One of the coins discovered in this hoard carries the name AIRDECONUT on one side, and the letters DNS (an abbreviation of DOMINUS) REX on the other.
[4] The coin is also significant since it suggests Airdeconut was a Christian – the reverse inscription DNS (DOMINUS) REX is arranged in a cross.
[5] According to Dr Gareth Williams, curator of early medieval coins at the British Museum, the discovery of the existence of Airdeconut represents the first new Medieval king in England discovered for over fifty years and the first previously-unknown Norse king discovered since 1840.
[4] It is likely that Airdeconut was one of several kings who shared power in Viking Northumbria at the start of the tenth century.
[6] The period was one of political instability – the ruling Vikings of Dublin were expelled in 902 and some of them came to England.