The Vikings first came to Britain in the late 8th century, raiding and pillaging their way along the coast. They eventually settled in parts of England, Scotland and Ireland.
Why did the Vikings come to Britain? Some scholars believe that the Vikings were simply looking for new lands to settle. Others believe that they were fleeing persecution or seeking revenge for past wrongs. Still others believe that the Vikings were drawn to Britain by its rich resources and wealth.
Whatever the reason, there is no doubt that the Vikings had a profound impact on Britain. They brought with them their own culture and customs, which began to change British society. The Viking Age came to an end in 1066 when the Normans conquered England. But even today, we can still see evidence of Viking influence in Britain – in our place names, language and DNA.
The first Viking raid on British soil took place in AD 793, when Lindisfarne Priory – a monastery off the coast of Northumberland – was attacked.
Viking raids were a regular occurrence in Britain for the next few decades, with monasteries and villages being plundered for their valuables. However, it wasn’t until the 830s that large-scale Viking settlements began to appear in Britain.
The main reason for the Viking settlement of Britain was personal gain. The Vikings who settled in Britain were looking for somewhere to live where they could farm and raise their families in peace. They also saw Britain as a rich source of plunder, with its monasteries and villages full of valuable goods.
However, there were also political motivations behind the Viking settlement of Britain. In the late 9th century, the ruling dynasty of Wessex (located in southern England) was struggling to maintain control over its vast kingdom. This created an opportunity for the Vikings, who saw an opportunity to gain a foothold in England by settling in areas that were under Wessex’s control but difficult to defend.
The Viking settlement of Britain had a profound impact on English society and culture. The introduction of new technologies and ideas from Scandinavia helped to spur economic and social change in England. The Vikings also brought with them new forms of warfare which had a significant impact on the development of medieval castles.