Morcar Biography

Created Earl of Northumbria from 1065 to 1066

Morcar is chosen to replace Tostig as Earl of Northumbria during the northern revolt.

Morcar becomes the rebels' chosen earl after Northumbrians rise against Tostig's government.

The Northumbrians revolt against their Earl Tostig, who is replaced by Morcar and declared an outlaw

Morcar places authority beyond the Tyne in Oswulf's hands to secure support in northern Northumbria.

Men from Derby join the coalition backing Morcar against Tostig.

Northumbrian rebels choose Morcar to replace Tostig as their earl.

Morcar joins forces with his brother Edwin and Mercian supporters at Northampton.

Morcar leads the rebel host south after his election as earl.

Men from Lincoln join Morcar's movement as the Northumbrian force advances south.

Mercian and Welsh forces reinforce Morcar's position while negotiations with Harold develop.

Morcar receives the support of the Northumbrian thegns after Tostig is rejected.

Supporters from Nottingham strengthen Morcar's army during its southward march.

Morcar considers peace proposals delivered during Harold's attempt to settle the revolt.

Morcar's supporters insist at Oxford that his election must be recognized.

Morcar is elected Earl & Tostig deposed. At a general Witen Tostigs laws are anulled & Cnuts reinstated

Morcar's position as Earl of Northumbria is accepted during the settlement reached at Oxford.

The Oxford settlement legalizes Morcar's position as Earl of Northumbria.

Morcar consolidates his new authority in York after the royal government recognizes his election.

Morcar begins governing Northumbria after the royal settlement confirms his earldom.

Morcar returns north with his authority recognized after the settlement with Edward's government.

After the death of Harold Godwinson at the Battle of Hastings, Edwin and Morcar threw their support behind the Edgar the Atheling, who was proclaimed king, but they failed to muster an effective military response to the invading forces of William

Death of Morcar, killed during the siege of York

Tostig invades Mercia, after mounting raids further south, but is repulsed by Edwin and Morcar and fled to Scotland

Tostig & Harald Hardrada defeat Morcar who had replaced Tostig as Earl of Northumbria

King Harald III of Norway Hardrada and Tostig Godwinson, his English ally, fought and defeated the Northern Earls Edwin and Morcar

Raises a revolt in Mercia, but rapidly capitulates

When the island is opened to the Normans, Morcar is captured and imprisoned, he remained in captivity until Williams death in 1087

When the island is opened to the Normans, Morcar is captured and imprisoned, he remained in captivity until Williams death in 1087. Morcar joins the rebellion, initiated by the Abbot of Ely and tactically organized by Hereward the Wake, against William the Conqueror at the Isle of Ely

Morcar is again imprisoned by William Rufus and dies in captivity

Death of Morcar