The Anglo-Saxons: Who Were They?
Over 1,500 years ago, a new group of people came to Britain – the Anglo-Saxons! They were farmers, warriors, and craftsmen who settled in England after the Romans left. They changed the country forever, bringing new villages, kings, and even the English language!
Where Did the Anglo-Saxons Come From? 
The Anglo-Saxons were made up of three main groups:
The Angles – from modern-day Denmark and Germany. The Saxons – from Germany. The Jutes – from Denmark.
They sailed across the North Sea in wooden boats and settled in England. The land they took over became known as “Angle-land”, which later became England!
Fun Fact: The word “English” comes from the Angles!
Anglo-Saxon Villages 
Most Anglo-Saxons lived in small villages made of wooden houses with thatched roofs.
Houses were simple huts made of wood, mud, and straw.
There was a fire in the middle for warmth and cooking.
People grew crops and kept animals like pigs, cows, and sheep.
Did You Know? Some Anglo-Saxon houses have been rebuilt at West Stow in Suffolk, and you can visit them today!
What Did the Anglo-Saxons Eat? 
The Anglo-Saxons were farmers, so they grew and ate lots of fresh food.
Bread – Made from barley or wheat and baked over a fire. Meat – They ate pork, beef, and chicken. Pottage – A thick soup made from vegetables, beans, and herbs.
Honey – Used to sweeten food instead of sugar.
Fun Fact: The Anglo-Saxons drank ale instead of water because it was safer to drink!
What Did the Anglo-Saxons Wear? 
Clothes were made from wool and linen, dyed using plants to create bright colours.
Men wore tunics with belts and trousers.
Women wore long dresses with a cloak over the top.
Rich people wore jewellery made of gold, silver, and glass beads.
Did You Know? Anglo-Saxons used bone or wooden combs to brush their hair!
Anglo-Saxon Warriors 
The Anglo-Saxons were often at war, fighting to protect their land and kingdoms.
They fought with swords, axes, and spears.
They carried wooden shields covered in leather.
Some warriors rode into battle on horses.
One of the most famous Anglo-Saxon kings was King Alfred the Great, who fought the Vikings and helped unite England!
Fun Fact: Anglo-Saxon warriors believed in Valkyries, magical women who took brave fighters to Valhalla (the afterlife)!
The Anglo-Saxon Kingdoms 
The Anglo-Saxons ruled England in seven main kingdoms:
Wessex – Ruled by King Alfred the Great.
Mercia – Famous for Offa’s Dyke, a long wall built to keep the Welsh out!
Northumbria – Home to famous monasteries and scholars.
East Anglia – Ruled by King Edmund, who became a saint.
Kent – The first kingdom to become Christian.
Essex – Ruled by the East Saxons.
Sussex – Ruled by the South Saxons.
Did You Know? The modern counties of England still follow the old Anglo-Saxon kingdom borders!
The Anglo-Saxons and Religion 
At first, the Anglo-Saxons believed in many gods, such as:
Woden – The chief god (like Odin in Viking myths).
Thunor – The god of thunder (like Thor!).
Eostre – The goddess of spring (her name inspired the word Easter!).
Later, they became Christians and built churches and monasteries across England.
Fun Fact: Lindisfarne in Northumbria was one of the most famous Anglo-Saxon monasteries!
The Vikings vs. The Anglo-Saxons 
In the 8th and 9th centuries, the Vikings invaded England!
They attacked monasteries and took gold, silver, and treasure.
They sailed in longships from Scandinavia. The Anglo-Saxons fought back, and King Alfred the Great made a peace deal.
Did You Know? The Anglo-Saxons called the Vikings “Danes” because many came from Denmark!
Anglo-Saxon Treasure 
Archaeologists have found amazing Anglo-Saxon treasure buried underground!
Sutton Hoo (1939) – A huge ship burial filled with gold, weapons, and a famous helmet!
The Staffordshire Hoard (2009) – Over 3,500 gold and silver objects from an Anglo-Saxon kingdom!
Did You Know? You can see the Sutton Hoo treasure in the British Museum!
The End of the Anglo-Saxons 
In 1066, the last Anglo-Saxon king, Harold Godwinson, fought against William the Conqueror at the Battle of Hastings.
Harold was defeated, and the Normans took over England. The Normans built castles and changed the way England was ruled.
But the Anglo-Saxon way of life, language, and traditions still survive today!
Did You Know? Many of the words we use today, like house, bread, and king, come from Anglo-Saxon English!
Conclusion
The Anglo-Saxons were great farmers, warriors, and kings. They shaped the history of England and left behind amazing treasures, old villages, and even words we still use today!
