o

HISTORY OF ENGLAND.

C h a p. incited to this revolt by private injuries. William,iv. in order to insure them to his interests, had, on

5<J,S - his accession , promised his daughter in marriage

to Edwin; but either he had never seriouslyintended to perform this engagement, or havingchanged his plan of administration in England fromclemency to rigor, he thought it was to littlepurpose, if he gained one family, while he enragedthe whole nation. When Edwin , therefore,renewed his applications, he gave him an absolutedenial 18 ; and this disappointment, added to somany other reasons of disgust, induced that noble-man and his brother to concur with their incensedcountrymen, and to make one general effort forthe recovery of their ancient liberties. Williamknew the importance of celerity in quelling aninsurrection, supported by such powerful leaders,and so agreeable to the wishes of the people;and having his troops always in readiness, headvanced by great journies to the north. On hismarch he gave orders to fortify the castle ofWarwic, of which he left Henry de Beaumontgovernor, and that of Nottingham, which hecommitted to the custodv of William severest,another Norman captain 19 . He reached Yorkbefore the rebels were in any condition for resist-ance, or were joined by any of the foreignsuccours, which they expected, except a smallreinforcement from "Wales J °; and the two earlsfound no means of safety , but having recourse to

SI

Order. Vital. p. 511.

Ibid.

3 ®

Ibid.