The Vikings, those fearsome seafarers from Scandinavia, have captured the imagination of many with their tales of exploration, trade, and conquest. One of the most notable episodes in their history is the time they spent in England. But exactly how long did the Vikings rule parts of England? Let’s delve into this captivating piece of history.
How Long Did Vikings Rule England?
The First Raids:
The first recorded Viking raid on England occurred in 793 AD, with the infamous attack on the island monastery of Lindisfarne. These early raids were sporadic and mainly focused on monasteries due to the wealth they housed. However, it wasn’t until the mid-9th century that the Vikings started to establish a more permanent presence in England.
The Great Heathen Army:
The turning point came in 865 AD with the arrival of the “Great Heathen Army.” This wasn’t just a raiding party, but an army bent on conquest. Over the next decade, they took over large portions of England, including significant territories like Northumbria, East Anglia, and Mercia.
The Establishment of the Danelaw:
By the late 9th century, a peace treaty with the English king Alfred the Great led to the establishment of the Danelaw – a vast swath of territory in the northeast of England where Viking laws and customs prevailed. This was not just a transient occupation; it was a full-blown settlement. The Vikings in these areas would farm, trade, and integrate with the local populace, leaving a lasting impact on the culture, language, and genetics of the region.
End of the Danelaw and Continued Viking Presence:
However, the Viking hold on the Danelaw began to wane towards the end of the 9th century and by the mid-10th century, successive English kings managed to retake these territories. Yet, the Viking saga in England was far from over.
In the late 10th and early 11th centuries, England faced renewed Viking invasions, now from the Danes. In 1013, King Sweyn Forkbeard of Denmark successfully invaded and declared himself king of all England. His son, Cnut the Great, would also go on to rule England, marking a period of about 26 years when England was part of a vast North Sea empire that included Denmark and Norway.
The Norman Conquest: A Viking Legacy:
Although the direct Viking rule ended after Cnut’s descendants, it’s worth noting that the Normans, who conquered England in 1066 under William the Conqueror, were of Viking descent. The Normans had settled in the region now known as Normandy in France, and while they had assimilated with the local culture, their roots were undeniably Viking.
In Conclusion:
The Viking presence in England spanned from the late 8th century to the mid-11th century. While they directly ruled significant portions of England for about two centuries, their cultural, genetic, and linguistic influence persisted far beyond their reign. The legacy of the Vikings can still be seen in place names, local customs, and the DNA of the English people today.
