On iron stirrups, many decorated with silver or brass wire patterns, found in Britain. Discusses the history of the use of stirrups, their distribution in Europe and in England, techniques and patterns of decoration, and construction methods. Argues, from a distribution of known findspots, that they were not introduced by the Scandinavian settlers of the 9th century but are more likely to relate to the ravaging of Danish war bands during the late 10th and early 11th centuries. Two distinctive British classes emerge, derived from north European types, suggesting that they were already being made locally. Includes an inventory of 36 Viking period stirrups from Britain. -- AATA