The Danes descend upon the Coast and at last possess Northumberland (One of a series...

William Bell Scott (Edinburgh 1811 - Penkill Castle 1890). Oil painting on cavnas, The Danes descend upon the Coast and at last possess Northumberland, by William Bell Scott (Edinburgh 1811 - Penkill Castle 1890), signed and dated, on helmet, bottom centre: W B S Jan to June 1858. The promontory forming the backdrop is Tynemouth Rock. The Viking boats and galleys approach the shore through the early morning mist, taking the country by surprise. In the foreground the men are rushing down to the landing point while the women hasten up the embankment to a partly fortified enclosure, amongst them are an old lady with her cat, a young mother with her children and a monk carrying manuscripts. The highest female figure on the cliff is a likeness of Pauline, Lady Trevelyan (1816-1866). One of a series of eight oil paintings illustrating the history of the English Border painted between 1856 and 1861. Wallington, Northumberland (Accredited Museum)