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Viking Migration to England GCSE History 2021 - Vikings, Normans, and Alfred the Great
Emily Seevaratnam
@emilyseevaratnam_symq
King Cnut and the North Sea Empire
After Alfred the Great's victory at the Battle of Edington, a period of relative peace ensued between the Vikings and the English. The Danelaw was established, allowing Vikings to settle in the North and East of England.
The Decline of Anglo-Saxon Rule
The peaceful coexistence was disrupted after the death of Edgar the Peaceful, Alfred's great-grandson. This led to a series of events:
- Edgar's young sons, Edward and Aethelred, became heirs
- Edward reigned briefly before being murdered
- Aethelred took over but proved to be an ineffective ruler
Highlight: Aethelred's reign was marked by poor judgment and corrupt advisers, leading to a troubled period.
Viking Resurgence and Cnut's Rise to Power
Taking advantage of the weak Anglo-Saxon leadership, the Vikings renewed their attacks:
- In 991, Sven Forkbeard defeated the English at the Battle of Maldon
- Aethelred paid the Vikings to leave , which encouraged further invasions
- Aethelred sought help from Normandy and married Emma of Normandy
- Aethelred's order to kill many Vikings provoked Sven Forkbeard to attack again
- Sven Forkbeard briefly took the English throne but died shortly after
- His son, Cnut, eventually became the ruler of England after a period of conflict
Vocabulary: Danegeld - A tax raised to pay off Viking invaders to prevent them from raiding.
Cnut's Reign and the North Sea Empire
Cnut, like Alfred, earned the epithet "The Great" due to his fair and just rule. His reign was characterized by:
- Peace and stability lasting nearly 20 years
- No Viking invasions during his rule
- Efforts to win over local populations
- A mix of Danish and English nobles in positions of power
- Strong leadership regardless of ethnic background
Example: Cnut sent many battle fleets home as they were no longer needed, demonstrating the peace he had established.
Cnut's religious devotion and political acumen were evident in his:
- Good relationship with English Church leaders
- Respect for old English kings and their laws
- Reinstatement of popular laws from Edgar the Peaceful's reign
The North Sea Empire was formed when Cnut inherited:
- Denmark
- Norway
- Parts of Sweden
This empire, along with his rule in Britain, created a vast domain around the North Sea.
Definition: The North Sea Empire refers to the territories ruled by Cnut, encompassing England, Denmark, Norway, and parts of Sweden.
To further stabilize his rule and improve relations with Normandy, Cnut married Emma of Normandy, Aethelred's former wife. This union produced a son, Harthacnut, ensuring a clear line of succession for the North Sea Empire.
Highlight: Cnut's marriage to Emma of Normandy was a strategic move to strengthen diplomatic ties and secure his dynasty's future.
Viking Migration to England
In the late 8th century, England was divided into several kingdoms, with Northumbria, East Anglia, Mercia, and Wessex being the most prominent. These kingdoms shared a common language, Christian religion, and culture, despite their frequent conflicts.
The Vikings' Arrival in England
The Vikings were drawn to England due to its abundant resources, including:
- Coal
- Fertile soil suitable for agriculture
- Precious metals
Highlight: The first recorded Viking raid in England occurred at Lindisfarne, a monastery on the North-East coast of Northumbria.
Reasons for Viking Settlement
Vikings chose to settle in England for several reasons:
- Better agricultural opportunities compared to their homelands
- Overcrowding in Scandinavia
- Limited resources in their native lands
Example: Norway's hilly landscape made crop cultivation challenging, while Denmark's sandy soil limited animal husbandry.
Stages of Viking Involvement in England
- Initial raids for plunder and slaves
- Longer stays, including overwinter camps on islands
- Permanent settlement with families and establishment of Viking rule in parts of Northumbria
The Danelaw and Alfred the Great
The Danelaw was a region in England where Viking law and customs prevailed. It was characterized by:
- A mix of Scandinavian and English communities
- Coexistence of Christianity and Norse religions
- Continued contact with other Viking communities
- Influence of Norse language on place names
Vocabulary: Danelaw - The part of England where Danish law and customs were observed during the Viking era.
King Alfred of Wessex, also known as Alfred the Great, became ruler in 871. He was renowned for:
- Being a wise ruler and scholar who promoted learning
- Building burhs to strengthen England's defenses
- Gaining recognition as an overlord from other English kingdoms
Alfred's Military Legacy
In 876, the Vikings launched a series of attacks against Wessex. After initial setbacks, Alfred:
- Regrouped on the Isle of Athelney
- Trained and gathered a new army
- Defeated the Vikings at the Battle of Edington in May 878
Highlight: The Battle of Edington was a turning point in Alfred's campaign against the Vikings.
