Gewissæ

Gewissæ is a term that appears in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, specifically in relation to events in the year 894. It refers to a group of people, likely a specific tribe or faction, who were involved in conflicts with the Anglo-Saxons. The Chronicle states that in that year, King Alfred the Great pursued a large Viking army that had been raiding in the west. This army eventually broke up, with some fleeing to the east and others joining with the Danes already in Northumbria. The Gewissæ are mentioned in the context of this period of unrest and military activity.

The precise identity and origins of the Gewissæ are not definitively known. Some scholars suggest the name might be related to the West Saxons, as "Gewissæ" is sometimes used as an older or alternative name for them. However, other interpretations exist, and their exact status as a distinct group or a designation for a broader population is a subject of ongoing historical discussion. Their appearance in the Chronicle highlights the complex political and military landscape of Anglo-Saxon England during the late 9th century, a period marked by significant Viking incursions and internal power struggles. The term serves as a reminder of the diverse groups interacting within and on the fringes of the emerging English kingdoms.