Morcar, Earl of Northumbria

Morcar, also known as Mōrcǣr in Old English and Mǫrukári in Old Norse, was the son of Ælfgār, the Earl of Mercia, and brother to Ēadwine. He became the Earl of Northumbria in 1065 after assisting the Northumbrian rebels in expelling Tostig Godwinson. Morcar satisfied the Bernicians by appointing Osulf of Bamburgh to govern beyond the River Tyne and gathered forces from Nottingham, Derby, and Lincoln to meet his brother Ēadwine at Northampton.

In 1066, Morcar supported Harold Godwinson after Edward the Confessor's death but faced dissatisfaction from his earldom. He joined his brother in repelling Tostig's raids but was defeated by Tostig and Harald Hardrada at Fulford Gate. After the Battle of Hastings, Morcar and Ēadwine arrived in London, supported Edgar the Ætheling's election, but eventually submitted to William the Conqueror, who reinstated them after receiving their submission.

Morcar later rebelled against William in 1068 but submitted again at Warwick. In 1071, he escaped from court and joined the insurgents in the Isle of Ely, surrendering after its fall. He was imprisoned by William and later released in 1087, only to be imprisoned again by William Rufus. He likely died in prison, and no further details of his life are known.