In 867 Northumbria becomes the northern kingdom of the Danelaw, after its conquest by the brothers Halfdan Ragnarsson and Ivar the Boneless who installsan Englishman, Ecgberht, as a puppet king.

Despite the pillaging of the kingdom, Viking rule brings lucrative trade to Northumbria, especially at their capital York.

Scandinavian York (also referred to as Scandinavian Jórvík) is a term used by historians for the south of Northumbria during the period of the late 9th century and first half of the 10th century, when it was dominated by Norse warrior-kings; in particular, used to refer to the city controlled by these kings.Norse monarchy controls varying amounts of Northumbria from 875 to 954, however the area is invaded and conquered for short periods by England between 927 and 954 before eventually being annexed into England in 954.

It was closely associated with the much longer-lived Kingdom of Dublin throughout this period.