Hertford Castle
Seige and Capture
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The Templars
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In 1309 the Castle saw its first political prisoners - The Templars from Temple Dinsley, near Hitchin. The Order had been established to protect pilgrims to the Holy Lands and in their time they amassed great wealth. This attracted the jealousy of not only sovereigns but also the Pope and Bishops. This cuminated in their supression and all English Templars were arrested and imprisoned.
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John died in October 1216 and left a country divided. Some remained faithful to the new King, Henry III 1216-72, whilst others favoured the French prince, Louis. The French had already arrived in London by the time of John's death and were enthusiastically welcomed. They made their way North-Westwards meeting strong resistance from the Crown, especially at Hertford, where a month-long seige prevailed before the then govenor, Walter de Godarvil, was forced to surrender the castle and the town to the French Dauphin and his troops.
However, within a year the mood in the country changed and the people fell in behind Henry III and by 1217 the French had left. Henry's reign eventually lasted 56 years until 1272.
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