History glossary
the Harrying of the North
William I's brutal 1069-70 campaign of devastation against rebellion in northern England.
- Category
- Military campaign
- Region
- Northern England
- Date range
- 1069-1070
What it means
The Harrying of the North was William I's campaign of devastation in 1069-70 after northern revolts against Norman rule. Norman forces destroyed settlements, crops, and livestock, causing famine and long-lasting damage across parts of the region.
