For the Anglo-Saxons, fine weapons such as swords and decorated shields were emblems of wealth and status, and they were often buried with dead warriors.
During the wars against the Vikings, the men of London formed an important element in the English army, not only defending London but, for example, marching out to attack Viking camps at Benfleet in Essex in 893, and by the River Lea in 895.
In 1066 a contingent of Londoners were in Harold’s army fighting the Norman invaders at Hastings. Later, London provided troops for the medieval kings’ wars in Wales, Scotland and France, while London craftworkers made weapons and armour for the royal army.
