They knew there was but little hope of mercy from the Saxon foresters, and against these they fought to the last.

To the Norman retainers, however, of the earl they offered a less determined resistance, throwing down their arms and surrendering at discretion.
The baron, when fiercely fighting, was slain by an arrow from the keep above, and with his fall the last resistance ceased.

A short time was spent in searching the castle, binding the prisoners, and carrying off the valuables that the baron had collected in his raids.

Then a light was set to the timbers, the granaries were fired, and in a few minutes the smoke wreathing out of the various loopholes and openings told the country round that the stronghold had fallen, and that they were free from the oppressor at last..