The taking of Ely
It was the arrival of Earl Morcar that escalated this local problem into a national one. William could not afford to let such a high-profile rebel remain at large, and despatched a fleet and army to besiege the rebels in the marsh. The Normans built a causeway over the marsh seven miles south of Ely at a place called Aldreth Causeway, but it collapsed under the weight of the Norman knights. They then resorted unsuccessfully to a sorceress, before the Isle was finally taken by treachery.
'...Abbot Thurstan ... showed the Normans the secret way across to the Isle...'
Abbot Thurstan, fearing for the future of his abbey, struck a deal and showed the Normans the secret way across to the Isle. Morcar and Bishop Aethelwine were taken, but Hereward escaped with a handful of men, and held out until King William was persuaded to come to terms and give him his land back (which we can find in Domesday Book). In this, Hereward was much like Eadric the Wild, who also made his peace with the King once his land was restored to him, and even went on campaign with William in Scotland. These thegns had no argument with William as King: it was the theft of their lands which troubled them.
Published: 2001-05-01
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