Viking London

Viking Britain author Thomas Williams returns with a brief history of the interaction between the Vikings and the British to tell the story of the occupation of London. He charts how the city was transformed by immigrants and natives, kings and commoners, into the fulcrum of national power and identity, and how memories of the Vikings hover like a miasma in these places.

Format: Hardback
Length: 160 pages
Publication date: 13 June 2019
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

Viking Britain, written by acclaimed historian Thomas Williams, delves into the captivating story of the Viking occupation of London. Spanning from 842 to 1016, London experienced a series of severe assaults, making it a focal point of Viking aggression. In this concise yet comprehensive account, Williams explores the profound influence that Viking raiders from the North had on the city.

The book takes readers on a journey through London's darkest age, revealing how it was transformed by a diverse range of individuals, including immigrants, natives, kings, and commoners. London emerged as a bustling hub of trade, production, and international exchange, serving as a financial center and a political prize. It was a place characterized by its spirited and independent townsfolk, who embodied many of the qualities that would define London over the centuries.

Williams' book offers a unique perspective, taking readers to various locations within the city, including its ancient past, hidden street names beneath modern infrastructure, crypts of old churches, stretches of the old river bank, and the depths of museum collections. He meticulously uncovers the city's rich history, preserving its memories and the lingering presence of the Vikings.

As the reader explores these evocative places, the ghosts of Viking London haunt them, drifting across the mud and shingle on the Thames foreshore. The book serves as a reminder of the profound impact that the Vikings had on the development of London and the wider world, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to resonate today.

Viking Britain is a must-read for anyone interested in history, culture, and the fascinating stories of ancient civilizations. It provides a deep understanding of the complex interactions between different cultures and the lasting impact they had on the world.

Weight: 256g
Dimension: 217 x 138 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780008299866