Anglo Saxon London

In 410 A.D. the Roman legions were recalled to Rome to defend it against barbarian attacks, and Britain was left to fend for itself.

Once the Romans left in the 5th Century, East London became part of kingdom of the East Saxons, later Mercia. At some time after the end of the sixth century (following the ‘arrival’ of Christianity) the Manor of Stepney (nearly all of present-day Tower Hamlets and Hackney) was owned by the Bishops of London. This continued until mid C16th.

Find out about the Anglo Saxons on the BBC website:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/
http://www.anglo-saxons.net/hwaet/

See how archaeology has found out about Saxon London:
http://www.archaeology.co.uk/ca/

http://www.archaeology.co.uk/

A Saxon Warrior

Try out a Saxon and Viking webquest

The Vikings Arrive!

The 9th century saw regular Viking raids.

They settled to the east of the River Lea, known as the Danelaw; on the west side was King Alfred’s kingdom [as in burnt cakes!]. In order to stop them attacking they were paid Danegeld, but by 1016 this had failed so much, a Viking King was offered the throne of Briton – King Canute.

The Throne then went to Edward the Confessor, who died in January 1066. Edward died without a successor. Duke William of Normandy claimed Edward had named him successor some years before. Harold Godwinson, claimed that words uttered by Edward to him on his deathbed named him as his successor. Harold was crowned king, but this disagreement with William led to the Battle of Hastings in October 1066.