One of the most concrete pieces of evidence of the massacre comes from Oxford. The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle records that Danes sought refuge in St. Frideswide's Church, but the townspeople set fire to the church, burning it down and killing those inside.

This episode indicates that the violence may not have been limited to state-sanctioned executions but involved mob violence, religious sanctuaries violated, and townspeople taking part. It also reflects the deep resentment and fear that had built up toward the Danish population.

Archaeological Evidence

In 2008, archaeologists in St John's College, Oxford, discovered a mass grave dating to around 1002, containing the remains of Scandinavian men, mostly young adults. The bodies showed signs of violent death—stabbing, decapitation, and burning. One skull even showed multiple sword blows, possibly delivered in execution.

Is this the physical evidence of the St. Brice’s Day Massacre? While we cannot be completely certain, the date, location, and context strongly suggest so. These remains are among the most direct links to the event and highlight its brutal nature.

Political and Diplomatic Fallout

The massacre had significant political consequences. One of the most important was the response from Sweyn Forkbeard, the Danish king and son of Harald Bluetooth. His sister—or possibly wife—Gunnhild was allegedly among those killed in the massacre. If this is true, it gave Sweyn a personal motive for vengeance.

Beginning in 1003, Sweyn launched renewed and more destructive invasions of England. By 1013, he had conquered the country and forced Æthelred to flee into exile in Normandy. Though Sweyn died shortly after, his son Cnut the Great would return to rule England from 1016, establishing a Danish royal dynasty.

Thus, the massacre backfired spectacularly. Rather than neutralizing the Danish threat, it may have provoked full-scale conquest. shutdown123