William of Eu
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William of Eu, Count of Eu (died January 1096) was a first generation Anglo-Norman aristocrat and rebel.
Along with William of Aldrie, he conspired with Roger de Lacy and Robert de Mowbray to murder William II and install the king's cousin Stephen of Aumale.
In 1095 the rebels impounded four Norwegian trading ships and refused the king's demand to return the merchandise.
King William conducted a lightning campaign, outflanking the rebels at Newcastle and capturing a rebel stronghold at Morpeth. He besieged the rebels at Bamburgh Castle and built a castle facing the existing one.
In January 1096 in Salisbury, Eu was formally accused and challenged to trial by battle. He was defeated by Geoffrey Baynard, former sheriff of Yorkshire. Tradition condemned the loser to blinding and castration. William of Eu died as a result of this mutilation.
[edit] References
- Chronicle of Britain ISBN 1-872031-35-8