The notion that, before the raids, the Scandinavians were ignorant of what lay ‘west over the sea’ is nonsense. They probably had a good idea of life at least along the east coast, in particular around the markets and monasteries—but this is not the same as complete familiarity with England, its people and landscapes, its politics and culture. It may be that much of this early period was essentially one of tentative exploration, mapping out vulnerabilities while ensuring relatively safe lines of supply and retreat.