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. Talk about the Celts at the end of this slide!

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

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)

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

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

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

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