BattlefieldsRobert Cumin massacre at Durham
Medieval

Robert Cumin massacre at Durham

1069
County Durham, England
Also known as: Ambush at Durham 1069 · Durham massacre 1069
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
County Durham, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Robert Cumin (Norman)
Forces
Norman force under Robert Cumin c.700–1,000.
VS
Victor
Northumbrian rebels
Forces
Northumbrian rebels c.3,000–4,000
Outcome
Cumin and approximately 900 Normans ambushed and massacred in Durham's streets; sparked wider Northumbrian revolt
The Battle

History & Significance

The Durham massacre was the opening act of the great Northumbrian rebellion that triggered William's Harrying of the North. Cumin had been appointed earl and marched into Durham arrogantly; the local population rose against him and killed virtually his entire force. The rebellion this sparked led to one of medieval England's worst atrocities

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