The North was girding itself for a fresh, onset on England.

The Scandinavian peoples had drawn together into their kingdoms of Denmark, Sweden, and Norway; and it was no longer in isolated bands but in national hosts that they were about to seek conquests in the South.

As AEthelred drew to manhood some chance descents on the coast told of this fresh stir in the North, and the usual result of the northman's presence was seen in new risings among the Welsh.
[Sidenote: AEthelred] In 991 ealdorman Brihtnoth of East-Anglia fell in battle with a Norwegian force at Maldon, and the withdrawal of the pirates had to be bought by money.

AEthelwine too died at this moment, and the death of the two ealdormen left AEthelred free to act as King.

But his aim was rather to save the Crown from his nobles than England from the northmen.