BattlefieldsHalfdan Partitions Northumbria 876
Early Medieval

Halfdan Partitions Northumbria 876

876
Yorkshire, England
Also known as: Danes divide Northumbria 876 · Danish settlement of Yorkshire 876
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
Yorkshire, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Northumbria
Forces
Northumbrian remnant
VS
Victor
Danes (Halfdan)
Forces
Danish Great Army
Outcome
Halfdan divided Northumbrian land among his followers; Danish agricultural settlement of Yorkshire began
The Battle

History & Significance

In 876 Halfdan divided Northumbrian land among the Great Heathen Army and they began to plough it and support themselves. This was a fundamental transformation: the Vikings shifted from raiders and conquerors to settlers. The density of Scandinavian place-names in Yorkshire reflects this settlement. The Danelaw had its origins in this division.

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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