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Osulf II of Bamburgh

d. 1067

Anglo-Saxon Soldier & earl

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About Osulf II of Bamburgh

Osulf II of Bamburgh was a feudatory.

Osulf or Oswulf (died 1067) was the son of Eadwulf IV, Earl of Bamburgh (killed 1041), and grandson of Uhtred the Bold, ruler of Bamburgh and ealdorman of Northumbria (killed 1016). Oswulf's family ruled Bamburgh from 954 until 1041, though their independence may have been compromised after 1041 when Siward the Stout killed Eadwulf and gained hegemony over the north.

In 1065, Morcar succeeded Tostig as ealdorman of Northumbria and nominal overlord of Oswulf, ruling the portion north of the River Tyne. However, because of Morcar's resistance to the Norman invasion of England by William the Conqueror in 1066, he was deposed and imprisoned. William then appointed Copsi (sometimes Copsig), Tostig's former deputy, as Morcar's replacement.

In February 1067, Copsi came north and forced Oswulf to seek shelter in the hills. Oswulf began to gather an army. Because Copsi was seen as an invader and a tax-gatherer for William, he was deeply unpopular among the Northumbrians north and south of the Tyne, and Oswulf had no trouble in gathering recruits. On 12 March, he surprised Copsi and his men at a banquet at Newburn-upon-Tyne. Copsi fled to a nearby church but this was set on fire, forcing Copsi out. Oswulf then had Copsi's head cut off.

Oswulf appears to have seized control of the earldom of Bamburgh, and was not threatened by any expeditions to remove him. However, in the autumn of 1067, Oswulf, who appears to have been carrying out his duties as earl, intercepted an outlaw and was run through by the man's spear.

He was succeeded as earl by his cousin, Gospatric, who allegedly paid King William for the latter's recognition of his earldom.

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Important facts

Died
1067
Occupation
Also known as
Osulf II. von Northumbria

Frequently asked questions

Who was Osulf II of Bamburgh?

Anglo-Saxon Soldier & earl

When did Osulf II of Bamburgh die?

Osulf II of Bamburgh died in 1067.

What was Osulf II of Bamburgh's occupation?

Osulf II of Bamburgh was a feudatory.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: Osulf II of Bamburgh

· Wikidata: Q538077

· DBpedia: Oswulf II of Bamburgh

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Osulf II of Bamburgh. https://biography.guide/osulf-ii-of-bamburgh/

MLA: "Osulf II of Bamburgh." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/osulf-ii-of-bamburgh/.

Chicago: "Osulf II of Bamburgh." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/osulf-ii-of-bamburgh/.

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