Introduction
The Harrying of the North was William of Normandy’s rampage through the lands around Durham and York in the winter of 1069-70. Following victory over King Harold at the Battle of Hastings in 1066, William was crowned King of England on Christmas Day that year, but the people of England, and their Viking friends in Ireland and across the North Sea, did not meekly acknowledge their new lord.
TWO sons of Harold, by name Edmund and Godwin, came over from Ireland, with some ships, against the Normans, but were defeated. This was scarcely done, when the outlaws in the woods so harassed York, that the Governor sent to the King for help. The King despatched a general and a large force to occupy the town of Durham. The Bishop of that place met the general outside the town, and warned him not to enter, as he would be in danger there. The general cared nothing for the warning, and went in with all his men. That night, on every hill within sight of Durham, signal fires were seen to blaze. When the morning dawned, the English, who had assembled in great strength, forced the gates, rushed into the town, and slew the Normans every one.
Précis
William the Conqueror moved quickly to smother English resistance to the Norman Conquest of 1066, but after a rebellion in York spread to Durham three years later, he was forced to despatch a strong force there to quell it. Brushing aside warnings from the bishop, the Normans occupied Durham only to be trapped and cut to pieces the following morning. (60 / 60 words)
William the Conqueror moved quickly to smother English resistance to the Norman Conquest of 1066, but after a rebellion in York spread to Durham three years later, he was forced to despatch a strong force there to quell it. Brushing aside warnings from the bishop, the Normans occupied Durham only to be trapped and cut to pieces the following morning.
Variations: 1.increase the length of this precis to exactly 65 words. 2.reduce the length of this precis to exactly 55 words. 3.introduce one of the following words into the precis: about, although, if, ought, since, unless, until, whether.
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