The Anglo-Saxons and the Vikings
After the Romans left, Anglo-Saxons settled and Vikings raided. England became one kingdom for the first time in this period.
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What the test asks about this period
When Roman soldiers left around AD 410, tribes from northern Europe settled in Britain. We call them the Anglo-Saxons.
From AD 793 the Vikings came from Scandinavia, first to raid and later to settle. The two peoples fought for control for two hundred years.
This is the period in which England became a single kingdom, so the test asks who ruled and when.
The Anglo-Saxons
- Angles, Saxons and Jutes came from what is now Germany, Denmark and the Netherlands.
- They set up several kingdoms, including Wessex, Mercia and Northumbria.
- They were not Christian at first. Missionaries, including St Augustine, converted them from AD 597.
- The Sutton Hoo ship burial in Suffolk is the most famous Anglo-Saxon find.
The Vikings arrive
- The Viking Age in Britain began with the raid on the monastery at Lindisfarne in AD 793.
- They came from Denmark and Norway, first to raid and later to farm and trade.
- They founded and grew towns, including York, which they called Jorvik.
Test yourself on British history
Thirteen history questions with the answers explained, then a full mock test when you are ready.
British history questionsAlfred the Great and the Danelaw
- Alfred the Great, King of Wessex, stopped the Viking advance and made peace.
- The Danelaw was the part of northern and eastern England the Vikings ruled.
- Alfred is the only English king called "the Great". He encouraged learning and built defended towns.
One kingdom
- Athelstan became the first king recognised as king of all England, from 927.
- Canute, also spelled Cnut, was a Viking king who ruled England from 1016 to 1035.
- Edward the Confessor built Westminster Abbey. His death in 1066 led to the fight for the throne.
Practice questions on this period
Here are 4 questions from our bank. The correct answer is marked, and under each one is a short reason.
Question 1. Which event marked the beginning of the Viking Age in Britain?
Topic: British History
- The signing of the Magna Carta
- The Battle of Stamford Bridge
- The raid on Lindisfarne(correct answer)
- The Battle of Hastings
Why: The Viking Age in Britain began with the raid on the monastery at Lindisfarne in AD 793.
Question 2. What was the Danelaw?
Topic: British History
- A code of Viking maritime law applied to all North Sea trade
- The area of northern and eastern England settled and governed by Vikings from the late 9th century(correct answer)
- A peace treaty between Alfred the Great and the Danish king Guthrum
- The collective name for Viking raids on British monasteries
Why: The Danelaw was the part of northern and eastern England ruled by the Vikings.
Question 3. Who was King Athelstan?
Topic: British History
- The last Anglo-Saxon king, defeated at Hastings in 1066
- The first king to be recognised as King of all England, from 927(correct answer)
- A Viking leader who converted to Christianity and unified the Danelaw
- The Anglo-Saxon king who commissioned the Domesday Book
Why: Athelstan was the first king recognised as king of all England, from 927.
Question 4. Which Viking king ruled a unified England from 1016 to 1035?
Topic: British History
- Harald Hardrada
- Canute (Cnut) the Great(correct answer)
- Edward the Confessor
- Sweyn Forkbeard
Why: Canute, also spelled Cnut, was a Viking king who ruled England from 1016 to 1035.
These are not the real exam questions, which are not published. Ours are written from the same official handbook.
Where to go next
- Previous period: Roman Britain
- Next period: The Norman Conquest of 1066
- All history questions: British History Questions
- The full chapter: British History study guide
- Drill this topic: practice by topic
History is the largest topic in the test. You need 18 out of 24 overall, so it is worth more of your time than any other period.
Common questions
When did the Viking Age begin in Britain?
In AD 793, with the raid on the monastery at Lindisfarne off the Northumberland coast.
What was the Danelaw?
The area of northern and eastern England that the Vikings settled and ruled from the late 9th century.
Who was the first king of all England?
Athelstan, from 927. Alfred the Great, his grandfather, had ruled Wessex and stopped the Viking advance but did not rule the whole country.
Why is Alfred called "the Great"?
He defended Wessex against the Vikings, made peace that held, encouraged learning, and built defended towns. He is the only English king given the title.
Practise the whole test
24 questions across all six topics, marked against the real pass mark of 18.
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