Understanding the Misconception of English Ancestry

The question of whether modern English people are descendants of the Anglo-Saxons or the Vikings is inherently misleading and irrelevant. The concept is oversimplified, and the reality of English ancestry is far more complex and diverse.

Angles, Saxons, and Vikings: Who Are They?

Angles were one social group, while Saxons were another. The term 'Vikings' was given to groups of raiders from various social backgrounds, including some who identified as Saxon, Angle, or Danish. England, as a geographic area, is a vast melting pot, having been inhabited by waves of immigrants since the end of the last Ice Age.

A notable example of this diversity is Pendle Hill, located about 15 miles from the author's home, which is named 'Hill of the Hill.' Within a 5-mile radius, there are traces of various origins—Brythonic Celtic, Latin, Germanic, Scandinavian, and other languages. The author's own ancestry is a tapestry of people from all over the British Isles and most of mainland Europe.

The author emphasizes that ancestry matters little when it comes to modern national identity. Nationality is derived from place of birth, not ancestry.

Vikings: Beyond a Single People

Contrary to popular belief, Vikings were not a single people. They came from various regions along the coasts of Scandinavia, including Sweden, Norway, and Denmark. The Danish king who attempted to conquer Britain was part of the Jutish nation, the first Germanic people to invade the area. The control of what would later become England varied over time, with each ruling power intermarrying with the indigenous Celtic and other populations.

Both Angles and Vikings: A Combined Heritage

When considering modern English ancestry, it is important to understand that both Anglo-Saxons and Vikings played significant roles. A DNA analysis of the author, an Englishman from Yorkshire, reveals a diverse heritage, including 60% NE England and Yorkshire, 14% Norway, 11% Scotland, 9% Sweden and Denmark, 6% Ireland, and 9% Saxon blood. This is similar but with less Saxon influence for someone from the southwestern part of England.

Under the Feudal system that shaped the Kingdom of England, royal houses were not chosen from the population but were imposed by force of arms. For instance, Athelstan, a Saxon, is considered the first King of England, but the people he ruled came from a mix of ethnic groups. The eastern part of England, known as The Danelaw, had its main towns in the Five Boroughs and York, which was then the largest Viking and trading center in Europe. Athelstan used diplomacy and warfare to settle, appointing mixed Anglo-Scandinavian earls and bishops to govern York.

The relationship between the Vikings and Saxon rulers was complex. A Danish-ruled kingdom in York happily submitted to a Saxon king, reflecting a blend of Angles and Saxons. The royal houses, however, did not prioritize the ethnic mix of their subjects.

In conclusion, modern English identity and ancestry are best understood as a diverse and complex blend of various ethnic groups, including both Anglo-Saxons and Vikings. The specific mix varies depending on the region and time period. What is important to remember is that these distinctions matter less in modern contexts and that we are all just people connected by our shared human experience.