Medieval

1135 AD
David I of Scotland invades England and captures Newcastle, Norham, Wark and Alnwick. [Click here for larger image of Alnwick Castle]

1139 AD
Henry, eldest son of David I becomes Earl of Northumberland.
King Stephen granted the title Earl of Northumberland to Henry as part of a treaty, signed at Durham, between himself and David I. The Scots held Northumberland for 18 years, but Newcastle remained a royal castle under English control. In 1156 Malcolm and Stephen signed a treaty returning Bamburgh castle and the towns of Newcastle and Carlisle to English control.

1165 AD
Death of Malcolm IV of Scotland. He is succeeded by his younger brother William, the Lion.
William wanted to regain the lands and title of Earl of Northumberland, so he started to plot with Henry and Geoffrey, the sons of Henry II.