BattlefieldsYork Castle Siege — First Castle 1069
Medieval

York Castle Siege — First Castle 1069

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

Who Fought

Defeated
Norman garrison
Forces
Norman garrison of York
VS
Victor
Northumbrian rebels and Edgar Aetheling
Forces
Northumbrian rebels and Edgar Aetheling
Outcome
First castle garrison destroyed in sally; castle burned; William I built second castle
The Battle

History & Significance

In January 1069 the Norman garrison sallied from the first York castle and was destroyed by Northumbrian rebels under Edgar Aetheling and the local earls. The castle was burned. William I rushed north and built a second castle on Baile Hill across the Ouse, creating a two-castle grip on the city. The destruction of the first castle and its garrison was one of the most serious early defeats of the Norman occupation.

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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