Why did the Anglo-Saxons come to Britain? - Info sheet

The Anglo-Saxons came to Britain during the 5th century AD, a period marked by the decline of Roman authority and the increasing vulnerability of the region to invasions. The Roman Empire had fortified Britain's coastal areas with forts and built Hadrian's Wall to protect against northern threats from the Picts and Scots. However, the withdrawal of Roman troops around 410 AD left Britain exposed and without a formidable military force to defend itself. This power vacuum led to conflicts between the native Britons and the invading Anglo-Saxons, with the latter eventually establishing dominance over much of the land.

The influx of the Anglo-Saxons was not solely due to their desire for conquest. While some were indeed warriors eager for battle, considering the Britons weak in the absence of Roman support, others migrated for more peaceful reasons. Many were simply families looking for arable land, as their Scandinavian homelands were frequently afflicted by floods, hindering agriculture. These settlers arrived in Britain with their tools, weapons, and livestock, intent on building new homes and farming communities. Their arrival and settlement significantly reshaped the landscape, culture, and social structure of Britain leading up to the year 1066.