TheThe Earliest Times Earliest Times ofof

England England

(600 B.C. – 1066 A.D.)(600 B.C. – 1066 A.D.)

The Earliest BritainThe Earliest Britain 600 B.C. The Celts600 B.C. The Celts 43 A.D. The Roman Conquest43 A.D. The Roman Conquest 450 A.D. The Anglo-Saxon Period450 A.D. The Anglo-Saxon Period 800 A.D. The Danish Invasion800 A.D. The Danish Invasion

The Earliest BritainThe Earliest Britain The Ice Age, during which Neandertals and then Cro-Magnons The Ice Age, during which Neandertals and then Cro-Magnons

inhabited Great Britain, ended about 8000 bc.inhabited Great Britain, ended about 8000 bc. The rising sea level produced the English Channel and made The rising sea level produced the English Channel and made

Great Britain an island.Great Britain an island. By 3000 bc the Iberians, or Long Skulls, were farming the chalk By 3000 bc the Iberians, or Long Skulls, were farming the chalk

soil of southern England, and by 2500 bc the pastoral Beaker soil of southern England, and by 2500 bc the pastoral Beaker folk had established themselvesfolk had established themselves.. ((The latter, named for their The latter, named for their characteristic pottery, are noted for their bronze tools and their huge stone characteristic pottery, are noted for their bronze tools and their huge stone monuments, especially Stonehenge. These monuments attest to their social and monuments, especially Stonehenge. These monuments attest to their social and economic organization as well as their technical skill and intellectual abilityeconomic organization as well as their technical skill and intellectual ability))

Stonehenge, prehistoric monument on Salisbury Plain, Stonehenge, prehistoric monument on Salisbury Plain, north of Salisbury, in south-western England, that dates north of Salisbury, in south-western England, that dates from the late Stone and early Bronze ages (about 3000-from the late Stone and early Bronze ages (about 3000-1000 bc). The monument, now in ruins, consists of a 1000 bc). The monument, now in ruins, consists of a circular group of large upright stones surrounded by a circular group of large upright stones surrounded by a circular earthwork. Stonehenge is the best preserved and circular earthwork. Stonehenge is the best preserved and most celebrated of the megalithic monuments of Europe. It most celebrated of the megalithic monuments of Europe. It is not known for certain what purpose Stonehenge served, is not known for certain what purpose Stonehenge served, but many scholars believe the monument was used as a but many scholars believe the monument was used as a ceremonial or religious centre.ceremonial or religious centre.

The Picts, ancient and mysterious inhabitants of central and The Picts, ancient and mysterious inhabitants of central and northern Scotland and of northern Ireland, , were for northern Scotland and of northern Ireland, , were for centuries, the most powerful inhabitants of the British Isles.centuries, the most powerful inhabitants of the British Isles.

They were of rather short stature and of dark complexion. They were of rather short stature and of dark complexion. The name Pict is believed to be derived from the Latin word The name Pict is believed to be derived from the Latin word Picti – „the painted men“Picti – „the painted men“

Historical records show that they were quite fierce warriors. Historical records show that they were quite fierce warriors. Hadrian's Wall was built to protect the Roman colonies from Hadrian's Wall was built to protect the Roman colonies from their attacks.their attacks.

The Picts also fought continuously in Scotland with the The Picts also fought continuously in Scotland with the Scots who had settled there in the 4th century. Scots who had settled there in the 4th century.

In 850 the Picts were defeated by Kenneth I, king of In 850 the Picts were defeated by Kenneth I, king of Scotland. Kenneth united the two rival tribes and thus Scotland. Kenneth united the two rival tribes and thus founded the kingdom of Scotland.founded the kingdom of Scotland.

The CeltsThe Celts In the 1st millennium bc the Celts overran the British Isles, as they did all of western EuropeIn the 1st millennium bc the Celts overran the British Isles, as they did all of western Europe.. Their priests, the Druids, dominated their society.Their priests, the Druids, dominated their society. Druidism, religious faith of ancient Celtic inhabitantDruidism, religious faith of ancient Celtic inhabitants, s, survived until it was supplanted by Christianity. This survived until it was supplanted by Christianity. This

religion included belief in the immortality of the soul, which at death was believed to pass into the body of religion included belief in the immortality of the soul, which at death was believed to pass into the body of a newborn child. According to Julius Caesar, the Druids believed that they were descended from a supreme a newborn child. According to Julius Caesar, the Druids believed that they were descended from a supreme being.being.

