Who were the Anglo-Saxons?
The Anglo-Saxons were Germanic people who invaded and settled in England from around 410 AD. They came from what is now Germany and Denmark. For about 650 years, they built villages, farms and kingdoms across England. They were skilled farmers, craftspeople and warriors who shaped the country we know today.
How did Anglo-Saxons live?
Anglo-Saxon homes were simple wooden buildings with thatched roofs made from straw and reeds. Most families lived in small villages with a lord who owned the land. People worked as farmers, growing crops like barley and wheat, or keeping animals like pigs, cows and sheep.
Think of it like a medieval family business — the lord owned the land, and ordinary people farmed it in return for protection and a small piece of land to live on.
Women made cloth by spinning wool, while men farmed, hunted and fought in wars. Everyone in the family had jobs to do. Children started working young, helping with farming and household tasks. There were no supermarkets or shops like today — families grew their own food and made their own clothes.
What did Anglo-Saxons believe?
At first, Anglo-Saxons believed in pagan gods like Woden and Thunor (god of thunder). They celebrated festivals and made offerings to these gods for good harvests and protection. Around 600 AD, Christian missionaries arrived and slowly converted the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms to Christianity.
Think of it like switching sports teams — gradually, more and more Anglo-Saxons believed in Christianity instead of their old pagan gods, until most people were Christian.
The Church became very important in Anglo-Saxon society. Priests taught people to read and write, and monasteries (communities of monks) preserved books and knowledge. Christianity gave Anglo-Saxons new values like kindness and forgiveness.
Anglo-Saxon society and culture
Anglo-Saxon kings ruled different kingdoms, each with its own laws and armies. Warriors were highly respected, and battles often decided who ruled. People enjoyed storytelling, music and feasts. Anglo-Saxon craftspeople made beautiful jewellery, weapons and decorated boxes. Their art influenced the style we see in British culture even today.