The Tax Gatherer Explained

This particular story follows the events of Osulf II of Bamburgh, and his feud with Copsig, a deputy of Tostig, previous earl of Northumbria. Tostig was appointed earl of Northumbria in 1055, and he immediately set about eliminating leading local figures at York, and heavily increased the taxes in Northumbria. Northumbria's loyalty to the South had always been dubious, and so Tostig aimed to integrate more into southern politics; however, he appeared only to give the Northumbrians the bad bits. They eventually rebelled and threw him out, leading to his exile, followed by his alliance with Harald Sigurdsson... but that's another story.

Though this is a work of fiction, the events depicted did happen.
Osulf was forced to live in hiding for a period of five weeks in 1067 after being surprised by Copsig, who'd been appointed to power by William the Bastard. Osulf raised troops and surprised Copsig at Newburn upon Tyne, but he escaped, and Osulf really did confront him and behead him on the porch of the burning church.
It sounds like a legend in itself, and I believe that it is a piece of history that should be remembered. I only hope that I do it justice.