Anglo-Saxons

The people who are known as Anglo-Saxons were immigrants from northern Germany and southern Scandinavia. This name is collectively applied to a group of farmer-warriors who lived in Britain thousands of years ago. These groups were made up of three tribes: – Angle, Saxon and Jute.

Angle and Saxon were the largest group compared to Jute so this is how we use the word Anglo-Saxon. They made the very first attempt to invade Britain in the 4^th century but were sent back by the Roman army.

Things you may not have know: –

• Years later, they came back around 450 A.D. when the ancient Romans left Britain.
• Most of them were farmers before they left their homes in Germany, the Netherlands and Denmark and sailed over to Britain.
• The first Anglo-Saxon king to rule England was Egbert and Harold II was the last king.
• The Anglo-Saxon period covers around 600 years.
• They took control most of Britain but they never conquered Scotland.
• Their buildings were simple, constructed mainly using timber with thatch for roofing.
• The language of Anglo-Saxons is also known as old English. It is somewhat related to German.
• They lived in small villages near rivers, forests and other important resources
• Northumbria was the first kingdom of Anglo-Saxons that dominated Britain in the beginning of 600s.
• Mercia, Northumbria, Wessex, Kent and Anglia are the five main kingdoms of Anglo-Saxons.
• Each and every kingdom has its own royal family.
• The people who helped the king to rule the kingdom were thanes and bishops. They also had slaves.
• The word ‘England’ has been derived from the Saxon word ‘Angle-Land’.
• They made their own clothes out of natural materials.
• William the Conqueror, a Norman king ruled England after the end of the Anglo-Saxon rule in Britain.