Bloody Britain (2004): S01E07 – The Siege of Rochester

Introduction History Documentary hosted by Rory McGrath, published by Discovery Channel in 2004. Outline Rory McGrath finds out how King John was able to burn down Rochester Castle in 1215 using the fat of forty pigs and learns how to fire a crossbow. Rory McGrath finds out how King John was able to burn down…

Andrew Marshall

15/04/2024

1–2 minutes

History, Military Documentary, Rebellion

Introduction

History Documentary hosted by Rory McGrath, published by Discovery Channel in 2004.

Outline

Rory McGrath finds out how King John was able to burn down Rochester Castle in 1215 using the fat of forty pigs and learns how to fire a crossbow.

Rory McGrath finds out how King John was able to burn down Rochester in 1215 during the First Barons’ War (1215-1217). This civil war was between a group of rebellious barons, led by Robert Fitzwalter and supported by a French army under the future Louis VIII of France, and King John of England. The war resulted from the king’s refusal to accept and abide by the Magna Carta he had sealed (not signed) on 15 June 1215, and from the ambitions of the French prince, who dragged the war on after many of the rebel barons had made peace with John.

Bloody Britain Series

You can find a full index and overview of Bloody Britain here.

Production & Filming Details

Release Date: 05 April 2004.
Running time: 30 minutes.
Rating: Unknown.
Country: UK.
Language: English.