After the Romans left, the north became a patchwork of warring Celtic tribes. In the 7th century, the region was invaded by the Angles, a Germanic tribe that moved westwards from Northumbria.

From around 870, the area was colonised by Vikings from Dublin and the Hebrides and Danes from Yorkshire.

Two Viking Age cross shafts and four hogbacks and a small cross found immediately west of St Andrew's Church, known as ‘Giant's Grave’ and ‘Giant's Thumb’ (c. 920), have long given rise to speculation. They appear to be an Anglo-Norwegian fusion of Christian, Celtic and Norse motifs. The grave was opened in the 17th century and revealed human remains, including very long leg bones and a sword. The grave could be the burial place of Owain ap Dyfnwal, King of Cumbria 920-937, but this is just one of several legends and speculations.