The Northumbrians and the Normans

The Northumbrian army rushed to the manner and attempted to make their way inside. The defenders were tightly packed, heavily armed, and had effectively fortified their position. So every time the Northumbrians tried to break through the defenses they got pushed back. They eventually turned to an old solution, a northern solution that had been used by Macbeth and by Earl Oswald. If the Normans wouldn't come out, then the Northerners would insist they stay.