Norman Period continued...
1093 AD
King Malcolm of Scotland invades England, but is defeated at Alnwick. He and his son are slain by Robert de Mowbray.
c.1095 AD
William Rufus besieges the ‘new castle’.
Robert de Mowbray, Earl of Northumberland, was a supporter of Robert Curthose’s claim to the throne. He also offended William Rufus when he seized four vessels and their contents, which belonged to legitimate traders, on the river Tyne. William Rufus ordered him to pay restitution. When Robert ignored him, the King summoned him to attend court. Again Robert ignored him.
William Rufus and his army marched north and besieged the ‘new castle’. The castle was damaged, and the occupants surrendered. Several of Robert’s followers fell into William Rufus’ hands. Robert fled to Bamburgh castle where he continued to defy the King.
Mowbray was eventually captured after being betrayed by his own men. He was deprived of his Earldom. His castle and several others in the area, reverted to the crown, and he was imprisoned for life. He died after spending 30 years as a prisoner. Rufus later repaired the castle after the siege damage his own forces had caused.