus Christi College, Cambridge University, where he also took his PhD. He has taught in Universities and schools, lecturing in the United States, becoming Headmaster of King Edward VI Grammar School, Chelmsford, and then of Felsted School (an independent co-educational boarding school) in Essex, and also lecturing at the Judge Business School, Cambridge University. Since retirement to Suffolk he has written a history of events in Suffolk in 1173, and has been a regular contributor of items on a wide range of Suffolk history topics to BBC Radio Suffolk. He is a very experienced speaker who receives excellent reviews, and is passionate about history and making the past accessible to all!