Lecture Notes: Rebellions in England (1068-1070)

Overview

• Focus on rebellions in the north from 1068 to 1070.
• William the Conqueror's strategies to secure control of England post-1066.
• Examination of whether William used force or diplomacy to maintain control.

Recap of Early Uprisings (1066-1068)

• Edgar Atheling's early resistance before William's coronation.
• Resistance by Edric the Wild at Hereford and Gytha in Exeter.
• By Easter 1068, William felt secure enough to have his wife join him in England.

Reasons for English Rebellion Against William

1. Revenge

   • For deaths at the Battle of Hastings and subsequent destruction.

2. Loss of Land and Power

   • Lands confiscated after resistance, e.g., Gytha’s lands post-Exeter.
   • Edwin and Morcar retained some land but lost power.
   • Broken promises, e.g., Edwin’s promised marriage to William’s daughter didn’t occur.

3. High Taxation

   • Increased taxes to fund William’s armies and invasion costs.

4. Dislike for Norman Rule

   • Language differences and new governance methods.
   • Castle building symbolized Norman oppression.

Key Rebellions in the North (1068-1070)

Summer 1068

• Led by Edgar Atheling, aided by Scottish King Malcolm III, Edwin, and Morcar.
• Focus on regaining promised lands and power.
• William's response: Army mobilization, destruction, castle building in York.

February 1069

• Edgar returns with support from northern lords and Scottish aid.
• William builds a second castle in York and uses violence to subdue rebellion.

September 1069

• Edgar allies with Danish army led by Asbjorn.
• More uprisings, including Edric the Wild in Marcher lands and attacks in the southwest.

William's Response to Rebellions

• Extreme Violence: Increased castle building and aggressive military actions.
• Diplomacy: Paid off Danish forces to leave England.
• The Harrying of the North:
  • Ruthless destruction and intentional mass starvation.
  • Aimed to crush rebellion by destroying crops and preventing future harvests.
  • Resulted in the death of approximately 100,000 people, significant given the population was just over a million.