History Timeline: The Saxons & Vikings in Sandwich
The name of the town of Sandwich is, most likely, Saxon in origin, approximately meaning sandy place, or the trading place on the sand. Other meanings of the 'wic' or 'wich' in Sandwich are as follows:
- Saxon/Old English wic or wich - trading place
- Scandinavian - wyk - creek, bay
- Latin vicus - dwelling, farm
664 AD
First recorded mention of Sandwich town. Wilfred, Bishop of Northumberland, landed at Sandwich Haven - now a Saxon stronghold.
Today no Saxon buildings remain because of the many Danish and French raids. Strand Street gets its name from the Saxon 'Stronde'. The Saxon pattern of the roads from Strand Street can still be seen - they run South Westerly and are 10 feet wide. This allowed the ox carts from the Quay to drive on to drier land towards the Deal Road.
851 AD
The Danes pillaged Sandwich and Canterbury but were defeated by Athelstan the King (or Governor of Kent).
979 AD
King Ethelred gave Sandwich to the monks of Christchurch.
993 to 1017
Many invasions and battles with the Vikings, ending in the Dane, Knut (Canute) being crowned the King of England.
Photo is of the replica Viking ship "Hugin"
In 1949 the 'Hugin' sailed from Denmark to Thanet to celebrate the 1500th anniversary of the traditional landing of Hengist and Horsa and the betrothal of Hengist's daughter, Rowena, to King Vortigen of Kent. It has since been on display at Pegwell Bay.
1049
Edward the Confessor was King. He occcasionally lived in a house near Sandwich, no doubt when business brought him to the coast. The Confederation of the Cinque Ports was founded around this time. (See the Cinque Port section of web site for more information).