Norman Conquest Encyclopedia

Morcar was the son of Algar of Mercia with whom the Welsh leader Gruffydd ap Llywelyn was allied and brother of Edwin. The marriage of their sister Edith, Gryffydd's widow, to Harold Godwinsson was an attempt to consolidate the great English families and to secure the throne for Harold. Edwin and Morcar defended York unsuccessfully at Gate Fulford and after Harold's defeat at Senlac Hill they made peace with William the Conqueror. It did not last and they were both involved in uprisings that led to the harrying of the North. In 1070 Morcar joined Hereward the Wake's rebellion in the Fens, but was captured and imprisoned until his death some sixteen years later.

See also: Edwin of Mercia; Fens; Gate Fulford; Gruffydd ap Llywelyn; Harold Godwinsson; harrying of the North; Hereward the Wake; Senlac Hill; William the Conqueror

Related Reading:

• Hastings 1066 (Revised Edition)- The Fall of Saxon England
  (Campaign 13 )