HARRYING OF THE NORTH

1069-70. In response to rebellion in Northumbria in mid-1069, which was assisted by Danes who wished to reclaim the kingdom of York, William I acted to lay waste much of Yorkshire. The king's assault lasted over the winter, until he and his army returned south in spring 1070: the policy was to destroy all means of life and thus of resistance to his rule. Although Yorkshire was the most damaged, Cheshire, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire also suffered greatly.