Unit 3.3: The Rebellion of Hereward the Wake

Key Question

• Did William mainly use force or more subtle methods to subdue the English?

Historical Context

• Year: 1070
• The Harring of the North, a violent act against the English, has recently concluded.

The Rebellion of Hereward the Wake

• Hereward the Wake: Seen as a cult hero, an Anglo-Saxon wronged by the Normans, fighting against overwhelming odds.
• Legend vs. Fact: Many stories surrounding Hereward are more legendary than factual.
  • Allegedly, he returned from exile to find his brother murdered by Normans.
  • Supposedly, he massacred Normans as revenge.

Uprising in the Fens

• Location: East Anglia, particularly around Ely (mostly an island surrounded by marshes).
• Challenges for William: Difficult to attack due to the marshland.
• Allies:
  • The Danes returned, led by Asbjorn and his brother King Sweyn.
  • Edwin and Morcar attempted to support the rebels; however, it's likely only Morcar reached Ely.

Events

• Hereward raided Peterborough Abbey to retrieve treasure from Normans.
  • Used treasure to secure King Sweyn's support.

William's Response

• Tactics against the Danes: Paid them to leave, a tactic used successfully before.
• Military Strategy:
  • Moved his army to East Anglia.
  • Utilized a fleet of ships to cut off supplies to Ely.
  • Troops managed to navigate the marshes with local monks' help.

Legends

• Stories of a witch assisting William by cursing Hereward.

Outcome

• Hereward's forces eventually surrendered.
• William's harsh punishment for rebels included maiming those allowed to go free.
• Hereward escaped, marking the last significant Anglo-Saxon rebellion against William's rule.

Aftermath

• Preventive Measures:
  • William marched north to Scotland to seek out Edgar the Aetheling and his supporters.
  • Utilized hurrying and violence to force King Malcolm's submission.
  • Edgar the Aetheling escaped to northern Europe, never mounting another rebellion against William.