Alfred's defensive strategy included:
- Building burhs across the country in the 880s
- Fortifying existing Roman-era towns like Oxford
- Creating a network of defensive positions to secure his lands
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Anna
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Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
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I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
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THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Viking Migration to England GCSE History 2021 - Vikings, Normans, and Alfred the Great
Emily Seevaratnam
@emilyseevaratnam_symq
The Viking migration to England and the subsequent formation of the North Sea Empire were significant events in British history, shaping the cultural and political landscape of medieval England. This summary explores the reasons behind Viking raids, the impact of... Show more
King Cnut and the North Sea Empire
After Alfred the Great's victory at the Battle of Edington, a period of relative peace ensued between the Vikings and the English. The Danelaw was established, allowing Vikings to settle in the North and East of England.
The Decline of Anglo-Saxon Rule
The peaceful coexistence was disrupted after the death of Edgar the Peaceful, Alfred's great-grandson. This led to a series of events:
- Edgar's young sons, Edward and Aethelred, became heirs
- Edward reigned briefly before being murdered
- Aethelred took over but proved to be an ineffective ruler
Highlight: Aethelred's reign was marked by poor judgment and corrupt advisers, leading to a troubled period.
Viking Resurgence and Cnut's Rise to Power
Taking advantage of the weak Anglo-Saxon leadership, the Vikings renewed their attacks:
- In 991, Sven Forkbeard defeated the English at the Battle of Maldon
- Aethelred paid the Vikings to leave , which encouraged further invasions
- Aethelred sought help from Normandy and married Emma of Normandy
- Aethelred's order to kill many Vikings provoked Sven Forkbeard to attack again
- Sven Forkbeard briefly took the English throne but died shortly after
- His son, Cnut, eventually became the ruler of England after a period of conflict
Vocabulary: Danegeld - A tax raised to pay off Viking invaders to prevent them from raiding.
Cnut's Reign and the North Sea Empire
Cnut, like Alfred, earned the epithet "The Great" due to his fair and just rule. His reign was characterized by:
- Peace and stability lasting nearly 20 years
- No Viking invasions during his rule
- Efforts to win over local populations
- A mix of Danish and English nobles in positions of power
- Strong leadership regardless of ethnic background
Example: Cnut sent many battle fleets home as they were no longer needed, demonstrating the peace he had established.
Cnut's religious devotion and political acumen were evident in his:
- Good relationship with English Church leaders
- Respect for old English kings and their laws
- Reinstatement of popular laws from Edgar the Peaceful's reign
The North Sea Empire was formed when Cnut inherited:
- Denmark
- Norway
- Parts of Sweden
This empire, along with his rule in Britain, created a vast domain around the North Sea.
Definition: The North Sea Empire refers to the territories ruled by Cnut, encompassing England, Denmark, Norway, and parts of Sweden.
To further stabilize his rule and improve relations with Normandy, Cnut married Emma of Normandy, Aethelred's former wife. This union produced a son, Harthacnut, ensuring a clear line of succession for the North Sea Empire.
Highlight: Cnut's marriage to Emma of Normandy was a strategic move to strengthen diplomatic ties and secure his dynasty's future.
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Viking Migration to England
In the late 8th century, England was divided into several kingdoms, with Northumbria, East Anglia, Mercia, and Wessex being the most prominent. These kingdoms shared a common language, Christian religion, and culture, despite their frequent conflicts.
The Vikings' Arrival in England
The Vikings were drawn to England due to its abundant resources, including:
- Coal
- Fertile soil suitable for agriculture
- Precious metals
Highlight: The first recorded Viking raid in England occurred at Lindisfarne, a monastery on the North-East coast of Northumbria.
Reasons for Viking Settlement
Vikings chose to settle in England for several reasons:
- Better agricultural opportunities compared to their homelands
- Overcrowding in Scandinavia
- Limited resources in their native lands
Example: Norway's hilly landscape made crop cultivation challenging, while Denmark's sandy soil limited animal husbandry.
Stages of Viking Involvement in England
- Initial raids for plunder and slaves
- Longer stays, including overwinter camps on islands
- Permanent settlement with families and establishment of Viking rule in parts of Northumbria
The Danelaw and Alfred the Great
The Danelaw was a region in England where Viking law and customs prevailed. It was characterized by:
- A mix of Scandinavian and English communities
- Coexistence of Christianity and Norse religions
- Continued contact with other Viking communities
- Influence of Norse language on place names
Vocabulary: Danelaw - The part of England where Danish law and customs were observed during the Viking era.
King Alfred of Wessex, also known as Alfred the Great, became ruler in 871. He was renowned for:
- Being a wise ruler and scholar who promoted learning
- Building burhs to strengthen England's defenses
- Gaining recognition as an overlord from other English kingdoms
Alfred's Military Legacy
In 876, the Vikings launched a series of attacks against Wessex. After initial setbacks, Alfred:
- Regrouped on the Isle of Athelney
- Trained and gathered a new army
- Defeated the Vikings at the Battle of Edington in May 878
Highlight: The Battle of Edington was a turning point in Alfred's campaign against the Vikings.
Alfred's defensive strategy included:
- Building burhs across the country in the 880s
- Fortifying existing Roman-era towns like Oxford
- Creating a network of defensive positions to secure his lands
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user