Harrying of the North as a direct response to rebellions
Revenge for Edgar's rebellions, Cumin's death and the many Norman's killed. Rebellions continuously flaring up.
Harrying of the North as a prevention of future rebellions
Served as a warning to rebels. Remaining Saxon land was given to Normans.
three reasons for HoN
Direct response, prevention of future rebellions and prevention of future Danish invasions
Harrying of the North as a prevention of Danish invasions
Harrying made North less valuable as livestock and crops died. Salt was ploughed into the soil to prevent the ability for crops to regrow. This would discourage the Danes from invading the North despite the fact it was Danelaw.
consequences
100,000 died from starvation. Slavery and cannibalism. (1086)-60% of Yorkshire was classed as wasteland. Major loss of land from Saxons- given to Normans.