The word The word CeltCelt is derived from Keltoi, the name given to these people by Herodotus and other Greek  is derived from Keltoi, the name given to these people by Herodotus and other Greek writers. To the Romans, the Continental Celts were known as Galli, or Gauls; those in the British Isles were writers. To the Romans, the Continental Celts were known as Galli, or Gauls; those in the British Isles were called Britannicalled Britanni..

The Britons excelled in certain fields of art, particularly in the making of bronze weapons and jewellery. The Britons excelled in certain fields of art, particularly in the making of bronze weapons and jewellery. When the Angles and Saxons invaded Britain, many Britons fled to the Roman province of Armorica in When the Angles and Saxons invaded Britain, many Britons fled to the Roman province of Armorica in north-western France. This area was later named Brittany after the Britons, who subsequently became north-western France. This area was later named Brittany after the Britons, who subsequently became known as Bretons.known as Bretons.

Celtic CrossCeltic Cross In the 5th century ad Ireland’s In the 5th century ad Ireland’s

Saint Patrick led the Saint Patrick led the conversion of the Celts, the conversion of the Celts, the Iron Age invaders of Ireland, Iron Age invaders of Ireland, to Christianity. Although to Christianity. Although Christian churches and Christian churches and monasteries were founded for monasteries were founded for the Celtic people, many of the the Celtic people, many of the converts retained much of converts retained much of their Druidic religion. This their Druidic religion. This Celtic cross near the Shannon Celtic cross near the Shannon River in Ireland, with relief of River in Ireland, with relief of earth gods and woodland earth gods and woodland spirits, illustrates how the spirits, illustrates how the Celtic people preserved many Celtic people preserved many of their Druidic beliefs.of their Druidic beliefs.

Maiden Castle's Trenches and RampartsMaiden Castle's Trenches and Ramparts

An ancient Celtic settlement and fortress by the Frome, Maiden Castle An ancient Celtic settlement and fortress by the Frome, Maiden Castle occupies about 50 hectares (about 120 acres) of west Dorset occupies about 50 hectares (about 120 acres) of west Dorset countryside just south of Dorchester. The vast earthwork is still countryside just south of Dorchester. The vast earthwork is still encircled by ancient ramparts and entrenchments. Dorchester, founded encircled by ancient ramparts and entrenchments. Dorchester, founded by the Romans, is today a small town with a noteworthy past.by the Romans, is today a small town with a noteworthy past.

The Roman ConquestThe Roman Conquest   Julius Caesar invaded Britain in 55 bc to conquer the native Julius Caesar invaded Britain in 55 bc to conquer the native

peoples, called Britons. The native tribes resisted for several peoples, called Britons. The native tribes resisted for several decadesdecades..

The Britons, maintained political freedom and paid tribute to The Britons, maintained political freedom and paid tribute to Rome for almost a century before the Roman emperor Claudius Rome for almost a century before the Roman emperor Claudius I initiated the systematic conquest of Britain in ad43. I initiated the systematic conquest of Britain in ad43.

By 47, Roman legions had occupied almost all the island south By 47, Roman legions had occupied almost all the island south of the Humber River and east of the Severn River. The tribes, of the Humber River and east of the Severn River. The tribes, notably the Silures, inhabitants of what are now the Wales and notably the Silures, inhabitants of what are now the Wales and Yorkshire regions, resisted for more than 30 years, a period Yorkshire regions, resisted for more than 30 years, a period that was marked that was marked asas rebellion led by the native queen Boudicca. rebellion led by the native queen Boudicca.

At this time Britain became an imperial province of Rome, At this time Britain became an imperial province of Rome, called Britannia, administered by Roman governors. called Britannia, administered by Roman governors.

Twenty years later, another wall, called the Antonine Wall, was built Twenty years later, another wall, called the Antonine Wall, was built across the narrowest part of the island, from the Firth of Forth to the across the narrowest part of the island, from the Firth of Forth to the Firth of Clyde. The region between the two walls was a defence area Firth of Clyde. The region between the two walls was a defence area against the Caledonians, who were eventually driven north of against the Caledonians, who were eventually driven north of Hadrian's Wall in the 3rd century. The wall marked the northern Hadrian's Wall in the 3rd century. The wall marked the northern Roman frontier during the next 200 years, a period of relative peace.Roman frontier during the next 200 years, a period of relative peace.

