Hey, I have just finished my second year of BA History, due to my disability, I have moved my DRP to the summer. I have an idea, wanting to look into Vikings, particularly the Norse, and their cultural impacts on England, between the mid to late 9th Century. However, I require assistance in narrowing down the subject to develop a dissertation question. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, K
Your best avenue of attack is to look at material culture, although this depends on your supervisor's willingness to enage with archaeology. Specifically, your best bet is to look at the influence of Scandinavian Borre style metalwork - such as strap-ends, pommels etc - in which the Portable Antiquities Scheme will be your new best friend. Given the period, however, you're likely to find more evidence for the spread of West Saxon 'Trewhiddle' metalwork designs and ceramic material culture to former 'Danelaw' East Anglian and Northumbrian areas.