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The Northmen in Britain

Chapter 1: THE NORTHMEN IN BRITAIN
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About This Book

The narrative traces the arrival and expansion of Norse and Danish seafarers in the British Isles, describing coastal raids, trade, and the establishment of settlements and earldoms. It interweaves material from Norse sagas and British and Irish chronicles to recount kingships, major battles, dynastic struggles, and episodes of conversion and settlement across Orkney, the Hebrides, Ireland, and England. Individual sagas and episodes illuminate Viking society, ship warfare, and cultural encounters, while later chapters follow the rise of Danish rule in England, notable rulers, and the gradual fading of the Viking era. Illustrations, maps, and source notes accompany the account.

THE
NORTHMEN
IN BRITAIN

There is no man so high-hearted over earth, nor so good in gifts, nor so keen in youth, nor so brave in deeds, nor so loyal to his lord, that he may not have always sad yearning towards the sea-faring, for what the Lord will give him there.

His heart is not for the harp, nor receiving of rings, nor delight in a wife, nor the joy of the world, nor about anything else but the rolling of the waves. And he hath ever longing who wisheth for the Sea.

The Seafarer
(Old English Poem).

The Coming of the Northmen