The Siege of Exeter occurred Coming_to_be in 1068 when William I marched Self_motion a combined army of Normans and Englishmen loyal to the king west to force the submission of Exeter , a stronghold of Anglo-Saxon resistance against Norman rule .

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 .

Early efforts of the invaders to break Bodily_harm the English battle lines had little effect ; therefore , the Normans adopted Choosing the tactic of pretending to flee in panic and then turning on Motion their pursuers .