The Bloody Aftermath of the Battle of Hastings
170,213
Published 2022-10-20
In the winter of 1069–70 after the Battle of Hastings, William the Conqueror waged a series of military campaigns to subjugate northern England and consolidate his power, where the presence of the last Wessex claimant, Edgar Atheling, had encouraged Anglo-Danish rebellions.
The "Harrying Of The North" as it became known, saw William the Conqueror's knights lay waste to Yorkshire and neighbouring shires. Entire villages were razed and their inhabitants killed, livestock slaughtered and stores of food destroyed.
This scorched-earth operation is one of the defining episodes of the Norman Conquest, not just from a military-political perspective but also in terms of how it has shaped modern perceptions of the Normans as a tyrannical and merciless warrior class. But why were such brutal measures considered necessary and why was the north in particular targeted? Watch this video to find out!
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All Comments (21)
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The harrying of the North never ended. Most of the wealth, land and power of 'England' is STILL held by the descendants of the Normans. The billionaire Duke of Westminster was once asked for advice on how to succeed and answered "Make sure they have an ancestor who was a very close friend of William the Conqueror". My ancestors were Northern.
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The North remembers…
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I'm from the North (Middlesbrough specifically) and I've yet to meet a northerner into history that calls him the conquerer. He will forever be known as the bastard.
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That was genocide, regardless.
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He's still called William the Bastard in Northumberland to this day.
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What a great Documentary - You guys are quickly becoming my favourite channel on YouTube. Fantastic to see new, young presenters cutting their teeth and breathing fresh life into Great Britain's treasured past. Thanks to all of you both in front and behind the camera.
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I now understand just why GRRM used the north of England's history as part of his inspirations for GoT, etc.
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There's an old Teesside saying that dates back allegedly to the Harrying of the North. You say that someone who swears a lot is swearing like Billy Norman (aka William the Conqueror). The story is that when he came North to deal with the rebels hiding out in the marshes near Coatham near the mouth of the Tees, it was still cold at night and snow still lay in the north facing valleys. William stayed up late at night shivering by the fire swearing to keep warm.
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This is a first rate historical documentary as so much of what History Hit produces. I am a firm Northerner and very conscious of the unique nature of the North and where it is rooted. I am also a Medievalist Historian. I am bound to say though that I think that the views of the broader historical context are not one that all historians share. That does not detract from the production values; nor from its coverage if the Harrying itself,
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This was one of the best i ever saw on here, I look forward to part 2, thanks.
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I absolutely loved the History channel growing up. But… then it wasn’t the same one day. Keep going guys your doing amazing! Love it!
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So many reasons why there's a north south divide, it's rooted in 1000 years of history
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The north of England has massive rich history
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I was visiting southern Italy 2009, there was a olive trees growing next to my house planted by Normans. Quite amazing
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I subscribe to History Hit and aboslutely love it. It is worth every penny. I am mainly English and Scottish, and I love learning about their history. History was my favorite subject in school, and I majored in it at university.
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Excellent documentary! Thank you.
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Thank you for your video they are amazing to watch. Keep up the good work.
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I just started a book on William the conqueror so this is coming and the perfect time
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A very powerful explanation of a pivotal point in our history.
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Well done. Very nicely written and produced. This could become an unhealthy addiction. I'm worried.
