Following the successful takeover of York by the Vikings in 866/7, southern Northumbria became part of the Danelaw, but in the north English rulers held on from a base at Bamburgh. They were variously described as kings, earls, princes or high-reeves, and their independence from the kings of England and Scotland is uncertain.
After the Vikings conquered York in 866/7, southern Northumbria became part of the Danelaw. However, northern English rulers continued to rule from Bamburgh, maintaining their independence from the kings of England and Scotland. They were known as kings, earls, princes or high-reeves.