Following the burning of Shrewsbury, Eadric's forces faced an inevitable confrontation with William's troops. The battle took place at Stafford, where Eadric’s forces met with a Norman army under the command of the king's loyal generals. The battle was decisive, and Eadric was forced to retreat. His forces, outnumbered and less experienced, were overwhelmed by the superior Norman military tactics and equipment.
The defeat at Stafford marked a turning point in Eadric the Wild's rebellion. Though he was able to rally support from various factions in the west of England, the tide of the conflict had clearly turned in favor of the Normans. William’s control over England was becoming increasingly entrenched, and the resistance against his rule was being crushed by his military might.
The Surrender of Eadric
After his defeat at Stafford, Eadric the Wild's options were limited. His rebellious forces were scattered, and the once-defiant leader found himself facing inevitable submission. In 1070, the year following his defeat, Eadric was forced to surrender to William the Conqueror. The exact circumstances of his surrender are not entirely clear, but it is likely that he was offered mercy in exchange for his submission. By this time, William had effectively crushed most major resistance in England, and Eadric’s survival depended on his willingness to accept Norman rule.
Following his surrender, Eadric's fate is somewhat uncertain. Some sources suggest that he may have been exiled, while others claim that he lived out the remainder of his life under Norman surveillance. However, one thing is certain: Eadric's rebellion in 1069 marked the final significant challenge to William’s control in the west of England. shutdown123