Complex sentence: In 1216, the castle, along with many others in southern England, such as Reigate Castle, was captured by the French and recaptured by the English in the spring of 1217.
Split into simpler sentences: In 1216, the castle, along with many others in southern England, such as Reigate Castle, was captured by the French. The castle was recaptured by the English in the spring of 1217.