Expert: Malcolm Speechley - 11/10/2008

Question
Dear Sir:

I have a few questions on the location of the first inhabitants of Early Britain.  With early monarch names like Ethelwulf and Ethelbald it almost seems like some of these were from the northern european peoples like the danes? How did the monarchy of britain start? Was it from Gallic peoples avoiding the roman expansion?  
Specifically i am interested in what nationality, if any could be given, were these inhabitants and where did they immigrate to britain from?
I realize I'm all over the place but perhaps with you're reply it would be easier to be more specific.
I would really appreciate your help!!
Thanks so much!
Brandon

Answer
Hello Brandon

I assume by early inhabitants you are referring to the Anglo Saxons.

These people came mainly from Northern Germany. I.e. those parts of Germany outside of the Roman Empire.

When the Romans left Britain in the fifth century the island was left almost totally undefended. It was at this point that the Anglo Saxons saw their opportunity.

The first to arrive were the Jutes who were originally employed as mercenaries by the native Britons in order to fight against the Picts. These Jutes Eventually turned against their masters and settled in the Island permanently.

They were followed by the Angeli (or Angles) and the Saxons.

It is from the Angeli that we get the words England, English and Anglia. (It was in East Anglia that these invaders Settled)

The Saxons as their name suggests came from the Area Around Saxony in Germany.

Before unifying into the country of England these invades rule over separate mini kingdoms these were

Kent (Where the Jutes Settled)
Essex (The Kingdom of the East Saxons)
Sussex (The Kingdom of the South Saxons)
Wessex (The kingdom of the West Saxons)
East Anglia (The Kingdom of The Angles)
Mercia (Meaning the middle people because their territory was located in Central England)
Northumbria (Meaning the People North of the Humber)

It was Wessex who, under Alfred the great, managed to survive the later Viking invasions, and was later to emerge to found the Kingdom of England.

Hope you have found this useful.

Malc.