Scandinavian migration

Question 1

What were the five boroughs?

Answer 1

The five main towns of DANISH Mercia:
- Derby
- Leicester
- Lincoln
- Nottingham
- Stamford
Each ruled by a Danish jarl, controlling lands around a fortified burh, which served as the centre of political power.
- there were also quite a few very large Danish settlements to the south

Question 2

Material culture demonstrating Scandinavian influence:

Answer 2

• ‘Hogback’ grave covers (carved stones shaped like Viking longhouses = distinctly Scandinavian, but found in Christian churchyards
• Grave goods = not found in Christian burial tradition, but still appearing in this period
• Eg. Gosforth Cross - decorated with images from Norse mythology integrated with the main design of a Christian cross
  overall = conscious effort to combine the 2 belief systems

Question 3

What does the genetic makeup of the British Isles reveal about connections with Scandinavia

Answer 3

• Recent scientific studies indicate strong genetic links with some people and their relatives in the North with people from Denmark, and Norway
• however = methodological problems in using such data