Morcar

Morcar was the son of Elfgar, the Earl of Mercia. In 1064 Tostig was Earl of Northumbria. Tostig's rule became increasingly tyrannical. In 1064 he had a meeting with two important thegns, Gamel and Ulf, who wanted to complain about his heavy taxes. During the meeting Tostig ordered their arrest and execution. Later that year he arranged the murder of a noble named Gospatric.

On 3rd October 1065, over 200 senior thegns met in York and chose Morcar to become their new leader. After plundering Tostig's treasury and killing more than 200 of his followers, the army headed south.

When Edward the Confessor heard the news he called a meeting of his nobles at Britford. Several made complaints about Tostig's rule claiming that his desire for wealth had made him unduly severe. The king sent Harold to put down the rebellion. Harold disagreed with this policy as he was convinced it would result in a disastrous civil war. At a meeting at Oxford on 28th October, Harold yielded to their demands. Tostig was banished from the country and Morcar, Harold's brother-in-law, became the new Earl of Northumbria.

After the death of Edward the Confessor Morcar supported Harold as king of England. In early September 1066, Tostig and 300 ships sailed along the coast and did some plundering, including the burning of Scarborough. His ships then entered the Humber and on 20th September defeated Morcar's army at Gate Fulford. Four days later the invaders took York.

Harold defeated Tostig and King Harald Hardrada of Norway at Stamford Bridge. Morcar was reluctant to join Harold in his fight against William the Conqueror and did not take part in the Battle of Hastings. After Harold's death Morcar went to London and suggested to the Witan that he should be the next king of England. This idea was rejected and Morcar returned to the north.

Morcar decided to submit to William the Conqueror and as a result was allowed to keep his estates. In 1067 Morcar and his brother, Edwin, Earl of Mercia, went with William to Normandy. The two brothers remained in his court until 1068.

In June 1070 Hereward seized the isle of Ely. Morcar joined the insurgents but the following year he surrendered when attacked by William's army. Morcar was taken to Normandy where he was imprisoned until the death of William in September, 1087. Morcar returned to England but was immediately imprisoned by William Rufus. Nothing further is known about him and it is assumed he died in prison.