Case Study: The City of York Under the Vikings (Edexcel GCSE History) : Revision Note

How did Viking migration impact York? - Timeline & Summary

Viking migration had a major impact on York, turning it from a small Anglo-Saxon town into one of the most important cities in England. After capturing York in 866 CE, the Vikings renamed it Jorvik and settled there permanently. They expanded trade, set up workshops, and brought skilled crafts like metalwork, leatherwork, and jewellery-making. The population grew, and the city became a multicultural place where people from different backgrounds — including Vikings, Anglo-Saxons, and Irish traders — lived and worked together.

The Vikings also influenced religion and government in York. Although they were originally pagan, many Viking rulers later converted to Christianity and supported the Church, including using Christian symbols on coins and maintaining York Minster. The growth of trade, the diversity of the population, and the development of York’s economy and culture all show that Viking migration had a lasting and mostly positive effect on the city.

York before the Vikings

• York was a former Roman city called Eboracum

  • The Romans used it as an army base

• York became important for the Anglo-Saxons

  • It was the capital of Northumbria, a key Anglo-Saxon earldom in northern England

  • The city had religious significance, with an early Christian church and local bishops

  • It had the only mint in northern England

• Geographically, York had many benefits

  • York had an internal port which was deep enough for seafaring ships

  • The surrounding land was very fertile

Why did Vikings make a settlement in York?

• Vikings captured York in 866 AD

• They wanted York because:

  • The nearby fertile land was ideal for farming and settlement

  • York was situated in the Danelaw, so many Danes supported Viking rule

  • The city's location on the River Ouse meant it had good trade routes for inland and overseas trade

  • Vikings had previous targeted York for raids due to its wealth

    • The Vikings knew that they could add to this wealth

The impact of the Vikings in York

• Under Viking control, Jorvik (York) grew rapidly into a wealthy trading settlement

A concept map showing the impacts that the Vikings had on the development of York

Vikings & the Church

• At first, Viking settlers were pagan

• However, over time, many converted to Christianity

  • This showed the multicultural aspect of York

• York Minster remained a centre of Christian worship

  • Viking kings converted to Christianity

    • King Guthrum was buried in York Minister

• Coins minted in York under Viking rule often included Christian symbols

  • This showed a link between Viking trade and Christianity

Vikings & Anglo-Saxons in York

• Anglo-Saxons and Vikings cooperated well in trade and daily life

  • Many places in York had spaces shared by both groups

  • Anglo-Saxons and Vikings shared skills

• However, conflict did break out

  • Athelstan, an Anglo-Saxon king, re-took York in 927 CE

  • In 939 CE, Viking forces under Olaf Guthfrithson recaptured the city

  • Archbishop Wulfstan was appointed in York, negotiating borders between Anglo-Saxon and Viking territories

  • Eventually, York fell under the rule of King Cnut, a Danish king who ruled all of England and promoted peace between Anglo-Saxons and Danes