BattlefieldsHarrying -- Durham Area Burning 1069
Medieval

Harrying -- Durham Area Burning 1069

1069
County Durham, England
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
County Durham, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Durham resistance
Forces
Durham resistance
VS
Victor
Normans under William I
Forces
Normans under William I
Outcome
Durham hinterland burned; monastic community survived but surrounding settlements destroyed
The Battle

History & Significance

The area around Durham was subjected to systematic burning during the Harrying following the massacre of Robert de Comines and his force in the city streets in January 1069. William burned the surrounding countryside to punish the Durham community and to prevent any future rebel force finding shelter or provisions near the bishop's seat. The cathedral and monastery were spared but the surrounding settlements were destroyed.

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

Aubrey Research

Explore the landscape around County Durham

Aubrey generates in-depth historical research for any location in Britain — drawing on Domesday records, scheduled monuments, Victorian OS maps, geological data and archaeological archives to tell the full story of a place.

Research a location near County Durham