ANGLO-SAXON DISCOVERY
Journey through Anglo-Saxon life and death

What Happened to the Vikings?

Find out more about:

• The End of the Viking Period
• Ideas for Viking Activities
• Places to Learn More about the Vikings

The End of the Vikings in Britain

After 1042 the Vikings living in England are ruled by the Anglo-Saxon king, Edward the Confessor. In 1066 Harold II takes the crown but in that same year he is attacked by Harold Hardrada of Norway who invades the north of England. Harold Hardrada is defeated on 25th September at Stamford Bridge in Yorkshire. Then Duke William of Normandy invades the south of England. Williams wins the Battle of Hastings on 14th October 1066, killing Harold II and becoming the first Norman king of England. (Use the Bayeux Tapestry to find out more about the Battle of Hastings)

Thus the Viking and Anglo-Saxon periods in England come to an end.

The Vikings who settled in England continued to live there, as we can see from the place-names. Parts of Scotland continued to be ruled by the Vikings for several centuries.

Viking Activities

Here are a few ideas of activities to help you learn about the Vikings:

• Look for Viking place-names in your area

• Try writing your own Viking Saga

• Write a message in runes

There are more Viking activities on the BBC Schools website

Discover more about the Vikings

Try these websites:

Vikings on the BBC Schools Website.

Jorvik - find out more about this Viking town.

Vikings on the PBS website - interactive activities and information about Viking life.

Viking objects in the British Museum

The Vikings in the Orkneys

The Viking Age - information about various aspects of Viking life and death.

The Vikings - find out about Viking travel, daily life and beliefs. There are also quizzes and activities to do.

The Vikings - a living history society which specialises in recreating Anglo-Saxon, Viking, Norman, and Celtic life.