HistoryData
war1006

1006 attack on Durham, England

January 1, 1006

Scottish forces under Malcolm II attacked Durham in 1006 but were repelled, leading to Uhtred of Bamburgh's elevation as Earl and consolidation of Bernician and York lands.

Quick Facts

Year
1006
Category
war

Key Facts

Year of attack
1006
Attacking force
Scottish forces under Malcolm II
Defending commander
Uhtred of Bamburgh
Defending region
Bernicia and York
Outcome for Uhtred
Named Earl of Bamburgh, later Earl of York
Malcolm's later victory
Battle of Carham, 1018

Location

Map of Durham, EnglandMap of Durham, EnglandDurham, England

Cause → Event → Consequence

Cause

Malcolm II of Scotland led an attack on Durham in 1006, possibly to extend Scottish control over Cumbria or as part of the customary practice of a new Scottish king demonstrating military strength through raids into English territory.

Event

Scottish forces besieged Durham, but Uhtred of Bamburgh assembled an army drawn from the lands of Bernicia and York and successfully repelled the attackers, ending the siege in defeat for the Scottish forces.

Consequence

Uhtred's successful defense earned him the title Earl of Bamburgh and subsequently Earl of York, uniting those lands under his authority. Malcolm II, despite this defeat, later invaded England in 1018 and secured recognition of Scottish control north of the River Tweed following the Battle of Carham.

Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis

Side A

1 belligerent

Kingdom of Scotland
Key Commanders

Malcolm II.

Side B

1 belligerent

English defenders of Durham (Bernicia and York)
Key Commanders

Uhtred of Bamburgh.

Outcome
Scottish defeat; English forces under Uhtred of Bamburgh repelled the attackers

Timeline Context

Timeline around 100610061003100410051007100810091006 victory of an alliance of Catalan counts over the Caliphate of Córdobasiege-of-durham-1006