3. Suppression of rebellions in William's consolidation of power (II) - The North
- Created by: Alasdair
- Created on: 14-06-17 21:12
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- 3. Suppression of rebellions in William's consolidation of power (II) - The North
- 1069-70 - Precursor to events that followed
- William's rides into midlands and east were impressive but did not quash will of some areas to resist, particularly north
- North was semi-independent region which was undoubtedly most serious challenge to William's rule
- Many northerners were of Scandinavian origin
- Felt more loyalty and cultural connection to Viking invaders than William
- William left north alone leaving government to native magnates
- Edwin, Morcar and Edgar Aetheling fled North in 1068 leading to William marching up North in 1068
- Edgar gained support of Malcolm, King of Scotland, and revived claim to throne
- William built castles at Warwick and Nottingham and accepted surrender of Edwin and Morcar
- William's rides into midlands and east were impressive but did not quash will of some areas to resist, particularly north
- Early 1069 - Events that incurred William's wrath
- Robert of Commines was sent North with considerable force
- Established himself with troops in Durham
- Despite warnings of large English force nearby, town surrounded by rebels and Robert burnt to death in Bishop's house
- Occurred 28th January 1069
- Edgar attacked York
- Chosen King by supporters
- Castellan of castle killed
- Castle occupants sent message to William for help
- William's response to message for help
- Moved north at create speed
- Relieved garrison and built another castle near bank of river
- More than William's presence required in North
- Robert of Commines was sent North with considerable force
- Unrest instigated overseas
- Summer 1069, Danish invasion challenged William's rule
- Argued by David Carpenter to be most serious crisis of William's reign
- William focussed on North, had ignored rebellion that had broken out in Maine, adjacent to Normandy, even though it was serious enough to threaten conquest of country
- Rebellion in south-west of England made matters serious and was resolved by warrior bishop, Geoffrey of Coutances
- Danish threat consisted of 240 ships but was delayed from landing because it was unable to find safe anchorage as it moved up east coast but finally able to put ashore in Humber
- Summer 1069, Danish invasion challenged William's rule
- York
- Large English army assembled with support from local Anglo-Scandinavian population including Edgar and Waltheof - forces joined and marched on York
- Defenders of York out numbered and fired city before rebels arrived
- 21st September, rebels defeated Normans and captured sheriff and entered what was left of York
- Heaviest defeat Norman forces suffered in England but rebels more occupied with prisoners, money and further advancing into country
- William's approach led forces to retreat to ships
- Period of strategic manoeuvring followed, William able to reach agreement and buy them out of war
- However, William lay waste to area in 'harrying of North' to end future resistance in area
- William also made strong statement to supporters of Edgar Aetheling's claim by wearing crowns in ruins of York Cathedral on Christmas Day 1069
- Despite William's victory
- Possible Danes and Edgar could have established separate Scandinavian kingdom in North had they not been concerned with seizing treasure.
- Edgar had support of King Malcolm III of Scotland, which was reinforced by Edgar's marriage to Malcolm's sister, Margaret
- Native population would have felt more loyalty to Anglo-Scandinavian kingdom
- Revolt encouraged unrest elsewhere, possibly leading to Welsh borders and revolts in Dorset and Somerset
- 1069-70 - Precursor to events that followed
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