History of the Vikings in the West Midlands
The West Midlands played a significant role in Viking history in England, particularly during the 9th and 10th centuries. Initially, the Vikings raided Britain, but by the 9th century, they had started settling in the eastern part of England, particularly the East Midlands, which led to the creation of Danelaw, with parts of the West Midlands serving as the borderland between Saxon Mercia and Danelaw.
As Viking influence in the UK grew, Alfred the Great reluctantly agreed that the Vikings could farm this land in order to restore some peace to Britain. This fragile peace was maintained for a short period. However, prompted by Saxon raids into Danelaw territory, in 910 the Vikings travelled into Mercia via the River Severn and plundered what is today Shropshire. On their journey back north, through the West Midlands, they met with the combined Saxon armies of Wessex and Mercia – at the Battle of Tettenhall.
Who were The Great Heathen Army?
The Great Heathen Army was one of the most significant military campaigns in medieval England. It was a coalition of Scandinavian warriors who invaded England in AD 865 with the aim of conquering and occupying the four Anglo-Saxon kingdoms of East Anglia, Northumbria, Mercia, and Wessex. The army was led by three of the five sons of the semi-legendary Ragnar Lodbrok, including Halfdan Ragnarsson, Ivar the Boneless, and Ubba.
The 9th century was a particularly turbulent period in English history, with successive Scandinavian raids evolving into an organized invasion with the objective of acquiring Anglo-Saxon land for settlement. The Vikings had been raiding England for a while before the Great Heathen Army came along, but this force was much larger and more organized than any previous Viking army.
The name "Great Heathen Army" is derived from the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, a compilation of annalistic entries that describe events in a particular year. Surviving sources give no firm indication of the army's numbers, but it was described as among the largest forces of its kind. The invaders initially landed in East Anglia, where the king provided them with horses for their campaign in return for peace. They spent the winter of 865–866 at Thetford before marching north to capture York in November 866.
During 867, the army marched deep into Mercia and wintered in Nottingham. The Mercians agreed to terms with the Viking army, which moved back to York for the winter of 868–869. In 869, the Great Army returned to East Anglia, conquering it and killing its king. The army moved to winter quarters in Thetford.
Despite some drawbacks to using the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle as a source, it does provide a roadmap for where the Vikings stopped for the winter. These winter camps, also known as "wintersetl," were significant for understanding the Vikings' movements during their campaigns in England. Two of the winter camps mentioned in the Chronicle are: Repton and Torksey in the East Midlands.
Viking Seige of Tamworth 873
In the 870s, Tamworth, the historic capital of Mercia, was a key area of focus for the invading Vikings. The city was defended by King Burghred of Mercia, it ultimately fell to the Viking "Great Heathen Army" following a long and brutal siege from 873 to 874 AD.
During the siege of Tamworth, the Vikings employed a range of tactics to try and breach the city's defenses. They constructed siege engines, such as battering rams and siege towers, to break down the walls and gates of the city. They also used archers and slingers to rain down arrows and stones on the defenders, and dug tunnels under the walls in an attempt to undermine them. Meanwhile, the defenders fought back with arrows, spears, and swords, and poured boiling oil and water on the Vikings below.
Despite the defenders' best efforts, the Vikings eventually broke through the city's defenses and launched an all-out assault. The battle was brutal, with both sides suffering heavy losses, but ultimately the Vikings emerged victorious. Tamworth was sacked, and King Burghred was forced into hiding. He was later captured by the Vikings and exiled, leaving the kingdom of Mercia in turmoil.
The Siege of Tamworth was a key moment in the Viking invasion of England, and it demonstrated the sheer brutality and effectiveness of the Viking armies. The Vikings would go on to conquer and occupy much of England, establishing the Danelaw, a region of the country governed by Viking law and custom. Today, Tamworth is a small town, but its history as a royal center and as the site of a Viking siege is an important reminder of England's turbulent past.
Battle of Tettenhall 910
Alfred died in 899 and is buried at Winchester. He is known as “King of the English” and “Alfred the Great”. Alfred was followed by his son Edward (known as “Edward the Elder”) who ruled from 899 to 924. Edward continued his father’s military activities and defeated a Viking army near Tettenhall in 910. In August 910, a decisive battle took place in the West Midlands between the Saxons and Vikings.
Though the exact battlefield site is unknown, we know from the Anglo Saxon Chronicle it was near Tettenhall in Wolverhampton. Thousands took part in the battle. The Saxons caught the Vikings against a river with no means of retreat, and routed the invading force.
The Battle of Tettenhall was one of the last major Viking battles on British soil and resulted in the death of two Danish Kings. It was seen as a big victory for the Saxons and soon England would be United as one country.
Did the Vikings ever come to Birmingham?
