Hereward's life took a dramatic turn after the Battle of Hastings. Following the defeat of King Harold II, many Anglo-Saxon nobles, including Hereward, fled into exile. For a time, Hereward was believed to have been living in Flanders, away from the reach of the Norman forces. His return to England in 1068 is significant for several reasons.

By 1068, William the Conqueror had firmly established his control over most of England, but the north and east remained resistant. The rebellion in these areas was fueled by a growing dissatisfaction with the Normans. It is in this context that Hereward returned, not only to reclaim his lands but to rejoin the fight against the invaders.

Hereward's return to England in 1068 was reportedly made possible by the support of local Anglo-Saxon nobles who were still resisting the Normans. It is said that he returned with the help of Danish allies, who were also displeased with William’s conquest of England. Hereward’s arrival marked the beginning of a renewed effort to challenge Norman authority in the East Anglian region.

The Revolt of the Anglo-Saxons and the Siege of Ely

Upon his return, Hereward gathered a group of supporters, including former Saxon warriors, and established himself as a leader of resistance in the region. One of the most significant events in Hereward’s resistance was the Siege of Ely, a fortified stronghold in the marshlands of Cambridgeshire. Ely became a critical site for those opposed to Norman rule, as its difficult terrain made it an ideal location for a defensive position.

In 1070, Hereward and his followers, together with their Danish allies, mounted a successful defense of Ely against William’s forces. The Normans besieged the island for several months, but the defenders managed to hold their ground. The story of the Siege of Ely has become a symbol of Anglo-Saxon defiance, with Hereward the Wake emerging as a heroic figure leading the charge against the overwhelming power of the Norman invaders. shutdown123