The Harrying of the North

The Harrying of the North.

(1069-70)

Reasons for the Harrying of the North.

• William swore revenge for the death of Earl Robert.
• He wanted to make it impossible for anyone to stay in an area after a rebellion. The tactics used by the rebels included scattering as William advanced and then launched attacks on his men after he left.
• Many in the North resented Norman rule and identified with their Danish heritage.
• Rebellions elsewhere were being triggered by the Northern rebellions. William could not keep dragging his men all over England.
• William took the threat of Danish invasion very seriously despite rebellions in Normandy.

some people have likend the events to genocide: A deliberate and organised attempt to exterminate an entire group of people.

• Faced with local rebellions in northern England that were encouraged by the Scots and the Danes, William set about systematically destroying large parts of the North.
• he commanded that all crops, herds and food be brought together and burned to ashes…