Hector’s Cloak

In 1569, two Catholic noblemen, the Earls of Northumberland and of Westmorland, led a rebellion in the hope of replacing Queen Elizabeth I with her cousin Mary Queen of Scots. However, their march south was called off when they heard of a large government force coming their way, and they contented themselves with besieging Sir George Bowes in Barnard Castle.

Although the rebels gained Barnard Castle, news of approaching forces loyal to the Queen persuaded the two earls to abandon their campaign. Northumberland sought refuge with Hector of Harlaw, whom he thought an ally, but Hector betrayed him to his enemies. Ever after, locals said that a man who betrayed his friend had ‘taken Hector’s cloak.’

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Tudor Era (35) George Carleton (1) The Rising of the Northern Earls (1) Mediaeval History (150) History (777)

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