Anglo-Saxon England

1. Anglo-Saxon England • Period from the end of Roman occupation in the 5th century until the Norman conquest of England in 1066 by William the Conqueror. • The term “Anglo-Saxon” refers to people from Northern Germany and Denmark who raided Britain and set up new kingdoms.

2. Anglo-Saxon also refers to the language spoken, now called Old English • Modern English is the descendent of this language • Agricultural people • Pagan people until the end of the 6th century • Converted to Christianity when St. Augustine from Rome became to Archbishop of Canterbury

3. The growth of Christianity brought about important changes: • Estates were formed • Brought books and formed libraries • Schools for clergy • The Venerable Bede (673-735 AD) • “Ecclesiastical History of the English People” • “Beowulf” (~700 AD)

4. By the 9th century, Wessex was the strongest kingdom • Under King Egbert of Wessex, all of the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms were united to form “England” • King Egbert became the first king of England

5. From the end of the 8th century, Vikings began to raid England. • Many that invaded settled • Northern Scotland • Eastern England • Formed Dublin • Lived in tribes and were pagans • Tried to invade Wessex in 871 AD, but faced great resistance from King Alfred

6. King Alfred, “Alfred the Great”, created an army and navy. • Won several victories over the Vikings, also called the “Danes” • The Danes were allowed to settle in “Danelaw”, a part of England on the North border of Wessex, where they made York their capital. • Had books translated into Anglo-Saxon from Latin • Ordered “The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle” to be written

7. In 1016, England was conquered by the Danish King Canute • Divided England into territorial lordships • Provided a unified system of government • After Canute’s death, the throne was passed to his sons • Their reign was short • Throne passed to King Edward, called “Edward the Confessor” • Restored the Saxon line of kings