Norman Conquest Encyclopedia

The Viking incursions into England had, by the 9th century, led to the establishment of the Danelaw, a large part of the country north and east of Watling Street (now the A5 road), in which the Danes ruled and threatened the security of the rest of England. King Alfred of Wessex suffered a heavy defeat at Viking hands in 876 AD and was forced back into the Somerset marshes (today drained and known as the Levels). Alfred's ultimate success was the result of important changes he made to the Anglo-Saxon military system. Among these was the development of fortified townships known as burhs or burghs to provide safe haven to the people of the surrounding hamlets and villages and which those people were under an obligation to defend.

See also: Anglo-Saxon; Viking

Related Reading:

• Anglo Saxon Thegn (Warrior 5)
• Viking Hersir 793-1066 AD
  (Warrior 3)