In 1068, completely ignoring the wishes of the people of that county, William the Conqueror created him Earl of Northumberland. The Northumbrians first decided to abandon their dwellings but, as they were prevented by the inclemency of the weather, decided to kill their new Earl. Egelvine, Bishop of Durham, warned Robert Comyn of their intentions but he ignored the warning and, using Durham as his base, with 700 soldiers commenced on a course of plunder and bloodshed. Incensed, the people of the neighbourhood assaulted Durham and the Earl and all his men were put to death.
Source: Leo van de Pas