Viking raids on Anglo-Saxon England 790–1066: impact of the raids;…

The idea

This depth topic covers Viking attacks on Anglo-Saxon England between 790 and 1066 and asks you to know both their impact and the responses they provoked. Impact includes destruction of monasteries and settlements, seizure of loot and tribute, disruption of trade and agriculture, and political change as kingdoms reorganised. Responses include payment of tribute or Danegeld, fortified burhs and reorganised armies under Alfred and his successors, and eventual settlement and accommodation with Viking leaders. For a multiple-choice question, read the stem carefully and test each option against these two strands: does it describe an effect of the raids, or a reaction to them? Eliminate options that fall outside 790–1066 or that confuse impact with response. The correct option will match the specific strand the question names.

What earns the marks

• Identifies destruction of monasteries and settlements as an impact of the Viking raids.
• Identifies payment of tribute or Danegeld as a response to the raids.
• Identifies fortified burhs and reorganised defence as a response associated with Alfred and his successors.
• Distinguishes an impact of the raids from a response to them when selecting an option.
• Rejects options that fall outside the 790–1066 period or misattribute a response to the wrong ruler.

Common mistakes and how to put them right

• Confuses impact with response.

  Put it right: Check whether the option describes an effect of the raids or a reaction to them.

• Selects an option dated outside 790–1066.

  Put it right: Verify the date against the stated period.

• Assumes all responses were military.

  Put it right: Tribute payment and negotiated settlement also count as responses.

• Attributes a defensive measure to the wrong ruler.

  Put it right: Match the response to the figure the source supports.

Exam tips

• Underline the key word in the stem — impact or response — before reading the options.
• Eliminate any option whose date or figure falls outside 790–1066.
• Check the remaining options against both strands before committing to one answer.