Little is known of the relations between the Britons and Little is known of the relations between the Britons and their conquerorstheir conquerors.. Shortly after 115, the natives rose in Shortly after 115, the natives rose in revolt against the Romanrevolt against the Romanss. As a result, the Roman emperor . As a result, the Roman emperor Hadrian visited Britain in 122 and began the construction of Hadrian visited Britain in 122 and began the construction of a rampart 117 km long, reaching from Solway Firth, on the a rampart 117 km long, reaching from Solway Firth, on the Irish Sea, to the mouth of the Tyne River. Fragments of this Irish Sea, to the mouth of the Tyne River. Fragments of this wall, called Hadrian's wall, still stand.wall, called Hadrian's wall, still stand.

During the period of conquest and military campaigns, the people of During the period of conquest and military campaigns, the people of Britain benefited from Roman technology and cultural influences. Britain benefited from Roman technology and cultural influences. ((legal and political systems, architecture, and engineeringlegal and political systems, architecture, and engineering,,numerous numerous towns were established, as well astowns were established, as well as a vast network of military a vast network of military highwayshighways…)…)

In general, however, only the native nobility, the wealthier classes, In general, however, only the native nobility, the wealthier classes, and the town residents accepted the Roman language and way of life, and the town residents accepted the Roman language and way of life, while the Britons in outlying regions retained their native culture.while the Britons in outlying regions retained their native culture.

At the end of the 3rd century, the Roman army began to withdraw At the end of the 3rd century, the Roman army began to withdraw from Britain to defend other parts of the Roman Empire. In 410, when from Britain to defend other parts of the Roman Empire. In 410, when the Visigoths invaded Rome, the last of the Roman legions were the Visigoths invaded Rome, the last of the Roman legions were withdrawn from the island. Celtic culture again became predominant, withdrawn from the island. Celtic culture again became predominant, and Roman civilization in Britain rapidly disintegrated. Roman and Roman civilization in Britain rapidly disintegrated. Roman influence virtually disappeared during the Germanic invasions in the influence virtually disappeared during the Germanic invasions in the 5th and 6th centuries. Thereafter the culture of the Angles and Saxons 5th and 6th centuries. Thereafter the culture of the Angles and Saxons spread throughout the island. Historians refer to Britain after the spread throughout the island. Historians refer to Britain after the Germanic invasions as England, Scotland, and Wales.Germanic invasions as England, Scotland, and Wales.

Roman BathRoman Bath The Romans were originally attracted to the natural hot springs The Romans were originally attracted to the natural hot springs

near what is now the city of Bath in England, pictured here. They near what is now the city of Bath in England, pictured here. They founded the city and excavated the baths to exploit their founded the city and excavated the baths to exploit their medicinal value. The baths are now famous landmarks.medicinal value. The baths are now famous landmarks.

FILMFILM

The Anglo-Saxon PeriodThe Anglo-Saxon Period In the absence of Roman administrators, British In the absence of Roman administrators, British

warlords, nominally Christian, ruled small, warlords, nominally Christian, ruled small, unstable kingdoms and continued some Roman unstable kingdoms and continued some Roman traditions of governancetraditions of governance,, The Saxon The Saxonss revolted revolted against their British chiefs and began the process against their British chiefs and began the process of invasion and settlement thatof invasion and settlement that established established Germanic kingdoms throughout the island by the Germanic kingdoms throughout the island by the 7th century. Later legends about a hero named 7th century. Later legends about a hero named Arthur were placed in this period of violence. Arthur were placed in this period of violence.

The invaders were Angles, Saxons, Frisians, Jutes, The invaders were Angles, Saxons, Frisians, Jutes, and Franks in origin, but were similar in culture and Franks in origin, but were similar in culture and eventually identified themselves indifferently and eventually identified themselves indifferently as Angles or Saxons. as Angles or Saxons.

By the 7th century the Germanic By the 7th century the Germanic kingdoms included Northumbria, kingdoms included Northumbria, Bernicia, Deira, Lindsay, Mercia, East Bernicia, Deira, Lindsay, Mercia, East Anglia, Essex, Wessex, Sussex, and Anglia, Essex, Wessex, Sussex, and Kent.Kent.

AAll Anglo-Saxon societies were ll Anglo-Saxon societies were characterized by strong kinship groups, characterized by strong kinship groups, feuds, customary law, and a system of feuds, customary law, and a system of money compensations (wergeld) for death, money compensations (wergeld) for death, personal injury, and theft. They practiced personal injury, and theft. They practiced their traditional polytheistic religions, their traditional polytheistic religions, lacked written language, and depended on lacked written language, and depended on mixed economies of agriculture, hunting, mixed economies of agriculture, hunting, and animal husbandry.and animal husbandry.

Arthur, King of the Britons Arthur, King of the Britons Arthur, is claimed as the King of nearly every Arthur, is claimed as the King of nearly every

Celtic Kingdom known. The 6th century certainly Celtic Kingdom known. The 6th century certainly saw many men named Arthur born into the Celtic saw many men named Arthur born into the Celtic Royal families of Britain but, despite attempts to Royal families of Britain but, despite attempts to identify the great man himself amongst them, identify the great man himself amongst them, there can be little doubt that most of these there can be little doubt that most of these people were only named in his honourpeople were only named in his honour

Geoffrey of Monmouth recorded Arthur as a High-Geoffrey of Monmouth recorded Arthur as a High-King of Britain. He was the son of his predecessor, King of Britain. He was the son of his predecessor, Uther Pendragon Uther Pendragon

The name Arthur itself appears to derive from the The name Arthur itself appears to derive from the Celtic word Celtic word ArtArt, meaning "bear". Arthur, meaning "bear". Arthur could could, like , like so many other Celtic gods, be merely a so many other Celtic gods, be merely a personification of the many reverred animals of personification of the many reverred animals of the wildthe wild..

King ArthurKing Arthur Arthur, a medieval king of the Arthur, a medieval king of the

Britons who historians believe Britons who historians believe may have existed during the may have existed during the 6th century. According to 6th century. According to legend, Arthur was raised legend, Arthur was raised unaware of his royal ancestry unaware of his royal ancestry and became king by pulling and became king by pulling the magic sword Excalibur the magic sword Excalibur from a stone.from a stone.

King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table

The tale of King Arthur, his wife

Guinevere, and his knight Lancelot

AnglesAngles (people) (Latin (people) (Latin AngliAngli), Germanic tribe that occupied ), Germanic tribe that occupied the region still called Angeln in what is now the state of the region still called Angeln in what is now the state of Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. Together with the Saxons and Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. Together with the Saxons and Jutes, they invaded Britain during the 5th century ad. With Jutes, they invaded Britain during the 5th century ad. With their kindred ethnic groups, they formed the people who came their kindred ethnic groups, they formed the people who came to be known as the English. The name England is derived from to be known as the English. The name England is derived from themthem..

JutesJutes, early Germanic tribe of Denmark or northern Germany , early Germanic tribe of Denmark or northern Germany that, participated in the conquest of south-eastern Britain that, participated in the conquest of south-eastern Britain along with the Angles and Saxons during the 5th century ad. along with the Angles and Saxons during the 5th century ad. These people were the inhabitants of Jutland. Their territory These people were the inhabitants of Jutland. Their territory bordered that of the Saxons, who, with the Angles, also settled bordered that of the Saxons, who, with the Angles, also settled Britain and drove the Britons westward into present-day Wales. Britain and drove the Britons westward into present-day Wales. Through assimilation, the Jutes gradually lost their identity as a Through assimilation, the Jutes gradually lost their identity as a people, and by the 8th century the term Jute had almost people, and by the 8th century the term Jute had almost completely disappeared from the English languagecompletely disappeared from the English language

SaxonsSaxons, Germanic people, who dwelt in the south Jutland , Germanic people, who dwelt in the south Jutland Peninsula in the north of what is now Germany. They Peninsula in the north of what is now Germany. They conducted piratical raids in the North Sea area. Saxons conducted piratical raids in the North Sea area. Saxons invaded Britain in the 5th and 6th centuries. They were joined invaded Britain in the 5th and 6th centuries. They were joined by other Germanic peoples, the Angles and the Jutes. At the by other Germanic peoples, the Angles and the Jutes. At the beginning of the 7th century, the Anglo-Saxon conquest of beginning of the 7th century, the Anglo-Saxon conquest of Britain was practically completed.Britain was practically completed.

Saxon Invasions and Land Saxon Invasions and Land Holdings Holdings

Britain about 600 - Settlements of Angles, Saxons and Britain about 600 - Settlements of Angles, Saxons and

JutesJutes

Saxon Control Saxon Control

1.Reintroduction of Christianity1.Reintroduction of Christianity

Bede,Bede, who spent most of his life in who spent most of his life in Northumb Northumbria, ria, was the was the outstanding outstanding European scholar of his age. His European scholar of his age. His Ecclesiastical Ecclesiastical History of the English PeopleHistory of the English People made popular the use of bc and ad made popular the use of bc and ad to date historical events.to date historical events.

