Viking invasions in the political history of Britain and Ireland and their effects on monasteries

Throughout history, British Isles experienced many invasions. One of the most important of these was the Viking invasion. The attacks effected religion, social life, literature, and politics of the Isles. Monasteries were one of the most effected institutions by the attacks. At the same time, they recorded the invasions firsthand, as they were the places where written sources were kept. This thesis studies the Viking invasions in the political history of Britain and Ireland and their effects on monasteries. It examines why the attacks targeted especially these institutions. The study, first discusses Roman and Anglo-Saxon raids to Britain and their political consequences which is followed by a brief analysis of how Christianity spread in the islands. Each century of the effective Viking raids are evaluated separately, and the effects of the raids on monasteries and religious structures are discussed. Relations between Vikings, Anglo-Saxons, and church institutions and how they effected each other are examined to the extent of available resources. It is seen that the monastic institution, which was under attack, was not remote from social life. Due to their close relations with the kings and their financial strength, they managed to be at the forefront throughout the invasions. It is also observed that the monasteries and the clergy played a significant role in occurrence of the struggle in the form of a religious war.