KS2 History: The Anglo-Saxons and Vikings Guide

Anglo-Saxon settlement

After the Romans left Britain in the early 5th century, Anglo-Saxon tribes from what is now Germany, Denmark and the Netherlands settled in England, eventually forming several separate kingdoms.

Anglo-Saxon life

Anglo-Saxons lived mostly in small farming villages. Many converted to Christianity during this period, and monasteries became important centres of learning and religion.

Viking raids and settlement

From AD 793, Viking raiders from Scandinavia began attacking England, starting with the monastery at Lindisfarne. Over time, Vikings moved from raiding to settling, particularly in the north and east of England.

Alfred the Great

King Alfred of Wessex successfully resisted Viking conquest and later reached an agreement dividing England between Anglo-Saxon and Viking-controlled areas (the Danelaw).

Common mistakes

• Assuming the Anglo-Saxons and Vikings arrived at the same time — the Anglo-Saxons settled centuries earlier.
• Thinking all Vikings only raided — many later settled and farmed in England.
• Forgetting Alfred is the only English king known as "the Great".