Norman Conquest Encyclopedia

York

The Vikings took York in the year 866 and the territory agreed to be held by the Danes the Danelaw, was established twenty years later. In 1016 Danish rule over England as a whole was achieved under King Cnut and the separation of Anglo-Saxon from Scandinavian England ceased. In the interim, between 940 and 954, York had been an independent Viking kingdom. On the death of Edward the Confessor in January 1066, Harold Godwinsson succeeded to face twin threats. From the south William the Bastard, duke of Normandy and from the north Harald Hardrada, king of Norway; both claimed the English throne. In September that year Harald, allied with Harold's brother Tostig, entered the Humber, sailed up the River Ouse and beat the English under Edwin of Mercia and Morcar of Northumbria at Gate Fulford, two miles south of the city of York. Five days later the invaders themselves were defeated at Stamford Bridge, ending the Viking presence in England forever. The English themselves were overthrown by the Normans within a month. As William strove to establish his control of his new realm, York became a focus for resistance to him. In 1068 he marched against Edwin and Morcar who submitted, and William built a motte in York, probably the one on which Clifford's Tower now stands. The following year saw Edgar Atheling lead an attack on York and William Malet sent to the king for help. William rushed north, Edgar retreated and another castle was built on the other side of the Ouse in the city. Next came the Danes whom Malet opposed by firing the houses close to the castles, but by accident setting fire to the Minster also. The city fell nonetheless, and William had to come north yet again, burning and destroying as he came. The Danes were bribed to leave and William spent Christmas 1069 in the city before continuing on the huge punitive action called "The Harrying of the North".

Norman Conquest Encyclopedia

York

Related Reading: