London, the capital city of England, has a rich history that dates back to the Roman Empire. However, not many people know that London existed long before the Romans arrived.
The city has been inhabited for over two millennia and has gone through several transformations. In this article, we will explore what London was called in Viking times.
The Viking Age
The Viking Age is a period in European history that spans from the late 8th century to the mid-11th century. During this time, Vikings from Scandinavia sailed across the seas and raided towns and cities along the coasts of Europe. They also established settlements in places like Ireland, Iceland, Greenland, and even North America.
The Vikings in England
In 865 AD, a large army of Vikings invaded England and started conquering territories. They aimed to take control of England and establish their own kingdom.
Over the next few years, they captured several cities including York (Jorvik), East Anglia (East Engla), and Mercia (Mierce). In 871 AD, they faced resistance from Alfred the Great who became King of Wessex (West Seaxe).
Viking London
During their conquest of England, Vikings also attacked London which was then known as Lundenwic or Lundenburh. Lundenwic was an Anglo-Saxon trading town located on the north bank of River Thames. It was a prosperous town with a population of about 10,000 people.
The Vikings attacked Lundenwic in 842 AD but were repulsed by King Aethelwulf of Wessex’s army. However, they returned in 851 AD with a larger force and successfully captured the town. They established their own settlement within Lundenwic which they called Lundenburgh.
The City of Lundon
The Vikings ruled over Lundenburgh for about 15 years before they were driven out by King Alfred the Great. The town was then taken back by the Anglo-Saxons who rebuilt it and renamed it Lunden or Lundon. The name Lundon is believed to have been derived from the Old English word “lund” which means “grove of trees” or “fishing place”.
Conclusion
London has had many names throughout its long history, and Lundenwic, Lundenburgh, and Lundon are just a few of them. The Viking Age left a lasting impact on England, and even today, we can see traces of Viking culture and language in the English language.
If you ever find yourself in London, take a moment to appreciate its rich history and the many different cultures that have contributed to making it one of the most vibrant cities in the world.
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