Chapter 7 Supplement
Anglo-Saxon England Around 450, Germanic tribes begin to invade Britain. The two most important tribes settled and became powerful: Angles and Saxons 3 independent kingdoms formed: Northumberland: Northern England/Scotland Mercia: Central England Wessex: Southern England Kingdoms were divided into districts called shires, and ran by shire-reeves (sheriffs).
Alfred the Great Early 800s: Wessex Kings control almost all of England Challenged by Vikings (Danes) 871: Alfred becomes King of Wessex Convinces Vikings to leave Wessex by bribing them Starts building ships, training/organizing his military. 876: Alfred attacks the Danes, and Danes finally surrender in 886. Danes only allowed in Northumberland and a little bit of NE Mercia. Interested in learning; had books translated from Latin, commanded scholars to write a history of England (they kept updating it for 250 years after he died).
Danish Rule Alfred had won back almost all of England during his rule. Strengthened the country, spread Christianity. By 1013, Danes control England. 1019: King Canute: Danish King brought England into part of the Danish Scandinavian kingdom. Spent most of his time in England, and was a good ruler. His sons were not good rulers 1042: Anglo-Saxon nobles kick Danes out again, and make Edward the Confessor the new King.