The citizens , together with Harold Godwinson ’ s mother , Gytha , refused Agree_or_refuse_to_act to swear fealty to William or pay Commerce_pay the tax he demanded Request , and shut Motion the gates against him .

After a siege Besieging of 18 days , Exeter capitulated Surrendering ( though Gytha escaped Escaping ) , and Rougemont Castle was established Building and garrisoned by the Normans .