Early Anglo-Saxons and their Settlements

Migration – Anglo-Saxons, 450-1066

In this course, Professor Ryan Lavelle (University of Winchester) explores Anglo-Saxon migration. In the first lecture, we think about early Anglo-Saxon settlements in England. In the second lecture, we think about societal transformations in Anglo-Saxon England. In the third lecture, we think about the economic impact of London as a key trading centre. Next, we think about the different migrant experiences in this period. In the fifth lecture, we think about the reigns of significant rulers in this period. In the sixth and final lecture, we think about the significance of the reign of Cnut the Great in early medieval England.

Early Anglo-Saxons and their Settlements

In this lecture, we think about early Anglo-Saxon settlements, focusing in particular on: (i) the initial Anglo-Saxon settlements following the collapse of Roman Britain around 410 AD; (ii) the narrative and historical accounts of these settlements as influenced by figures like the Venerable Bede; (iii) the archaeological evidence supporting the presence of Anglo-Saxon communities; (iv) the significant cultural shifts from Roman to Anglo-Saxon practices in areas such as burial customs and religious beliefs; (v) the impact of these early settlements on the social and political structures of the time; (vi) the introduction of Germanic languages and their dominance in Britain; (vii) the integration and intermarriage between Anglo-Saxon settlers and the native British population; (viii) evidence of violence and social dominance as part of the settlement process; and (ix) the transformation from tribal groupings to more organised political entities like kingdoms.