Anglo Saxon England: History and Major Facts

by World History Edu · May 10, 2024

Anglo-Saxon England refers to the period in British history from the 5th to the 11th century, beginning with the Roman withdrawal from Britain and ending with the Norman Conquest in 1066.

This era was marked by the migration of Germanic tribes—mainly the Angles, Saxons, and Jutes—to Britain. These groups gradually formed several kingdoms, which later consolidated into what is now known as England.

In this article, World History Edu explores the history, culture, political structure, and significant events of Anglo-Saxon England.

The Migration Period (circa 410-600 AD)

Following the collapse of Roman authority around 410 AD, Britain faced a power vacuum. This period saw increased incursions and settlements by Germanic tribes.

Early sources such as the “Ecclesiastical History of the English People” by Bede and the “Anglo-Saxon Chronicle” provide accounts of how these tribes established control over much of Britain.

The newcomers founded several kingdoms, including Northumbria, Mercia, Wessex, and East Anglia. These early years were characterized by frequent warfare among these nascent states and against remaining Celtic kingdoms.

Anglo-Saxon England, spanning from the 5th to the 11th centuries, marked a transformative period following Roman Britain’s decline. Image: Map of Britain c. 540.

The Heptarchy and Its Dynamics (600-850 AD)

By the 7th century, the concept of the Heptarchy—a term describing the seven prominent Anglo-Saxon kingdoms—had emerged. These were Northumbria, Mercia, Wessex, East Anglia, Essex, Sussex, and Kent.

The balance of power among these kingdoms shifted over time, with Northumbria initially dominant, followed by Mercia, and later Wessex. This era was marked by significant cultural and religious transformations, notably the conversion of the Anglo-Saxons to Christianity.

Missionaries like St. Augustine, who arrived in Kent in 597 AD, played a crucial role in this spiritual change, which also helped to integrate the Anglo-Saxon realms into broader European culture.

Viking Incursions and the Rise of Wessex (850-1066 AD)

The late 8th century marked the beginning of a new phase of external threats with the arrival of the Vikings. Norse raids began devastating many coastal and riverine settlements.

The initial sporadic raids grew into larger scale invasions by the mid-9th century, leading to the establishment of the Danelaw—an area of England under Danish law.

The response to these invasions catalyzed the rise of Wessex under King Alfred the Great, who ruled from 871 to 899 AD. Alfred’s military reforms, educational initiatives, and legal improvements laid foundational changes that would define future English governance.

Image: An ancient silver coin of Alfred the Great.

The Kingdom of England and the End of the Anglo-Saxon Period (899-1066 AD)

After Alfred, the process of unifying the English territories gained momentum under his successors, particularly under King Æthelstan and King Edgar. Æthelstan is often regarded as the first king of a unified England after his victory at the Battle of Brunanburh in 937 AD.

This period saw relative stability and the flourishing of Anglo-Saxon culture, with significant developments in art, literature, and law. The monastic reform movement, which began in the late 10th century, and the flowering of the English Benedictine monasticism were particularly notable.

The last Anglo-Saxon king, Edward the Confessor, who reigned from 1042 to 1066, epitomized the later phase of Anglo-Saxon governance, characterized by complex political relationships with the Norse and Norman nobility. His death led to the succession crisis and the eventual invasion by William the Conqueror in 1066, marking the end of Anglo-Saxon dominance in England.

Social and Cultural Life in Anglo-Saxon England

Anglo-Saxon society was structured around kinship groups and a warrior elite, with a king often chosen from a royal family by the witan, a council of elders.

The majority of the population were freemen or peasants, with a significant number of slaves or serfs. Social life was governed by codes like the Law Codes of Æthelbert of Kent, which are among the earliest recorded Anglo-Saxon laws.

Culturally, the period was marked by the melding of Christian and pagan traditions, reflected in literature, art, and daily life.

Poetry such as “Beowulf” and works by poets like Cædmon and Cynewulf illustrate the blend of Christian morality and heroic Anglo-Saxon culture. The era is also noted for its distinctive artistic styles, seen in manuscript illumination and metalwork, as exemplified by the Lindisfarne Gospels and the treasures at Sutton Hoo.

The 11th century saw England under the North Sea Empire briefly, as King Cnut ruled over a personal union encompassing England, Denmark, and Norway. Image: Cnut (990 – 1035).

Economic and Technological Aspects

Anglo-Saxon England was primarily agrarian, with a strong emphasis on mixed farming. Trade both within the British Isles and with continental Europe was crucial, evidenced by finds of Frankish and Scandinavian goods in Anglo-Saxon graves. Technological advancements included the widespread use of watermills and the introduction of the heavy plough, which significantly boosted agricultural productivity.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about Anglo-Saxon England, offering insights into its history, culture, and significant events:

Who were the Anglo-Saxons?

The Anglo-Saxons were a mixture of tribes, mainly the Angles, Saxons, and Jutes, who migrated from the continent to Britain following the decline of Roman control. Over time, they established a number of kingdoms in Britain.

