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Cnut, the Danelaw and Kenneth MacAlpin

Study note

As the Vikings raided and then settled in Britain, they came to control a large part of eastern and northern England. This Viking-controlled area became known as the Danelaw. It was the Danelaw, not Wessex, Mercia or the Pale, that marked where Viking law and settlement held sway.

Viking power grew so strong that a Danish king came to rule England. Cnut, also spelled Canute, became the first Danish king of England, rather than Alfred the Great, Kenneth MacAlpin or William the Conqueror. Meanwhile, in the north of Britain, Kenneth MacAlpin united different peoples into one kingdom, and from this the name Scotland gradually came into use. Remember three points: the Danelaw was the Viking-settled area, Cnut was the first Danish king of England, and MacAlpin helped begin the kingdom that became Scotland.

Memory tip: Cnut = first Danish king of England; the Danelaw = the Viking-settled area; MacAlpin began 'Scotland'.

Practise this topic

Question 1 of 2

What was the name for the part of England settled and controlled by the Vikings?

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Show all questions and answers for Cnut, the Danelaw and Kenneth MacAlpin(2 questions with explanations)

Cnut, the Danelaw and Kenneth MacAlpin: questions, answers and explanations

  1. 1. What was the name for the part of England settled and controlled by the Vikings?

    • Wessex
    • The Pale
    • Mercia
    • The Danelaw

    Correct answer: The Danelaw

    The Danelaw was the area of England under Viking control and settlement.

  2. 2. Who became the first Danish king of England?

    • Cnut (Canute)
    • William the Conqueror
    • Kenneth MacAlpin
    • Alfred the Great

    Correct answer: Cnut (Canute)

    Cnut, also known as Canute, was the first Danish king of England.

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