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.
Following the Viking conquest of York in 866/7, southern Northumbria became part of the Danelaw. However, northern English rulers continued to rule independently from a base at Bamburgh, maintaining their autonomy from the kings of England and Scotland. They were referred to as kings, earls, princes or high-reeves.