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 Christianity returned to the British Isles.

Key Notes

• With the departure of the Romans and the invasion of the pagan Anglo-Saxons, Christianity had declined in Britain.
• The Pope sent Augustine to convert the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms to Christianity in 597CE, starting with Aethelbert of Kent.
• While the Anglo-Saxons settled in Britain, the Scots, a group from Ireland, began to settle in western Scotland.
• Irish missionaries had been converting Scotland and the north of England since the 6th century.
• Two forms of Christianity existed in Britain; the Synod of Whitby ruled Roman Catholic practices would be followed.

Vocabulary To Learn

• pagan: pagan religious beliefs and practices are those that are different from the main or recognised religions
• convert: to convert someone to a new religion means to change their religious beliefs to that of your own
• missionary: a missionary is a person sent on a religious mission, especially to promote Christianity in foreign countries
• practices: practices are ways of doing something such as religious rituals like prayer

Common Mistakes To Avoid

• Pupils might think that pagan beliefs were polytheistic and all non-pagan beliefs are monotheistic.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

More Lessons In This Unit

• Anglo-Saxon kingdoms Study Guide
• 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 rise of Mercia Study Guide