Historical Re-enactment isn't possible without history to reenact in the first place!
In our case it is the often unclear period of history that is the Viking age in England. This can be broadly placed between the years 793AD and 1066AD, though it can sway a fair bit before and a little bit after those dates.
This page is by no means a full account of the complex history of that time, but we hope its a good jumping off point for those who may have never read or heard much of anything about it.
A (very short) history
For those in need of a quick overview of what's going on:
Following the end of Roman Rule in Britain peoples from what is now the Netherlands, north Germany and Denmark migrated to Britain. Through a combination of invasion and intergration they came to dominate much of the island, with the Celtic Britons reduced to ruling what is now Cornwall, Scotland and Wales. These peoples eventually came to be known as the Anglo-Saxons and they established many kingdoms across what is now England.
Initally the Anglo-Saxons were pagans, but during the 7th century they slowly converted to christianity. Cults of Saints were established, monasteries and nunneries founded and the Anglo-Saxons entered a cultural golden age. Whilst the church eventually came to be tied to Rome, Irish missionaries left a lasting impact in art and culture. Artefacts, such as those found at Sutton Hoo, or the Lindisfarne Gospels, are very much influenced by this "insular" art style.
The many kingdoms the Anglo-Saxons established fought between themselves, and the Britons, with different kingdoms becoming dominant for a time. For much of the 8th century this was the kingdom of Merica in the centre of England, by the 9th century Wessex in the south became dominant.
This was not to last though
Over in Scandinavia overpopulation, political strife and limited resources push many towards going overseas, first to trade and then to raid!
His reign, and the reigns of his heirs, would transform England into a very different place then what existed before 1066.
Sources from the time
Anglo-Saxon
The Vikings and Scandinavia as a whole left fewer historical sources, especially in the time before the region converted to Christianity.
Books to Read
There is extensive literature on this time of history, with new books and articles being churned out every year. However, a few good works to start with might be:
Looking for something more specific? This list might be of interest.
Places to Visit
Want to get out there and see Anglo-Saxon and Viking Britain? The map below has a number of historic locations and museums well worth visiting! We've tried to include as many across the country as possible, but if there's any missing please chat to the committee to have them added!
