The Norwegian Invasion of 1263, according to a letter

This letter of 1263, from R. de Neville to Walter of Merton, chancellor to Henry III, gives one of the first accounts of the Norwegian invasion.

To the venerable man, and revered friend, the Lord W. of Merton, chancellor of the lord King, his friend R. of Neville, greeting and ready obedience. I have lately received a letter from my lord King to the effect that le has appointed me his captain in the counties beyond the Trent, for the preservation of his peace against certain rebels and disturbers of his peace; and, furthermore, he has entrusted me with the custody of the county of York, and of its castle; all of which offices I am prepared to fulfil to the best of my power. But, inasmuch as I cannot undertake them without incurring very great expense, I have concluded to ask of your kindness to give, if it please you, your counsel and powerful assistance with the lord King, that he may, inform me where and from what person or persons I can obtain the money for the custody, both of the aforesaid county and castle, as well as for that of Bamborough Castle, which is entrusted to my keeping.

For it is reported as certain, that the King of Denmark, together with the King of Norway, with a large flotilla, has cast anchor off the further islands of Scotland, but whither they propose to turn is not yet certain, hence it is to be feared that danger is impending over these regions of which I have spoken. I also inform your kindness that some persons, whom I believed to be faithful adherents of our lord the King, have already, owing to the exhortations of the rebels, gone over to them, on which account I shall have to seek for greater assistance from others, and incur greater expenses. May you ever prosper in the Lord.

From, The Chronicle of Man and the Sundreys, edited by P.A. Munch (Manx Society vol.22, 1874).