Anglo-Scandinavians in north east England and south east Scotland between the eighth and eleventh centuries

Abstract

The aim of this thesis is to provide a better understanding of Anglo Scandinavian presence in north east England and south east Scotland between the eighth and eleventh centuries, the form it took and the impact it had. Despite recent developments in the field of Anglo-Scandinavian archaeology in Britain and the new perspectives brought by new evidence to the understanding of Anglo-Scandinavian presence in Britain, very few of these have been applied or used in relation to north east England and south east Scotland. The result of this is that these regions have been left understudied and consequently the picture of Anglo-Scandinavian presence in these regions is outdated and does not reflect current developments.

A study of current debates and modern developments will suggest which terminology offers the most accurate option for recognising material associated with the incoming Scandinavians in the archaeological record of eighth to eleventh century north east England and south east Scotland. The term Anglo Scandinavian was seen as the most accurate alternative description to ‘Viking’. The collection of data for Anglo-Scandinavian presence in the region reflected recent debates and developments. The evidence was plotted and analysed to provide an understanding about Anglo Scandinavian presence in the study region, the form it took and the impact it had.

The main conclusion from this study is that the form and impact of Anglo Scandinavian presence varied significantly throughout the study region.

This project recommends that sites that which have produced significant sculptural or artefactual evidence for Anglo-Scandinavian activity be targeted for further investigation to provide a better understanding of the nature of Anglo Scandinavian activity in the region. The study and creation of a typology for existing artefacts such as lead weights would provide a better understanding of the nature of activities such as trade, carried out by Anglo-Scandinavians.