Eadwulf Rus facts for kids

Eadwulf Rus was an important noble from Northumbria in the 11th century. He lived around the year 1080. Eadwulf is mostly known for his part in the death of Walcher. Walcher was both the Bishop of Durham and the Earl of Northumbria.

Who Was Eadwulf Rus?

Eadwulf was part of a powerful family in Northumbria. He was either the son or grandson of a man named Gospatric. This Gospatric was a descendant of Uhtred the Bold, another famous Northumbrian leader.

A Family Connected to History

Eadwulf's family had been involved in important events before. One Gospatric, possibly Eadwulf's relative, was killed around 1064. This event led to a big uprising in the north against King Edward the Confessor. This revolt also turned King Edward and Harold Godwinson against Tostig, Earl of Northumbria. As a result, a new earl, Morcar, was appointed for northern England.

The Conflict with Earl Walcher

Eadwulf is mainly remembered because of his role in the death of Walcher. Walcher was a powerful figure who served as both a bishop and an earl. People attacked Walcher as revenge for the murder of his English helper, Ligulf.

The Story of Ligulf

Ligulf was an important man who had ties to the powerful Bamburgh family. He was married to Ealdgyth, the daughter of Ealdred, Earl of Bamburgh. Some historical writings say that Walcher's chaplain, Leobwin, planned Ligulf's murder. This happened after Ligulf and Leobwin had an argument during a meeting.

Walcher's relative, Gilbert, was said to have gone into Ligulf's home. There, Gilbert attacked and killed Ligulf. Some historians think that Walcher's relationship with Ligulf became difficult. This might have happened because Walcher failed to protect Northumbria from the Scots in 1079.

The Attack at Gateshead

On May 14, 1080, a group of Northumbrians attacked Bishop-Earl Walcher. This happened at Gateshead, which is across the river from where Newcastle-Upon-Tyne would later be built. Walcher and his group had come to Gateshead for discussions.

What Happened Next

The discussions did not go well. Walcher, who had about 100 knights protecting him, went into a church. The Northumbrians then set the church on fire. Walcher's chaplain, Leobwin, refused to give himself up. Walcher was forced to come out of the burning church. When he came out, he was stabbed with swords. Leobwin died in the fire.

Who Was the Leader?

Different historical records name different people as the leader of the attack. One record, De primo Saxonum adventu, says the leader was Eadwulf, son of Gospatric. Another record, the Historia Regum, also names Eadwulf. It calls him Eadwulf cognomento Rus, meaning Eadwulf "the Rus" or "the Red." However, this record says he was a grandson of Gospatric through another Uhtred.

Other Accounts

The Libellus de exordio says the killer was a man named Waltheof. This Waltheof might have been Eadwulf's brother. Eadwulf may also have had another brother named Dolfin.

Eadwulf's Death

According to the Historia Regum, Eadwulf was killed soon after Walcher's death. He was said to have been killed by a woman. Eadwulf was buried in a church at Jedburgh (now in the Scottish Borders). A few years later, Prior Turgot of Durham Cathedral had his body moved.