Earl of York facts for kids
The Earl of York or Ealdorman of York was a very important leader in Anglo-Saxon England. This person ruled the southern part of a large area called Northumbria. The words "ealdorman" and "earl" both come from Old English, which is an old form of the English language.
The title of Earl of York was created around the year 966. Before that, a leader named Oswulf controlled the region. He was already a "high-reeve" (a kind of chief officer) in northern Northumbria. This happened after Norse (Viking) rule in York ended around 954.
After the Normans took over England in 1066, the title of Earl of York was used again a couple of times. Later, in 1385, the title changed to Duke of York. This title is still used today as a royal dukedom, often given to the King or Queen's second son.
Contents
What Was the Earl of York?
An Earl of York was like a powerful governor or ruler. They were in charge of a big part of Northumbria. This area was important for controlling northern England. These leaders helped manage the land and its people for the king.
Early Rulers: The Ealdormen
The first leaders of York were called Ealdormen. They were strong figures in Anglo-Saxon society. Here are some of the people who held this important role:
- Oslac (966–975)
- Thored (974x979–c. 994)
- Ælfhelm (c. 994–1006)
- Uhtred (1006–1016) – He ruled all of Northumbria.
- Eric (1016–1023)
- Siward (1023x1033–1055) – He also ruled all of Northumbria after 1041.
Later Earls After the Norman Conquest
After the Normans arrived, the title of Earl of York was given to new people. These earls played key roles in the kingdom.
William le Gros
William le Gros was made Earl of York by King Stephen in 1138. He was already in charge of defending the city of York. William became the king's main administrator for all of Yorkshire. However, in 1155, he had to give up his earldom to King Henry II.
Otto of Brunswick
Otto of Brunswick became Earl of York in 1190. King Richard I gave him this title. Otto found it hard to prove that he truly had this title to the local lords in Yorkshire. He probably only visited Yorkshire once, in 1191. Even after he was chosen as King of Germany in 1198, he still tried to claim money from the earldom.
See also
- Earl of Scarbrough
