The Danish conquest
I can explain how the Vikings led by Cnut conquered England in 1016, bringing England into the North Sea Empire.
The Danish conquest
I can explain how the Vikings led by Cnut conquered England in 1016, bringing England into the North Sea Empire.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The Anglo-Saxon defeat against the Vikings in the 991 Battle of Maldon led to the Danegeld.
- Aethelred provoked the Danish Vikings by ordering the massacre of all Danes during the St Brice’s Day Massacre in 1002.
- In 1016 King Cnut invaded and conquered England and became king.
- Under King Cnut, England became part of the North Sea Empire which included Denmark and Norway.
- After the early violence of invasion, Cnut's reign saw a period of peace in England.
Keywords
Viking - a member of the Scandinavian seafaring people who raided Britain from the late 8th century
Danegeld - the name of the Anglo-Saxon tax used to defend England against Viking invasions
Empire - a group of countries or territories ruled from the centre by another country or person
Common misconception
Vikings come from Norway.
Whilst Vikings did come from Norway, some of the most problematic Vikings from an English perspective came from Denmark. Vikings also came from Sweden.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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