Crossing the language divide: Anglo-Scandinavian language and literature
Russell Poole|Clare A. Lees
The active Scandinavian presence in England can be analysed as follows. Phases of raiding, overwintering and settlement (first recorded 793, 850/1 876 respectively) ultimately led to the development regional polities. Three these distinguished within Danelaw: southern part earlier kingdom Northumbria; Viking half Mercia, comprising Derby, Leicester, Lincoln, Nottingham Stamford (later known Five Boroughs), their respective counties; parts East Anglia. In eleventh century conquest subsequent reign Cnut saw a further significant influx Scandinavians into England, centring on London south. Only Northumbrian region lasted for long an independent lordship, yet hundreds linguistically Norse personal place names are attested Danelaw, some them new coinages we also note huge influence medieval later dialects northern England. These factors point longer-term existence communities native Norse-speakers that portion country. end-point phases, complete assimilation communities, may reasonably guessed have occurred between 1100 1200 ce.
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