Ligulf facts for kids

Ligulf (sometimes called Liulf or Ligulf of Lumley) was an important nobleman in northern England. He lived a long time ago, in the 11th century, and passed away in the year 1080. Ligulf was from a mix of Anglo-Saxon and Danish backgrounds, and he owned a lot of land.

Ligulf was married to a woman named Ealdgyth. She was the daughter of Ealdred, who was an important leader called an Earl in Northumbria. An Earl was like a powerful local ruler. Ligulf's own mother also came from a family of Earls. Ligulf was known for being very dedicated to Saint Cuthbert, a famous saint.

Ligulf's Role and His Death

After Waltheof, another Earl, died in 1076, Ligulf became one of the few important noblemen left in the north who had strong connections to the old ruling families. He became a trusted advisor to Walcher, who was the Bishop of Durham. A Bishop is a high-ranking church leader.

However, not everyone liked Ligulf's advice. Two of Bishop Walcher's other advisors, Leobwin and Gilbert, disagreed with Ligulf. According to old records, Leobwin got very upset with how Ligulf spoke to him.

In April or May of 1080, Leobwin and Gilbert attacked Ligulf's home at night. They were helped by some of the Bishop's own knights. During this attack, Ligulf and many people in his household were killed. It's not clear if Bishop Walcher knew about or was involved in this plan.

The Aftermath: Walcher's Fate

Ligulf's wife, Ealdgyth, survived the attack. Bishop Walcher offered her some land to try and make peace after Ligulf's death.

On May 14, 1080, Bishop Walcher met with Ligulf's remaining family, led by Eadulf Rus, in a place called Gateshead. Walcher tried to convince them that he had nothing to do with Ligulf's murder. As both the Bishop of Durham and the Earl of Northumbria, Walcher was supposed to protect the people and make sure crimes were punished.

But Ligulf's family did not believe Walcher. They were especially suspicious because Leobwin and Gilbert, the men who killed Ligulf, were right there with Walcher! The people of Northumbria then presented Walcher with a list of bad things that had happened. Walcher refused to accept their complaints.

This made the Northumbrians very angry. They attacked Walcher and his supporters. Walcher and his men tried to find safety in a nearby church. But the angry crowd set the church on fire. Walcher was killed as he tried to escape the burning church. Ligulf's killers, Leobwin and Gilbert, died in the fire along with many of Walcher's other men.

Ligulf's Family

Ligulf and Ealdgyth had two sons, Morcar and Uhtred. Morcar later became a monk at Jarrow, which is a type of religious person who lives in a monastery.

Uhtred might be the same Uhtred mentioned in the Domesday Book. The Domesday Book was a very important survey of England ordered by King William the Conqueror. This Uhtred owned land in Rudston, a place in Yorkshire.

Ligulf may also have had a daughter named Ragnald. Records show that a "Ragnald, daughter of Ligulf" gave land to Fountains Abbey in the 1130s. She was married to a man named Robert de Sarz.