BattlefieldsSiege of York (1069)
Medieval

Siege of York (1069)

1069
North Yorkshire, England
Also known as: Norman sack of York 1069 · York 1069 — Norman response
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
North Yorkshire, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Northumbrian rebels / Danish allies
VS
Victor
William I
Outcome
William recaptured York; Danish fleet paid to leave; Harrying of North followed
The Battle

History & Significance

After the rebels and Danes destroyed his garrison, William I personally marched north in midwinter — a remarkable logistical feat. He retook York, paid the Danes to depart, then systematically devastated Yorkshire and the north. The Domesday survey twenty years later still showed vast areas recorded as "waste." Historians estimate tens of thousands died of starvation in the following winter.

Forces Involved

William I: c. 7,000–9,000 troops. Rebels/Danes: c. 4,000–6,000 combined forces.

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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