History

Anglo-Saxon and Viking Day

We had a great time during our Anglo-Saxon and Viking Day. The children took part in a number of activities including excavating, weaving, pottery and using Viking runes. 

Anglo-Saxons and The Vikings

How have recent excavations changed our view of the Vikings?

The children were hired to help sort out a mess they'd been landed in. They were asked to produce an exhibition to PROVE that the Vikings weren’t as bad as everyone says they were. They had some pictures that someone had left behind but there were no notes to go with them. The children searched for clues around the classroom, before writing their reasons underneath their chosen picture.

How close did the Vikings get to taking over the country?

Using the highs and lows statements, the children placed the cards into chronological order first. Next, they looked at how high or low they should go in terms of what impact that event would have on the fortunes of the Vikings. 

At certain points, the Vikings were close to taking control of the whole country. Especially in 878AD, when King Alfred defeated the major Viking attack on Wessex. Viking King Guthrum later accepted peace terms which divided the country in two (known as 'the Danelaw').