Warwickshire, UK — Eight 13th-century catapult shots have been unearthed outside the historic walls of Kenilworth Castle, offering a fascinating glimpse into one of England’s longest and most significant sieges.
The remarkable discovery was made by English Heritage during an accessibility improvement project around the castle.
The stone projectiles, ranging from 1kg to 105kg, were found just below the ground’s surface. Experts believe they were used during the grueling 172-day siege of Kenilworth Castle in 1266, a pivotal event in England’s medieval history.
Will Wyeth, a properties historian for English Heritage, explained the significance of the find: “We were able to immediately link these findings to the 1266 siege because of similar finds recovered in the 1960s. However, it’s not every day we get lucky enough to stumble across historical remains like this by chance.”
The siege of Kenilworth Castle was one of the major confrontations during the Second Barons’ War, a civil conflict that saw King Henry III pitted against his rebellious nobles.
For nearly six months, from June 25 to December 13, 1266, the castle’s defenders withstood relentless attacks from the king’s forces.
The siege eventually ended when the besieged rebels, weakened by starvation and disease, surrendered. King Henry III subsequently awarded the castle to his son, Edmund, Earl of Lancaster.
The recent discovery of these catapult shots provides tangible evidence of the intense and prolonged nature of the siege. “Imagine the surprise of the team when we unearthed these impressive stone projectiles that are nearly 800 years old,” said Wyeth.
“These would have caused some serious damage when fired from war machines. In fact, records show that one of Henry III’s wooden siege towers, containing around 200 crossbowmen, was destroyed by just one well-aimed missile.”
Historical accounts reveal that King Henry III deployed a formidable array of weaponry to capture Kenilworth Castle. His arsenal included 60,000 crossbow bolts and nine siege engines, such as catapults, to try to breach the castle’s formidable 14-foot-thick walls.
The garrison inside the castle was similarly well-armed, using their own siege engines to fend off the attackers. The stone projectiles discovered outside the castle’s West walls are believed to have been launched by both sides during the prolonged conflict.
Kenilworth Castle, now managed by English Heritage, remains a site of great historical interest. The latest find adds to the rich tapestry of its storied past.
Wyeth emphasized the rarity and importance of the discovery: “Finding these stone shots is like holding a piece of history in your hands. It’s a direct link to the past and the fierce battles that took place here.”
As English Heritage continues its work to improve accessibility around Kenilworth Castle, these newfound artifacts will likely attract increased interest and study from historians and visitors alike.
The preserved catapult shots not only enhance our understanding of medieval warfare but also serve as a poignant reminder of the human struggles and stories that shaped the course of English history.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
