What Did the Vikings Call London?

By Michael Ferguson

London, the capital of England, has a rich history dating back to the Roman era. However, before the Romans conquered Britain, the city was known by another name. So, what did the Vikings call London?

The Vikings in Britain

Before we dive into what the Vikings called London, it’s important to understand their presence in Britain. The Viking Age began in the late 8th century when Norsemen from Scandinavia started raiding and pillaging coastal communities in England. By the 9th century, they had established settlements and created their own kingdoms.

The Origins of London

London’s history can be traced back to the Romans who founded Londinium in AD 43 as a trading port on the River Thames. The city grew and became an important center for trade and commerce.

The Viking Name for London

When the Vikings arrived in Britain, they were quick to make their mark on the land. They raided towns and cities along the coast before eventually settling down and establishing their own communities.

The Viking name for London was ‘Lundunaborg,’ which means ‘fortress of Lunden.’ According to historical records, Lundenwic (an Anglo-Saxon trading town) was located where Covent Garden is today. The Vikings took control of this town and made it their own.

The Legacy of Viking Influence

While London has changed significantly since the Vikings first set foot there, their influence can still be seen today. Many words in modern English have roots in Old Norse, such as ‘berserk’ and ‘fjord.’ Additionally, several place names throughout England have Viking origins.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while we know that London was originally founded as Londinium by the Romans, during Viking rule it was referred to as Lundunaborg or ‘fortress of Lunden.’ The Vikings played an important role in shaping the history of Britain and their influence can still be seen in the language and place names of the country today.