The almost utter destruction of its records during the heathen domination restricts us for information to the West Saxon chronicles; and they have little to tell us about any but their own affairs.

In 866, however, we learn that there came a great heathen host to East Anglia--an organised expedition under two chieftains--"and took winter quarters there, and were horsed; and the East Anglians made peace with them." Next year, this permanent host sailed northward to Humber, and attacked York.

The Northumbrians, as usual, were at strife among themselves, two rival kings fighting for the supremacy.

The burghers of York admitted the heathen host within the walls.

Then the rival kings fell upon the town, broke the slender fortifications, and rushed into the city.