From c. 790 invasions and raids of northern English coastal areas by Norse-speaking Vikings became increasingly frequent until they were brought to an end through the defeat of a Viking army under their king Guthrum by an English army under King Alfred the Great in 878. After the Treaty of Alfred and Guthrum, the Danelaw, comprising most of northern and part of Eastern England, was set up, and here Danish law was in force and many Vikings, now becalmed, settled here and farmed. Several kings of Danish origin played an important role in 11th century English politics.