In Northumbria the Christianity from Rome met Celtic Christianity, In Northumbria the Christianity from Rome met Celtic Christianity, which had been brought from Ireland to Scotlandwhich had been brought from Ireland to Scotland.. Although not Although not heretical, the Celtic church differed from Rome in the way the heretical, the Celtic church differed from Rome in the way the monks tonsured their heads, in its reckoning of the date of Easter, monks tonsured their heads, in its reckoning of the date of Easter, and, most important, in its organization, which reflected the clans of and, most important, in its organization, which reflected the clans of Ireland rather than the highly centralized Roman Empire. Ireland rather than the highly centralized Roman Empire. IIn 664, n 664, Northumbria's King Oswy chose to go with Rome, giving England a Northumbria's King Oswy chose to go with Rome, giving England a common religion. common religion. IIn 668,n 668, was was the English church the English church given given its basic its basic structure.structure.

The dominant themes of the next two centuries were the success The dominant themes of the next two centuries were the success of Christianity and the political unification of England. Christianity of Christianity and the political unification of England. Christianity came from two directions—Rome and Ireland. In 596 Pope came from two directions—Rome and Ireland. In 596 Pope Gregory I sent a group of missionaries under a monk named Gregory I sent a group of missionaries under a monk named Augustine to Kent, where King Ethelbert had married Bertha, a Augustine to Kent, where King Ethelbert had married Bertha, a Christian Frankish princess. Soon after, Ethelbert was baptized, Christian Frankish princess. Soon after, Ethelbert was baptized, Augustine became the first archbishop of Canterbury, and the Augustine became the first archbishop of Canterbury, and the southern kingdoms became Christian.southern kingdoms became Christian.

King AlfredKing Alfred (849 – 901) (849 – 901)The most powerful king of Anglo-Saxon periodThe most powerful king of Anglo-Saxon periodAlfred, became king of Wessex, when The Danes, part of Alfred, became king of Wessex, when The Danes, part of the Viking forces that had the Viking forces that had begun to raid the English begun to raid the English coasts in the late 8th century, set on conquering coasts in the late 8th century, set on conquering England. Wessex and Alfred were all that stood in their England. Wessex and Alfred were all that stood in their way. After his victory at Edington in 878 he forced the way. After his victory at Edington in 878 he forced the Danish king Guthrum to accept baptism and a division Danish king Guthrum to accept baptism and a division of England into two parts, Wessex and what historians of England into two parts, Wessex and what historians later called the Danelaw (Essex, East Anglia, and later called the Danelaw (Essex, East Anglia, and Northumbria). Alfred captured London and began to roll Northumbria). Alfred captured London and began to roll back the Danish tide.back the Danish tide.

By the 7th century people regarded themselves as By the 7th century people regarded themselves as belonging to „the nation of the English“, though belonging to „the nation of the English“, though divided into several kingdoms – Essex, Sussex, divided into several kingdoms – Essex, Sussex, Wessex,, Nurthambria, Mercia, and Kent, which was Wessex,, Nurthambria, Mercia, and Kent, which was the first English kingdom to be converted to the first English kingdom to be converted to Cristianity.Cristianity.

2.The Process of Unification2.The Process of Unification

Alfred's Legacy -Alfred's Legacy -Alfred also gave his attention to good Alfred also gave his attention to good government, issuing a set of laws, and to government, issuing a set of laws, and to scholarship. He promoted, and assisted in, scholarship. He promoted, and assisted in, the translation of Latin works into Old the translation of Latin works into Old English and encouraged the compilation of English and encouraged the compilation of the the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle.Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. For his many For his many accomplishments, Alfred was called The accomplishments, Alfred was called The Great, the only English king so acclaimed.Great, the only English king so acclaimed.

The conquest of the Danelaw was The conquest of the Danelaw was completed by Alfred's son, Edward the completed by Alfred's son, Edward the Elder, and by his grandson Athelstan, who Elder, and by his grandson Athelstan, who won a great victory at Brunanburh in 937. won a great victory at Brunanburh in 937. Most of the rest of the century was peaceful.Most of the rest of the century was peaceful.

