Early Saxon & Viking ( to 973)

This section covers the period following the fall of the Roman Empire until the reign of Eadgar, prior to his reform coinage in 973 AD. In this period, Britain was divided up into the smaller kingdoms of Wessex, Mercia, Kent, East Anglia and the Danelaw. Towards the end of this period, much of the north was in Viking control centred around York. Athelstan's defeat of the combined Viking, Irish and Scottish force at the Battle of Brunanburgh in 939 was probably the most significant historical event since the Roman invasion of 43 AD. Although he claimed to be king of all the Britons. the Vikings were only expelled from York for good in 954.