The History of 886: The Formal Agreement of the Danelaw
The History of 886: The Formal Agreement of the Danelaw
Blog Article
The year 886 marks a significant moment in English history—the formal agreement of the Danelaw. This period was characterized by the establishment of Norse Viking-controlled territories within the Kingdom of England. The Danelaw was not merely a political division but also a cultural and legal phenomenon that reshaped the course of England’s development. This article will explore the events leading up to the formal recognition of the Danelaw, its cultural and legal implications, and its long-term impact on England.
The Context Leading Up to 886
In the late 8th and 9th centuries, the Viking raids on the British Isles had intensified, marking the beginning of what would become a centuries-long Norse presence in the British Isles. The Vikings, originally from Scandinavia (primarily Denmark, Norway, and Sweden), began to raid and then settle in large parts of England. The invasions began in earnest around 793 AD with the infamous raid on the monastery of Lindisfarne, and the Vikings would continue to target Anglo-Saxon kingdoms throughout the following decades.
By the middle of the 9th century, the Vikings had established themselves as formidable military forces. King Alfred the Great of Wessex, the southernmost Anglo-Saxon kingdom, emerged as the primary resistance to Viking encroachment. In the 870s and 880s, the Vikings, led by various kings, including Guthrum and Ivar the Boneless, began to conquer large portions of northern and eastern England. These regions were dominated by Danish settlers who had established their own strongholds and systems of governance.
The Treaty of Wedmore (878)
The events leading to the formalization of the Danelaw culminated after King Alfred's victory over the Viking forces at the Battle of Edington in 878. Following his decisive win, Alfred and the Viking leader Guthrum negotiated the Treaty of Wedmore. This treaty was a pivotal moment, as it marked the first formal acknowledgment of Viking territory in England, setting the stage for the establishment of the Danelaw.
While the Treaty of Wedmore ensured peace between the Anglo-Saxons and the Vikings, it was not a permanent resolution. The treaty effectively divided England into areas controlled by the Saxons and Vikings. Guthrum agreed to be baptized as a Christian, and in return, he and his forces were allowed to maintain control over large parts of eastern England. This was the beginning of what would become the Danelaw. shutdown123 Report this page