Editing 840 (section)

==== Britain ====
* King [[Wigstan|Wigstan of Mercia]], grandson of former ruler [[Wiglaf of Mercia|Wiglaf]] (see [[839]]), declines his kingship in preference of the religious life. He asks his widowed mother, Princess [[Ælfflæd of Mercia (II)|Ælfflæd]], to act as [[regent]]. A [[Nobility|nobleman]] of the line of the late king [[Beornred of Mercia|Beornred]], named Berhtric, wishes to marry her but he is a relative. Wigstan refuses the match, and is murdered by followers of Berhtric at [[Wistow, Leicestershire|Wistow]]. He is buried at [[Repton Abbey]], and later revered as a [[saint]]. The [[Mercia]]n throne is seized by Berhtric's father, [[Beorhtwulf of Mercia|Beorhtwulf]].<ref>Zaluckyj & Zaluckyj, "Decline"</ref>{{rp|238–239}}
* [[Vikings]] make permanent settlements with their first '[[Overwintering|wintering over]]', located at [[Lough Neagh]] in [[Northern Ireland]] (approximate date).