BattlefieldsSiege of Durham Castle 1143
Medieval

Siege of Durham Castle 1143

1143
County Durham, England
Also known as: Durham 1143 · Neville and Cumin at Durham
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Siege
Location
County Durham, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
William Cumin (usurper)
Forces
Anti-Cumin: cathedral chapter loyalists and local lords
VS
Victor
William Cumin expelled
Forces
Cumin: Scottish-backed faction
Outcome
William Cumin who had seized the see and castle of Durham was expelled after a prolonged struggle involving both siege and intrigue
The Battle

History & Significance

The Durham succession crisis of 1141-1143 saw William Cumin, chancellor to David I of Scotland, seize the castle and effectively hold Durham hostage. After prolonged resistance by the cathedral chapter and siege operations, Cumin was eventually expelled and William of St Barbara consecrated as bishop. The crisis illustrated how the Anarchy extended even ecclesiastical appointments.

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