Study Guides

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupils focus on what changed in Britain after the Romans left. They learn about the coming of the Anglo-Saxons and the rise of Mercia. Pupils end the unit by analysing what had changed after the Romans left Britain.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to describe how early Anglo-Saxon Britain was made up of different kingdoms.

Key Notes

• In places where the Anglo-Saxons defeated the Britons, they built their own villages and established new kingdoms.
• No single king ruled over all the Anglo-Saxons.
• The Angles, Saxons and Jutes took over and settled in different areas.
• The Anglo-Saxons established seven kingdoms – Northumbria, Mercia, East Anglia, Essex, Kent, Sussex and Wessex.
• These kingdoms waxed and waned in their power over one another.

Vocabulary To Learn

• settlement: a settlement is a place where people choose to begin a community
• establish: to establish something means to set it up to last a very long time
• kingdom: a kingdom is a country or area ruled by a king or queen

Common Mistakes To Avoid

• Some pupils may believe the kingdoms were part of one united kingdom of England.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

More Lessons In This Unit

• Britain at the end of Roman rule Study Guide
• How Britain changed after the Romans Study Guide
• The Anglo-Saxons come to Britain Study Guide
• The conversion of the British Isles Study Guide
• The rise of Mercia Study Guide