There is no known evidence of Vikings in Birmingham. However, on two occasions the Viking Great Army is known to have passed nearby, travelling from Shoeburyness in Essex to Buttington in Shropshire in 893, and from the River Lea north of London to Bridgnorth in Shropshire in 895. Their route very likely took them along Watling Street, the modern A5 which passes through Fazeley near Tamworth.
As Viking influence in the UK grew, Alfred the Great reluctantly agreed that the Vikings could farm this land in order to restore some peace to Britain. This fragile peace was maintained for a short period. However, prompted by Saxon raids into Danelaw territory, in 910 the Vikings travelled into Mercia via the River Severn and plundered what is today Shropshire. On their journey back north, through the West Midlands, they met with the combined Saxon armies of Wessex and Mercia – at the Battle of Tettenhall.
Who were The Great Heathen Army?
The Great Heathen Army was one of the most significant military campaigns in medieval England. It was a coalition of Scandinavian warriors who invaded England in AD 865 with the aim of conquering and occupying the four Anglo-Saxon kingdoms of East Anglia, Northumbria, Mercia, and Wessex. The army was led by three of the five sons of the semi-legendary Ragnar Lodbrok, including Halfdan Ragnarsson, Ivar the Boneless, and Ubba.
The 9th century was a particularly turbulent period in English history, with successive Scandinavian raids evolving into an organized invasion with the objective of acquiring Anglo-Saxon land for settlement. The Vikings had been raiding England for a while before the Great Heathen Army came along, but this force was much larger and more organized than any previous Viking army.
The name "Great Heathen Army" is derived from the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, a compilation of annalistic entries that describe events in a particular year. Surviving sources give no firm indication of the army's numbers, but it was described as among the largest forces of its kind. The invaders initially landed in East Anglia, where the king provided them with horses for their campaign in return for peace. They spent the winter of 865–866 at Thetford before marching north to capture York in November 866.
During 867, the army marched deep into Mercia and wintered in Nottingham. The Mercians agreed to terms with the Viking army, which moved back to York for the winter of 868–869. In 869, the Great Army returned to East Anglia, conquering it and killing its king. The army moved to winter quarters in Thetford.
Despite some drawbacks to using the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle as a source, it does provide a roadmap for where the Vikings stopped for the winter. These winter camps, also known as "wintersetl," were significant for understanding the Vikings' movements during their campaigns in England. Two of the winter camps mentioned in the Chronicle are: Repton and Torksey in the East Midlands.
Viking Seige of Tamworth 873
In the 870s, Tamworth, the historic capital of Mercia, was a key area of focus for the invading Vikings. The city was defended by King Burghred of Mercia, it ultimately fell to the Viking "Great Heathen Army" following a long and brutal siege from 873 to 874 AD.
During the siege of Tamworth, the Vikings employed a range of tactics to try and breach the city's defenses. They constructed siege engines, such as battering rams and siege towers, to break down the walls and gates of the city. They also used archers and slingers to rain down arrows and stones on the defenders, and dug tunnels under the walls in an attempt to undermine them. Meanwhile, the defenders fought back with arrows, spears, and swords, and poured boiling oil and water on the Vikings below.
Despite the defenders' best efforts, the Vikings eventually broke through the city's defenses and launched an all-out assault. The battle was brutal, with both sides suffering heavy losses, but ultimately the Vikings emerged victorious. Tamworth was sacked, and King Burghred was forced into hiding. He was later captured by the Vikings and exiled, leaving the kingdom of Mercia in turmoil.
The Siege of Tamworth was a key moment in the Viking invasion of England, and it demonstrated the sheer brutality and effectiveness of the Viking armies. The Vikings would go on to conquer and occupy much of England, establishing the Danelaw, a region of the country governed by Viking law and custom. Today, Tamworth is a small town, but its history as a royal center and as the site of a Viking siege is an important reminder of England's turbulent past.
Battle of Tettenhall 910
Alfred died in 899 and is buried at Winchester. He is known as “King of the English” and “Alfred the Great”. Alfred was followed by his son Edward (known as “Edward the Elder”) who ruled from 899 to 924. Edward continued his father’s military activities and defeated a Viking army near Tettenhall in 910. In August 910, a decisive battle took place in the West Midlands between the Saxons and Vikings.
Though the exact battlefield site is unknown, we know from the Anglo Saxon Chronicle it was near Tettenhall in Wolverhampton. Thousands took part in the battle. The Saxons caught the Vikings against a river with no means of retreat, and routed the invading force.
The Battle of Tettenhall was one of the last major Viking battles on British soil and resulted in the death of two Danish Kings. It was seen as a big victory for the Saxons and soon England would be United as one country.
Did the Vikings ever come to Birmingham?
There is no known evidence of Vikings in Birmingham. However, on two occasions the Viking Great Army is known to have passed nearby, travelling from Shoeburyness in Essex to Buttington in Shropshire in 893, and from the River Lea north of London to Bridgnorth in Shropshire in 895. Their route very likely took them along Watling Street, the modern A5 which passes through Fazeley near Tamworth.