Norman England, c1066-88

Question 1

Why did William conduct the Harrying of the North, 1069-70? (RFC)

Answer 1

Revenge: Earl Robert Comyn had been burned in Durham and his men had been slaughtered. Thousands of Normans were killed at York. This was a deeply psychological and personal trigger

Fear: The threat of Danish invasion was very serious. The widespread nature of the rebellions also showed that William’s position was unstable.

Control: Northern earls refused to meet him in open battle, scattering as he advanced then launching attacks on his men. The rebellions in the north were triggering rebellion elsewhere; it was demoralising for William to drag his troops from on hotspot to another