Year 5 - History
The Anglo-Saxon fightback
The Vikings: why did they come to the British Isles?
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
n this unit, pupils learn about the period in which Viking invaders first came to Britain. They learn about the Vikings themselves and the conflict that emerged between them and the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms of England. Pupils also learn about the roles of Aethelred and Alfred the Great in this period.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to describe how the kingdom of Wessex fought back against the Vikings.
Key Notes
- By 875 Guthrum began to attack Wessex once again, almost capturing Alfred at Chippenham in January 878.
- Alfred raised as many soldiers as possible from across Wessex and defeated Guthrum at the Battle of Edington in May 878.
- After the battle Alfred allowed Guthrum to rule the Viking dominated area known as the Danelaw.
- The Danelaw was north of a line between the Thames to and Mersey, including East Anglia, Northumbria and some of Mercia.
- As part of the peace agreement Guthrum agreed to convert to Christianity, with Alfred as his godfather.
Vocabulary To Learn
- Chippenham: Chippenham is a town in southwestern England where the Vikings almost captured Alfred
- Edington: Edington is a town in southwestern England where Alfred defeated Guthrum
- Danelaw: the area that Alfred allowed the Vikings to rule was called the Danelaw
- converted: when someone changes to a new religion or belief they have converted
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Pupils may not understand that dividing England was a clever move for Alfred to make.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Summarise this historical learning in two key ideas.
By 875 Guthrum began to attack Wessex once again, almost capturing Alfred at Chippenham in January 878. Alfred raised as many soldiers as possible from across Wessex and defeated Guthrum at the Battle of Edington in May 878.
2. Define this history term and explain why it matters in this topic. 'Chippenham'
Chippenham is a town in southwestern England where the Vikings almost captured Alfred.
3. Correct this common history misconception using evidence language.
Mistake: Pupils may not understand that dividing England was a clever move for Alfred to make. Correction: Alfred divided England and allowed the Vikings to control some areas. Alfred knew he could not get the Vikings to leave Britain as too many had already settled.
More Lessons In This Unit
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