Morcar (thegn)

Morcar was an Anglo-Saxon nobleman (thegn) who played a significant role in English history during the turbulent period leading up to the Norman Conquest of 1066. He was the son of Ælfgar, Earl of Mercia, and brother of Edwin, who succeeded their father as Earl.

Following the death of King Edward the Confessor in January 1066, and the subsequent brief reign and death of Harold Godwinson at the Battle of Hastings, Morcar and his brother Edwin initially offered allegiance to Edgar the Ætheling, the young and relatively powerless great-nephew of Edward the Confessor, as a potential English king. However, their support proved insufficient to prevent William the Conqueror from establishing his claim to the throne.

Morcar and Edwin initially resisted William's rule, but eventually submitted to him at Berkhamsted later in 1066. William initially treated them with respect, but suspicions and mistrust lingered on both sides. In 1068, Morcar and Edwin revolted against William's authority in the north of England. This rebellion, along with others, was suppressed by William, who retaliated harshly, leading to the Harrying of the North.

After the failure of this revolt, Morcar fled to Scotland. He returned to England, only to be captured and imprisoned by William. He remained in captivity for many years.

Morcar’s role highlights the instability and fragmentation of England in the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest and the challenges faced by the Anglo-Saxon aristocracy in adapting to Norman rule. His imprisonment underscores the severity with which William dealt with those who challenged his authority. The date and circumstances of his death are uncertain, but it is believed he died in captivity.