London did not remain permanently under the control of the East Saxons (though they were the first to occupy it, and the famous Cockney accent is said to have been derived from their language), but became a prize in wars among various Saxon tribes—the Northumbrians, the Mercians, the West Saxons. Then early in the ninth century a new enemy appeared at the gates :the Vikings from Denmark.
London was sacked and burned and, for a time, was under Danish subjugation. Eventually certain of the pagan invaders settled down in the City and became Christians. Three of their churches remain today: St Olave’s, Hart Street; St Magnus the Martyr; and St Clement Danes. Danish control of London was ended by the great West Saxon King Alfred, and never again has the City fallen to a foreign enemy.