I write regarding the story in yesterday’s Oxford Mail about the slaughter of Danes in Oxford on St Brice’s Day 1002.

The Vikings did indeed get their revenge in 1009, when they destroyed much of the then wooden-built Oxford. This was led by the Viking chieftain, Thorkell, and in 1013 another Dane, Swegan, accepted the surrender of the town.

Two years later at a Gemót held in Oxford the Danes Sigeferth and Morkere were murdered by the Mercian earl, Eadric.

In 1016 another Dane, Canute, claimed the English throne and in 1020 the Danes and the English were united by Canute in Oxford.

Peace was restored and both communities worked together – so much so that an Englishman and a Dane, Godric and Thurkill, fought for Harold II at the Battle of Hastings.

DEREK HONEY, Queen Emma’s Dyke, Witney