Database: Burgred

King Burgred took the throne of Mercia in 852 CE and began his reign by subjugating the Welsh with the help of the West Saxons. In 865, the Danes first arrived in Mercia and made their presence known by occupying Nottingham two years later.

With most of the neighboring kingdoms licking their own wounds, no one would come to Mercia's aid this time. Burgred paid the Danes off, but they would return in 874 with a desire for the throne that no bribe could satisfy.