The Viking Great Army and the Making of England

(Paperback)

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The hidden story of a little-known but transformative period in the formation of England as a nation.

The Viking Great Army that swept through England between AD 865 and 878 altered the course of British history. Since the late 8th century, Viking raids on the British Isles had been a regular feature of life, but the winter of 865 saw a fundamental shift that would change the political, economic and social landscape forever. Instead of making quick smash-and-grab summer raids for silver and slaves, Vikings now remained in England for the winter and became immersed in its communities. Some settled permanently, acquiring land and forming a new hybrid Anglo-Scandinavian culture. The Viking army was here to stay. Its presence was a catalyst for new towns and new industries, while transformations in power politics would ultimately see the rise of King Alfred the Great and make Wessex the pre-eminent kingdom of Anglo-Saxon England.

Drawing on the most up-to-date discoveries and the latest scientific techniques, the authors' recent research at the Viking Great Army's winter camp at Torksey in Lincolnshire has revolutionized what we know about its size, activities and social makeup, as has the wealth of newly recovered evidence from metal-detectorists. Unfolding like a great detective story, this account traces the movements of the Great Army across the country, piecing together a new picture of Viking Age England in unprecedented detail, from swords, coins, jewelry and the burials of great warriors to the everyday objects that ordinary farmers and craftsmen discarded. It is the definitive story of a vital period in British history.

Reviews

'Exciting ... describes stunning new archaeological discoveries that totally rewrite our view of what happened ... Unmissable for anyone interested in early medieval history and who finds the Viking Age one of the most dramatic, violent, yet formative epochs in British history' - Michael Wood, Historian and author of 'The Story of China' and 'In Search of the Dark Ages'
'A detailed yet enjoyable read, and a timely stock-take of this pivotal point in the history of England. It is a story that could never before have been told as fully as it can now' - Cat Jarman, Current Archaeology
'A superbly well-written synthesis, combining historical overview, archaeological analysis, and insightful interpretation' - Neil Faulkner, The Past
'Impressive ... an essential addition to the shelves of those with an interest in the Viking Age and the events that would shape the political development of England' - British Archaeology
'Highly readable replete with maps and illustrations helping to bring this vital period convincingly to life' - Yorkshire Life
'Fascinating' - Archaeology & Conservation in Derbyshire
'An important, useful, and enjoyable book a remarkable achievement' - The History Teacher

Author Bio

Dawn M. Hadley and Julian D. Richards are both professors of archaeology at the University of York. They are co-directors of the Tents to Towns project, exploring the transition from Viking raiding to trading. Julian is author of Viking Age England, now in its third edition, and The Vikings: A Very Short Introduction. Dawn is author of The Vikings in England: Settlement, Society and Culture.