Anglo-Saxons in Britain

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Introduction

What was England like?

England looked very different 1,600 years ago when the Anglo-Saxons came to our shores.

• Much of the country was covered in thick oak forests.

Most of England's one million people lived in the countryside where they made a living from farming.

There were many kings, each one ruling over a different area of England.

Why did the Romans abandon England?

The Romans had invaded England and ruled over England for 400 years. In 410, the Romans left England because their homes in Italy were being attacked by fierce tribes and every soldier was needed.

The people of England were sad when the Romans left because they had no professional soldiers of their own to protect them from the sea-raiders, who were growing bolder in their attacks upon the coast.

The Dark Ages

The Dark Ages describe the centuries after the end of the Roman rule. It is a time in history we have less evidence from. It is the time in history when the Saxons and Vikings came to Britain.

England is invaded again!

With the breakdown of Rome's control of Britain it became possible for the Angles, Saxons and Jutes from across the North Sea who had been raiding the coast of Britain for a hundred years to increase their pressure. Instead of raiding and then withdrawing, by about 450 A.D they were beginning to settle here. The invasion consisted of a series of attacks on different parts of the country over a period of years and under a number of leaders.

Two British men fighting a Saxon

The Saxon chieftains Hengist and Horsa led a massive attack on Kent in about the year 455. They marched from Thanet through Faversham to Canterbury and eventually arrived at Aylesford, near Maidstone, where a fierce battle took place.

British man jumping on two Saxons trying to stop the Saxons.

Who were the Anglo-Saxons? Who?

When did the Anglo-Saxons invade Britain? When? ....... Anglo Saxon Timeline

Where did they come from? Where?

Why did Anglo-Saxons invade Britain? Why ?

How long did the Anglo-Saxons stay in England? How long ?

Where did the Anglo-Saxons Settle in Britain? - Settle

What Anglo Saxon Place names still exist today? - Place names

What Religion did the Anglo-Saxons follow? - Religion

Where do the names of the days of the week originate from? Days of the Week

Why is Sutton Hoo famous? Sutton Hoo

What were Anglo Saxon Villages like? Saxon Villages

What did the Anglo-Saxons Eat and Drink? Food and Drink

Who invaded England after the Anglo-Saxons? Who invaded next?

Who was the last Anglo Saxon King and where did he die? Last Saxon King

Other Saxon websites