9.1 The Anglo-Saxons (In One Take) - History Bombs
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9.1 Anglo-Saxons (In One Take)

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Lesson description

Get ready for nearly a thousand years of British history condensed into 7 minutes. This first lesson covers the A to Z of Anglo-Saxon history, looking at what led to the Anglo-Saxon invasion following the fall of the Romans, to King Æthelstan’s triumphant victory at the Battle of Brunanburh uniting England as one.

This lesson includes:

  • The full chronology of the Anglo-Saxon period, from the end of the Roman occupation up to the Battle of Hastings in 1066.
  • The everyday life of the Anglo-Saxons, their transition from paganism to Christianity, and how this shift influenced their art, language, and society.
  • The rise of powerful Saxon warlords, the establishment of kingdoms like Sussex and Kent, and the impact of legendary leaders like Alfred the Great and Æthlflæd.
  • Conflicts with Viking invaders, the creation of the Danelaw, and the eventual unification of England under leaders like Æthelstan.

 

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9.2 Where did the Anglo-Saxons come from?

An investigative-style mini-documentary, interviewing new arrivals as they step off the boat from their long journey from Eastern Europe and into Suffolk.

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9.3 What was Anglo-Saxon life like?

We meet people from a variety of backgrounds to learn more about their daily work and lifestyles. We explore Anglo-Saxon beliefs, burial customs, crafts and notions of class through the lens of a funeral for someone very important.

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9.4 How did the Anglo Saxons rule?

We meet two of the most influential figures in Anglo-Saxon History: Alfred the Great and his daughter, Aethelflaed.

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9.5 How do we know about the Anglo-Saxons?

With the help of Basil Brown, Nina Frances Layard and Ipswich Museum we look at how objects from the past help us better understand history today.

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Fact Sheet

When were the Romans in Britain?

The Romans arrived in Britain, then known as Britannia, in AD45. They stayed in power for a long time, until the early fifth century. 

 

When were the Anglo-Saxons in Britain?

The Anglo-Saxons arrived in AD410 and stayed in Britain until 1066.

 

Why did the Romans leave?

The Romans left Britain defenceless because the Empire in mainland Europe was falling apart, and so the soldiers who were in Britain needed to go back to help. Emperor Honorius sent a letter to the people of Britain saying goodbye, in which told them to “fight bravely and defend your lives… you’re on your own now”. 

 

What did the Anglo-Saxons bring with them?

The Anglo-Saxons brought with them different ways of living. They brought a different religion, jewellery, tools, and writing. They also brought their own language, Old English.

 

Did anyone try to overthrow the Anglo-Saxons? 

Yes. In the 8th century, raiders from Scandinavia, known as the Vikings, tried to invade. They overtook a chunk of land in the north east of England and ruled over it, calling it the Danelaw. They fought with the other Anglo-Saxon kingdoms.

