What happened to the Anglo-Saxons and the Vikings? | History for Year 6 PDF Download

Anglo-Saxons and Vikings

In the year AD 793, the Vikings launched a fierce attack on the Lindisfarne monastery, resulting in the deaths of monks and the theft of valuable religious artifacts. This incident marked the beginning of a prolonged conflict between the Anglo-Saxons and the Vikings over dominance in Britain.

Key Events:

• AD 793: Attack on Lindisfarne by Vikings.
• 9th Century (AD 801 - 900): King Alfred of Wessex successfully halted Viking advances, establishing a peace agreement that allowed some Vikings to settle in an area known as the Danelaw.

How did the Anglo-Saxons take control of England?

Following King Alfred's reign, subsequent Anglo-Saxon monarchs began reclaiming territories within the Danelaw from Viking control. Alfred's grandson, Athelstan, significantly expanded English influence, asserting himself as the first king to declare himself the 'King of all England.'

• Athelstan: Known for extending English control into Scotland.
• AD 954: The Anglo-Saxons expelled Eric Bloodaxe, the last Viking king of York (Jorvik). Following Eric’s death in battle, the Vikings accepted English rule.

At this time, King Edgar emerged as the most formidable Anglo-Saxon ruler, commanding respect from both Welsh and Scottish leaders, and presiding over a court in Winchester that was one of the most magnificent in Europe.

How did King Cnut become king?

During the Viking Age, strength was a critical attribute for kingship. Ethelred the Unready was perceived as a weak leader in the 11th century. In an effort to prevent further invasions, Ethelred paid the Vikings in gold and granted them land, a practice known as Danegeld. However, this tactic failed as the Vikings continued their assaults.

• Danegeld: The payments made to Vikings, which proved ineffective.
• Conflict with King Sweyn of Denmark: Ethelred's forces attacked Viking families residing in the Danelaw, provoking Sweyn to invade England, prompting Ethelred to flee to France.

Sweyn's son, Cnut (Canute), then ascended to the throne of England. Cnut proved to be a strong and effective ruler, integrating England into his Viking empire, alongside Denmark and Norway.

Who was 'Edward the Confessor'?

In 1042, Edward, known as Edward 'the Confessor,' became the new king of England. Lacking any heirs, the succession plan became uncertain.

• Succession Issues: After Edward's death, the Anglo-Saxon council known as the Witan selected Earl Harold of Wessex to be the next king.

How did Anglo-Saxon England come to an end?

In the year 1066, both Duke William of Normandy and Harald Hardrada, the King of Norway, contested Earl Harold's claim to the English throne. This led to two invasions of England.

• Invasion by Harald Hardrada: A Norwegian army landed in northern England, but King Harold defeated Hardrada at the Battle of Stamford Bridge.
• Invasion by William: Just three days post-Stamford Bridge, William's Norman forces arrived in southern England, leading to the iconic Battle of Hastings.

In this decisive battle, the Normans triumphed, resulting in King Harold's death and paving the way for William to become king, signaling the end of both Anglo-Saxon and Viking rule in England and the dawn of Norman governance.