ABSTRACT
The general reason for the campaign which ended in the battle of Damme in 1213 was the diplomatic rivalry between England and France in Flanders. The fact that the battle of Damme was a cutting-out expedition must not lead us to the conclusion that such was John's original intention. The reason that the campaign took the form that it did must be sought in the diplomatic struggle that was going on in Flanders. In 1213 Philippe was preparing a large fleet to attack England, and John on his part was making preparations for resistance. He called out the fyrd to Dover, and then seems to have divided his available forces into three groups, centred respectively on Dover, Faversham and Ipswich, The fact that Ipswich is mentioned points to a chance that the attack would come from Flanders as an alternative to north France.
