Norman England, c1066-88 Flashcards
1
Q
Why did William conduct the Harrying of the North, 1069-70? (RFC)
A
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
