On the 8th of June 793, Viking long ships appeared of the Northeast coast of England in Northumberland to raid the abbey on the Holy Island of Lindisfarne. In a short period of time, the abbey and surrounding village was destroyed with many of the Monks falling victim to the "wolves from the sea." Those that were not killed were carried away as slaves along with the church treasures.

So feared were the Viking raiders, that it is said that English Book of Prayer included a phrase --- A furore Normannorum libera nos, Domine, “From the fury of the Northmen deliver us, Lord.