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Video Transcript

Basil BrownLooks Anglo-Saxon to me. Better tell Ipswich Museum about this one.
EdieNice one Baz!
Basil BrownWho are you?
ChrisIt’s Suffolk’s main man, Basil Brown,
He dug down and what he found,
would astounded the world and redefine,
Our knowledge, and theories…
Edie…Chris we don’t have time!
It’s 380 AD and our island home
Known is Britannia, is ruled by Rome,
But the empire is failing, now sound the klaxon,
It’s the History Bomb of the Anglo-Saxons!
Magnus MaximusI’m Magnus Maximus - epic name!
A Roman General born in Spain,
Now based in Wales and I like it a lot,
Mostly found slaying the Picts and the Scots.
Roman SoldierBut the Empire is weak, and we get paid dismally, And Gratian thinks he can rule us from Italy?
Magnus MaximusYou’re right! It’s time to end his reign, Let’s Make Britannia great again!
ChrisSo that was Magnus Maximus, a Roman commander based in Britannia. He was unhappy with the Roman Emperor called Gratian, so he took lots of soldiers to Europe to overthrow him, but a lot of those soldiers never came back.
EdieThis left Britannia defenceless, with a native population
who didn't know how to fight, and vulnerable to attack from, well, everyone...!
Villager 1So the Romans have left?
Villager 2Yes! Thank heavens!
Villager 1…and they seem to have taken all of their weapons.
Villager 2Ah never mind, we’re pretty tough,
Besides, who would dare try to conquer us?
Villager 1Well the Picts, and the Scots, and the Franks, and the Jutes,
And the...
Villager 2Ha, what a collection of brutes,
No matter, I’ll be ready for action!
Gah! Who are you?!
Saxon Warrior 1Oh hi,
Saxon Warrior 2We’re the Saxons!
EdieThe Saxons, the Angles and the Jutes were three powerful tribes who travelled from Germany and Denmark, and arrived in the east of England in search of land and wealth.
ChrisSome sources suggest the Britons paid the Saxons to protect them from other tribes, but paying one group of warriors to protect you from another group of warriors isn’t always the best idea…
Saxon Warrior 1So these pitiful peasants will pay for protection,
We’ll take their coins without objection,
But this land is rich and there’s no-one here,
Who appears to be able to handle a spear.
Saxon Warrior 2Perhaps we should send a message home,
To those with boats and an urge to roam,
Saxon Warrior 1Bring the family, and a weapon in hand.
Saxon Warrior 2Today their silver, tomorrow their land!
ChrisThe Angles and Saxons turned against the Britons, leading to decades of conflict. Gradually the invaders began to take a foothold in the East of England.
EdieAround 530 AD, three massive volcanic eruptions darkened the skies, killing crops and leading to famine. Out of the darkness, powerful Saxon warlords began to take command.
Loaf-KeeperI’m your Loaf-keeper here to make a collection,
My warriors and I are providing protection,
And all that we ask for risking life and limb,
Are some modest donations, shall we begin?
25 hides, 10 cattle, 5 eels,
I’m sure you agree it’s an excellent deal.
I’m delighted to protect those who have paid,
Let’s hope that my kindness doesn’t fade.
EdieThe most powerful lords, known as loaf keepers, expanded their territory and started to create kingdoms across the East of England with names like Sussex and Kent.
ChrisNow at this time the Angles and Saxons were pagans, which meant they believed in multiple gods, but that all began to change in 597, when a famous monk from Rome arrived in Kent.
ÆthelberhtI’m Æthelberht, you’ve arrived by boat?
AugustineYes, I’m Augustine, I was sent by the Pope.
ÆthelberhtHa by the Pope! Surely my wife’s work,
She’s Christian you see, wants me to convert.
AugustineThat is your choice, if it’s in your heart,
But it would improve your trade with the Franks for a start,
And in battle, of course you’d have God on your side,
And eternal everlasting joy if you died.
ChrisWhilst it didn’t happen overnight, the Christian faith began to take hold with the Anglo-Saxons, and Augustine became the first Archbishop of Canterbury.
EdieTraditional pagan beliefs still remained a powerful influence for many years. The rise of Christianity helped to increase trade mainland Europe which brought new influences into with Anglo-Saxon life.
Villager 1Oh, chuck that out, it’s so last century!
Nowadays we’re rolling with pretty sweet jewellery,
Taking inspiration from our European neighbours,
To signify our status - this took hours of labour!
Villager 2And it’s not just bling but our use of language,
With poetry and prose, often mythical and savage,
Latin’s on the rise, so too is Old English,
Flows like Beowulf!
Villager 1Are you quite finished?
EdieBy this point the Anglo-Saxons, although often fi ghting between themselves and with the Britons, were well established throughout much of England. Christianity brought writing and education that hadn’t been seen for centuries.
ChrisBut then some raiders from Scandinavia arrived in the east of England in search of land and wealth…I’m getting déjà vu.
MessengerMy Lord! Reports of men from the North! Arriving by boat and attacking with force.
Anglo-Saxon LordWait, where have I heard that before? Arriving by boat, attacking the shore…
MessengerWell, actually sir, I think it was us.
Anglo-Saxon LordBy Woden you’re right, well I’m really nonplussed. These Norsemen, or Vikings have copied our action, You know what, we’ve been Anglo-Saxoned!
ChrisThe Viking raids began around 800 AD, and by the 860s, the Viking Great Army had captured important areas in the north and east of England, including the City of York, known as Jorvik.
EdieAfter dominating parts of Northumberland and Mercia, the Viking leader, Guthrum, led his forces south, to take the last Anglo-Saxon kingdom!
AlfredGuthrum, you may have had me on the run, But Wessex is far from over and done, I’ve been nailing my training and uniting the clans I could take you right here with my two bare hands!
GuthrumAlfred “the Great”, mate, give me a break Weren’t you hiding in marshes and burning some cakes?
AlfredAlright that’s it, here on Edington’s fields,
I will show you the power this baker can wield!
EdieAlfred defeated Guthrum at the Battle of Edington and turned the tide against the relentless Vikings who now withdrew to an area called Danelaw in the North-East of England.
ChrisAlfred’s son, Edward, then ruled Wessex, and his daughter Æthlflæd took command in Mercia. She established strong defences and was an extremely effective military commander.
ÆthlflædPulling up in Mercia, you know I feel gangsta,
I’m a mighty leader, straight outta Winchest-a,
Go tell the Vikings they’re dealing with a monster,
I don’t need a King, now watch this Queen conquer!
First things first I’ll defeat the Danes,
At Derby and Leicester, I’m making gains,
And I pullup pullup pullup in the burh with my game face,
And if you think I’m fake I hadn’t noticed cause my sword ain’t.
EdieStraight fire!
ChrisThanks to leaders including Æthlflæd and her brother Edward, the Anglo-Saxons were now in a dominant position and in 937 there was an incredibly important battle, which united England for the first time.
EdieWow, sounds epic! What was it called?
ChrisUmmm, the Battle of Bra-bra-bra?
ÆthelstanEngland’s main man, Æthelstan,
I united this great land,
When the children study this age,
I’ll surely adorn every textbook page,
There must be so much that you’ve heard
The famous Battle of Brunanburh!
I created England.
You're welcome, England.
EdieSorry mate, no one's heard of ya.
ÆthelstanWhat?!
ChrisSo...
EdieReally, Æthelstan was an important player,
But English rule then experienced failure,
The Danes took charge in 978,
With Sweyn Forkbeard and Cnut the Great.
ChrisAnd when English Rule was restored once more,
Edward the Confessor kinda dropped the ball,
He died without children, and didn’t choose formally,
Between Harold Godwinson and William of Normandy.
Cue the Battle of Hastings, and William’s ascendancy,
For more information please see the Bayeux Tapestry.
EdieSo that brings us to the end of this age,
It’s a story that continues to evolve and change.
And who knows what more will be found,
As we dig down like Basil Brown.
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