What were the main Anglo-Saxon kingdoms?

The principal kingdoms were known as the Heptarchy, which included Northumbria, Mercia, Wessex, East Anglia, Essex, Sussex, and Kent. These varied in power and influence over the centuries, with Northumbria, Mercia, and later Wessex becoming the most dominant.

How did the Anglo-Saxons convert to Christianity?

Christianity was introduced to the Anglo-Saxons gradually, with initial efforts by Roman missionaries in the late 6th century. The most notable missionary was St. Augustine of Canterbury, who arrived in 597 AD. Over time, Christianity spread through the influence of neighboring Christian kingdoms and the establishment of monasteries.

What was the Danelaw?

The Danelaw was a region of England under the control of Norse Vikings, established in the late 9th century due to the Treaty of Wedmore and later formalized by the Treaty of Alfred and Guthrum. It included large parts of northern and eastern England where Viking laws prevailed over Anglo-Saxon laws.

Who was Alfred the Great?

Alfred the Great was the King of Wessex from 871 to 899 AD and is one of the most famous Anglo-Saxon monarchs. He is noted for his defense of the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms against the Viking invaders, his legal reforms, and his efforts to promote education and literacy.

What is the significance of the Battle of Hastings?

The Battle of Hastings occurred in 1066 AD and marked the end of Anglo-Saxon rule in England. It was fought between the Norman-French army of William, the Duke of Normandy, and an English army under the Anglo-Saxon King Harold Godwinson. William’s victory led to the Norman Conquest of England.

What was Anglo-Saxon culture like?

Anglo-Saxon culture was a rich blend of indigenous British and imported Germanic traditions. It included a strong oral tradition, with poetry and storytelling being highly valued. Artifacts like the Sutton Hoo ship burial reveal sophisticated craftsmanship and extensive trade networks. The Anglo-Saxons also contributed significantly to English literature, law, and art.

How did the Anglo-Saxons influence modern England?

The Anglo-Saxons left a lasting legacy on modern England, particularly through the English language, which has its roots in Old English spoken by the Anglo-Saxons. They also laid the groundwork for the English legal system and cultural practices.

What happened to the Anglo-Saxons after the Norman Conquest?

After the Norman Conquest, the Anglo-Saxon ruling elite was largely displaced by Norman rulers. However, the majority of the population remained Anglo-Saxon, and over time, the two cultures gradually blended, influencing the development of the modern English nation and language.

Timeline of Anglo-Saxon England

The timeline of Anglo-Saxon England spans from the end of Roman Britain around the 5th century to the Norman Conquest in 1066.

Here are the key events that mark this period:

5th Century

410 AD: The Romans withdraw from Britain, leaving it vulnerable to attacks and migrations.
Mid-5th Century: Anglo-Saxon migration begins, with tribes such as the Angles, Saxons, and Jutes arriving from the continental Europe.

6th Century

597 AD: St. Augustine arrives in Kent and begins the Christianization of Anglo-Saxon England, converting King Æthelbert of Kent.

7th Century

625 AD: The conversion of Northumbria begins with King Edwin’s baptism.
664 AD: The Synod of Whitby, where it was decided that the English church would follow Roman rather than Celtic practices.
685 AD: King Caedwalla of Wessex attempts to expand into the South, marking early signs of territorial expansion.

8th Century

793 AD: Viking raids begin with the attack on the monastery at Lindisfarne.
Late 8th Century: Mercia reaches its height under King Offa, who rules from 757 to 796 AD.

Throughout the 8th and 9th centuries, the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms faced escalating Viking raids, leading to significant Danish influence and settlements, particularly in eastern England. Image: A replica of Viking longboat in Ramsgate, a seaside town in Kent England.

9th Century

825 AD: Wessex begins to emerge as the dominant kingdom under King Egbert.
865 AD: The “Great Heathen Army,” a large group of Norse invaders, arrives in England.
871-899 AD: Reign of Alfred the Great of Wessex, who successfully defends against Viking invasions and lays the foundations for a unified England.

10th Century

927 AD: King Æthelstan, grandson of Alfred the Great, becomes the first king to rule what could be considered a unified England.
978-1016 AD: Period of instability with multiple kings, culminating in the long and relatively peaceful reign of Æthelred the Unready.
991 AD: Battle of Maldon, notable for the conflict between Anglo-Saxons and Vikings.

By the late 9th century, Alfred the Great of Wessex began the process of unification against the Viking threat, a vision carried forward by his successors. This culminated in 927 AD when King Æthelstan formally united the kingdoms into the Kingdom of England. Image: A depiction of Æthelstan on a stained glass artwork at the All Souls College Chapel in Oxford, England.

11th Century

1016 AD: King Cnut of Denmark conquers England, beginning a period of Danish rule.
1042 AD: Edward the Confessor, last of the House of Wessex, ascends to the throne.
1066 AD:
- January: Death of Edward the Confessor.
- October 14: Battle of Hastings where William the Conqueror defeats King Harold II, marking the end of Anglo-Saxon rule and the beginning of Norman rule in England.