Evidence of huge Viking Camp in Lincolnshire

In 2017 archaeologists found evidence of a huge army encampment in Lincolnshire dated to the 9th century. It was established to conquer England.

The camp, set up for the winter of 872 to 873, was home to thousands of Vikings. The army was known as the Great Heathen Army in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle of 865. Previous Viking invasions were hit and run, but this one was meant to conquer the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms. The Viking camp was on the banks of the River Trent in Torksey and was a strategic and defensive outpost in the winter for part of the military campaign. The Great Heathen Army remained in England for 10 years, conquering all the kingdoms except Wessex. In 871, Alfred the Great of Essex paid the Vikings to leave. In 875, the Vikings attacked Wessex, but King Alfred defeated the Great Heathen Army and united England.

Archaeologists found 300 coins and 50 pieces of chopped up silver, including brooch fragments and ingots. They also found rare hack-gold. Among the coins are 100 Arabic silver coins that probably came from Viking trade routes. Other artifacts include gaming pieces, spindle whorls, fishing weights, needles and iron tools.