Anglo-Saxons and the spread of Christianity

Study note

After the Romans left Britain, tribes from northern Europe, known together as the Anglo-Saxons, came across the sea and settled in much of what is now England. Their language is the basis of modern English, which is why this period is so important. They are different from the Romans, Normans and Vikings, whose languages did not form the foundation of English in the same way.

Christianity spread across Britain during the Anglo-Saxon period, mainly through the work of missionaries. Saint Augustine came from Rome and helped spread Christianity in the south, becoming the first Archbishop of Canterbury. Saint Columba founded a monastery on the island of Iona and spread the faith in the north. So remember two things: the Anglo-Saxon language gave us early English, and missionaries such as St Augustine and St Columba spread Christianity.

Memory tip: Anglo-Saxons gave us early English; St Augustine and St Columba spread Christianity.