#english_history 

## First encounter
Towards the end of the 8th century new raiders were tempted by Britain's wealth. These were the [[Vikings]]. Like the [[Saxon Invaders|Saxons]], they only raided at first, burning churches and monasteries along the east, north and west coasts of Britain and Ireland, with London being itself raided in **842**.

## Invasion
In **865** the Vikings assembled the **Great Heathen Army** once it was clear that the quarrelling Heptarchy could not keep them out, ready to settle and conquer. They quickly accepted [[Christianity after the Saxon invasion|Christianity]] and did not disturb the local population. They had overrun most of the kingdoms in the Heptarchy by **875**, with only Wessex with its' King Alfred standing. After some defeats Alfred won the decivise **Battle of Ethandun (Edington)** in **878** and captured London, forcing the Vikings to negotiate peace.

## Result of the Invasion
Viking rule was recognised in the east and north of England, a land that was collectively known as the **Danelaw**. In the rest of the country Alfred was recognised as king.
During his struggles against the Danes, he'd built walled settlements to keep them out (similar to how [[The Celts in Britain|Offa built a dyke]]), which were called **burghs** (now - borough) and later became prosperous market towns. ^14909a

## Trade
Most trade from the 9th century onwards took place with Scandinavia.