Old Newcastle pictures

It was under Norman rule in 1080 that the city gained its current name. Difficulties between William the Conqueror and his oldest son Robert Curthose in Northern France between 1078 -1080 incited unrest in the North of England. In William’s absence, the Scottish King Malcolm III had plundered the lands between the River Tweed and the River Tees and the Northumbrians were unhappy with William’s failure to intervene. This culminated in a rebellion and the murder of the Earl of Northumbria in May 1080. The rebellion forced William into action and his half-brother Odo of Bayeux was sent to disperse the rebels and William’s son Robert, united with his father once more, was dispatched to deal with the Scots.