Saxon and Viking Derby
c.527 AD
The Saxon Kingdom of Mercia, covering much of what is now central England was founded by the semi-legendary king Icel.
c.600 AD
“Northworthy”, a Saxon settlement and the nucleus of modern-day Derby was founded.
c.600 AD
After the arrival of Christianity in Britain in 597 AD, the monastery in Repton was founded.
793 – 850 AD
Danish raids were launched on the British Isles.
c.800 AD
Alkmund, the King of Northumbria, was martyred.
c820 AD
The body of St. Alkmund was moved to Derby and was interred in what was to become St. Alkmund’s Church.
865 AD
Larger Danish armies began to arrive in the UK with the intent of colonising the country.
874 AD
The Danes captured what is now Derby and name it Deoraby or ‘place of the deer’.
917 AD
Aethelflaed, daughter of Alfred the Great, recaptured the town during the Battle of Derby.
924 AD
The Vikings invaded again and occupied Derby between 924 and 931, after which Saxon & Dane co-existed side by side for the next hundred years until the Norman Conquest.
943 AD
King Edward founded All Saints’ Church – now Derby Cathedral.
c.1042 AD
St. Peter’s Church in Derby was founded.
1048 AD
The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle mentioned an earthquake in the Derby area stating: “This year also there was an earthquake on the calends of May, in many places; at Worcester, at Wick, and at Derby and elsewhere…”.
Part of an Anglo Saxon cross which once stood at St Alkmund’s Church, Derby.
Viking Sword found in Repton.