Alfred the Great, his son Edward and wife Alfred the Great, his son Edward and wife

EalhswithEalhswith

King Alfred the Great (849, ruled 871-899)

Anglo-Saxon Chronicle Considered the primary

source for English history between the 10th and

12th centuries, the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle also

contains earlier examples of prose. This page depicts Charlemagne, king of the

Franks in the late 8th century, killing the

heathen Saxons

The The DanishDanish Invasion Invasion A new round of Danish invasions came in the reign of A new round of Danish invasions came in the reign of Ethelred II. Often called the Redeless (meaning Ethelred II. Often called the Redeless (meaning “unready,” or “without counsel” or “unwise”). In 1014 “unready,” or “without counsel” or “unwise”). In 1014 he was driven from the throne by King Sweyn I of he was driven from the throne by King Sweyn I of Denmark, only to return a few months later when Denmark, only to return a few months later when Sweyn died. When Ethelred died in 1016, Sweyn's son Sweyn died. When Ethelred died in 1016, Sweyn's son Canute II won out over Edmund II, called Ironside, the Canute II won out over Edmund II, called Ironside, the son of Ethelred. Under Canute, England was part of an son of Ethelred. Under Canute, England was part of an empire that also included Denmark and Norway.empire that also included Denmark and Norway.

Following the short and unpopular reigns of Canute's Following the short and unpopular reigns of Canute's sons, Harold I (Harefoot) and Hardecanute, Edward the sons, Harold I (Harefoot) and Hardecanute, Edward the Confessor, another son of Ethelred, was recalled from Confessor, another son of Ethelred, was recalled from Normandy (Normandie), where he had lived in exile. Normandy (Normandie), where he had lived in exile. Edward's reign is noted for its dominance by the Edward's reign is noted for its dominance by the powerful earls of Wessex—Godwin, and then his son, powerful earls of Wessex—Godwin, and then his son, Harold (subsequently Harold II)—and for the first influx Harold (subsequently Harold II)—and for the first influx of Norman-French influence. Edward was most of Norman-French influence. Edward was most interested in the building of Westminster Abbey, which interested in the building of Westminster Abbey, which was completed just in time for his burial in January was completed just in time for his burial in January 1066.1066.

The Danelaw The Danelaw

Edward the Confessor (1005-1066) - Edward the Confessor (1005-1066) - King of England 1042-King of England 1042-

10661066

King Edward the Confessor restored the Saxon dynasty to the English throne after many years of Danish rule. He was a very pious monarch and spent most of his time praying and building Westminster Abbey. He didn't seem interested in his wife or in producing an heir to the throne. Unfortunately, he, therefore, had no obvious heir at his death and this situation led to a series of invasions and, finally, the Conquest of England by Duke William the Bastard of Normandy. Edward was buried in Westminster Abbey a few days after its completion. He was reverred as a saint and was the Patron Saint of England before the introduction of the worship of St. George.

Edward's death without an heir left the Edward's death without an heir left the succession in doubt. The succession in doubt. The royal council royal council chose Harold, earl of Wessex, although his chose Harold, earl of Wessex, although his only claim to the throne was his only claim to the throne was his availability. availability.

Other aspirants were King Harold III (the Other aspirants were King Harold III (the Hard Ruler) of Norway and Duke William of Hard Ruler) of Norway and Duke William of Normandy. Harold II defeated the former Normandy. Harold II defeated the former at Stamford Bridge on September 25, at Stamford Bridge on September 25, 1066, but lost to William at Hastings on 1066, but lost to William at Hastings on October 14. William was crowned in October 14. William was crowned in Westminster Abbey on Christmas Day.Westminster Abbey on Christmas Day.

English SovereignsThe first unified government of England came with the conquest of the Danish in northern England by Edward the Elder. The rule of succession to the throne is primogeniture, or the passing of the throne to the oldest son (or daughter when there are no sons).

West Saxon Kings

899-924 Edward the Elder son of Alfred the Great

924-39 Athelstan son of Edward I

939-46 Edmund half brother of Athelstan

946-55 Edred brother of Edmund

955-59 Edwy son of Edmund

959-75 Edgar brother of Edwy

975-78 Edward the Martyr son of Edgar

978-1016 Ethelred II son of Edgar

1016 Edmund Ironside son of Ethelred

Danish Kings

1016-35 Canute II son of Sweyn I of Denmark who conquered England 1013

1035-37 Harold I and Hardecanute

sons of Canute II (each ruled a part of England as decided by the royal council)

1037-40 Harold I son of Canute

1040-42 Hardecanute son of Canute

West Saxon Kings (restored)

1042-66 Edward the Confessor son of Ethelred II

1066 Harold II son of Godwin

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