Rebellion in Northumbria Against Tostig

What was the revolt against Tostig?

In 1065, there was a revolt against Tostig Godwinson in Northumbria, where he had held the earldom since 1055.

Why was Northumbria important in the revolt against Tostig?

Northumbria was an important earldom for a number of reasons.

• ❖ It was very large.
• ❖ It bordered with Scotland, and therefore guarded England against attacks by the Scots.
• ❖ It was subject to attacks by the Vikings.
• ❖ It was a long way from the king's centre of power, and therefore was less easy to control.

Why was there a revolt against Tostig Godwinson in Northumbria in 1065?

There were a number of reasons for the revolt against Tostig.

• ❖ People in the Danelaw had different customs and language, while Tostig was a southerner. There may have been misunderstandings and resentment based on that.
• ❖ Tostig taxed the area more heavily than the people were used to.
• ❖ Tostig was friendly with the Scottish king, Malcolm III, and therefore didn't defend the area from, or retaliate after Scottish attacks.
• ❖ Northumbrians claimed that he had falsely accused them of crimes so that he could confiscate their land and money to use against his rivals.
• ❖ Tostig ordered the assassination of his Northumbrian rivals.

What happened in the Northumbrian revolt against Tostig?

The revolt against Tostig in Northumbria occurred in October 1065.

• ❖ At the beginning of October, important Northumbrian earls marched on York, killing Tostig's supporters and declaring him an outlaw.
• ❖ Morcar, the brother of Edwin, the Earl of Mercia, was invited to be Earl of Northumbria by the rebels.
• ❖ Instead of marching on the north, Harold Godwinson met with the rebels and agreed to their terms. He also married Edwin and Morcar's sister.
• ❖ Tostig was exiled on 1st November 1065.

What were the results of the Tostig revolt?

The Northumbrian revolt had a number of results.

• ❖ King Edward raised an army to put down the revolt, but it wasn't used.
• ❖ Harold and the earls successfully negotiated with Edward to prevent the army marching on Northumbria, showing the limits of the power of the king.
• ❖ Tostig was exiled, and was furious with Harold, accusing him of a plot to overthrow him.
• ❖ Morcar became Earl of Northumbria. The Northumbrians chose him as their ruler, even though he was a southerner like Tostig.