Since Uhtred is Northumbrian, and i still love all maters concerning Anglo-Saxon period, i need to ask you this:

Why did Northmen choose Northumbria as their primary target in the beginning of so-called Viking Age? Northumbria was not nearly as rich or developed as southern Saxon kingdoms. Plus, Scots and Picts were raiding those parts, so it was not a peaceful place even without Northmen. Is it possible that Danes chose Northumbria because, as some historians claim, there was already a significant number of Scandinavian settlers there, before the invasions began? Plus, Northumbria was well known for remaining staunchly pagan for a long time, in spite of very developed church and monastic life. Could it be that all this would have made that part of England more “susceptible” to Danes? Therefore, they might have seen it as a great base for further conquest.

Once again, thank you for your time and patience!

Miroslav Subašić