Roman Withdrawal from Britain
The Roman Empire officially withdraws its legions from Britain, leaving the island vulnerable to invasions from various groups, including the Anglo-Saxons.
410
449
Arrival of Hengist and Horsa
According to tradition, the Anglo-Saxon leaders Hengist and Horsa land in Britain, invited by King Vortigern to help defend against the Picts and Scots. This marks the beginning of significant Anglo-Saxon settlement.
495
Battle of Mount Badon
The Britons, possibly led by the legendary King Arthur, achieve a significant victory over the Anglo-Saxons at the Battle of Mount Badon, temporarily halting their advance.
577
Battle of Deorham
The Anglo-Saxons, under the leadership of Ceawlin of Wessex, defeat the Britons at the Battle of Deorham, leading to the capture of key cities like Bath, Gloucester, and Cirencester.
616
Battle of Chester
King Æthelfrith of Northumbria defeats a combined force of Welsh kingdoms at the Battle of Chester, further consolidating Anglo-Saxon power in the region.
633
Battle of Hatfield Chase
King Penda of Mercia and King Cadwallon of Gwynedd defeat and kill King Edwin of Northumbria at the Battle of Hatfield Chase, leading to a temporary collapse of Northumbrian power.
655
Battle of the Winwaed
King Oswiu of Northumbria defeats King Penda of Mercia at the Battle of the Winwaed, re-establishing Northumbrian dominance and ending Mercian supremacy.
757
Ascension of Offa
Offa becomes King of Mercia and later constructs Offa's Dyke, a massive earthwork marking the boundary between Mercia and the Welsh kingdoms.
793
Viking Raid on Lindisfarne
The Viking raid on the monastery at Lindisfarne marks the beginning of the Viking Age in Britain, leading to numerous conflicts between the Anglo-Saxons and Viking invaders.
825
Battle of Ellandun
King Egbert of Wessex defeats Beornwulf of Mercia at the Battle of Ellandun, establishing Wessex as the dominant Anglo-Saxon kingdom.
865
Great Heathen Army Invades
A large Viking force known as the Great Heathen Army invades England, leading to prolonged conflicts with the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms.
878
Battle of Edington
King Alfred the Great of Wessex defeats the Viking leader Guthrum at the Battle of Edington, leading to the Treaty of Wedmore and the establishment of the Danelaw.
937
Battle of Brunanburh
King Æthelstan of England defeats an alliance of Scots, Vikings, and Strathclyde Britons at the Battle of Brunanburh, securing his rule over a unified England.
1016
Battle of Assandun
King Cnut of Denmark defeats King Edmund Ironside of England at the Battle of Assandun, leading to Cnut's eventual control over England.
1066
Battle of Hastings
William the Conqueror defeats King Harold II at the Battle of Hastings, marking the end of Anglo-Saxon rule and the beginning of Norman control over England.
