WILLIAM THE CONQUEROR. 327

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of Durham ; and gaining the advantage overhim from his negligence, they put him to deathin that city, with seven hundred of his follow-ers J *. This success animated the inhabitantsof York, who, rising in arms, flew Robertl itz-Richard, their governor and besieged inthe cable, William Mallet, on whom the com-mand now devolved. A little after, the Danishtroops landed from 300 vessels: Oiberne, brotherto king Sweyn, was entrusted with the commandof these forces, and he was accompanied byHarold and Canute, two sons of that monarch.Edgar Atheling appeared from Scotland, andbrought along with him Cospatric, Waltheof,Si ward , Bearne , Merleswain , Adelin , and otherleaders, who, partly from the hopes which theygave of Scottish succours, partly from theirauthority in those parts, easily persuaded thewarlike and discontented Northumbrians to jointhe insurrection. Mallet, that he might betterprovide for the defence of the citadel of York,set fire to some houses, which lay contiguous;but this expedient proved the immediate causeof his destruction. The flames, spreading intothe neighbouring streets, reduced the wholecity to ashes: The enraged inhabitants, aidedby the Danes, took advantage of the confusionto attack the castle, which they carried by asiault;

" Order. Vital. p. 512. Chron. de Mailr. p. I 16.Hoveden, p. 430. M. Paris, p. 5. Sim. Dun. p. 198.

‘ 7 Order. Vital. p. 312.

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