a raid is a rapid surprise attack, usually involving stealing something

a monastery is a building lived in by a community of monks who follow religious vows

when you are settled you make a permanent home somewhere

the area that Alfred allowed the Vikings to rule was called the Danelaw

Why the Vikings came to Britain

History

In ‘The Vikings: why did they come to the British Isles?’ pupils learn about how and why the Vikings began to settle in Britain. In ‘The Great War: how did the Great War affect my local area?’ pupils momentarily leave their study of Viking Age Britain to consider the impact of the First World War on their local area at an appropriate time in the school year.

In 'The Anglo-Saxons: how do we know about life in Anglo-Saxon England?' pupils learnt about Anglo Saxon culture and society in more detail, and the evidence base for the claims that historians make about this period. In 'The Vikings: why did they come to the British Isles?' pupils learn about another wave of migration of migration to Britain: the Vikings.

The Vikings: why did they come to the British Isles?

Historic or outdated representations of people that may portray inequality or injustice.

Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

Depiction or discussion of violence or fighting, including threats of violence or the aftermath of violence.

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

What is the term given to a rapid surprise attack, usually involving stealing something.

Because they wanted to learn from the manuscripts.

What were the main reasons that Vikings raided monasteries?

Invade and settle in Anglo-Saxon kingdoms

After raiding many places, what did the Vikings then decide to do?

It was the biggest Viking army that had ever come to Britain.

It successfully invaded and settled in one of the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms.

It invaded and settled in three of the four Anglo-Saxon kingdoms.

Which statements accurately describe The Great Heathen Army?

Viking King Guthrum began to attack Wessex.

Guthrum launched a surprise attack on Chippenham.

Alfred and the Vikings battled in Edington and Alfred was victorious.

Order the attacks between King Alfred and the Viking King Guthrum, starting with the earliest.

What were the areas that Alfred let the Vikings control called?

a town where the Vikings almost captured Alfred

a town in southwestern England where Alfred defeated Guthrum

the area that Alfred allowed the Vikings to rule 

Match the location with the correct description.

True or false? King Alfred fled to the marshes and gave up. 

Viking King Guthrum began to attack Wessex. 

Guthrum launched a surprise attack on Chippenham. 

Alfred rode out to challenge Guthrum and the Vikings at Edington.

Order these events, starting with the earliest.

What happened after King Alfred was victorious at Edington?

The Vikings had to leave Britain and return to their homeland.

The Vikings were given some areas of Britain to control.

Which statements accurately reflect some parts of the peace agreement between Alfred and Guthrum?

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

Depiction or discussion of serious crime

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Adult supervision required

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

Why the Vikings came to Britain

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.