The centuries following the fall of the western Roman Empire are known as the Dark Ages, the Early Middle Ages, and Late Antiquity. Studies of England and other parts of Britain during these turbulent years are available in these resources and directories.
The 200 years following the official withdrawal of Roman troops from Britain are the least well-documented in the recorded history of the British Isles.
Test your knowledge of early British history with ten quick questions about the British Isles in the years following Rome's official withdrawal of troops.
The name Albion was taken by medieval writers from Pliny and Ptolemy. An article from the 1911 Encyclopedia.
Very nice historic overview of England from the fifth century to 1066, by Paul Charlesworth.
Substantial, well-supported articles by William Bakken on early English history include an extensive thesis on King Cnut and the English Church.
A series of well-written articles by James Grout covers the highlights of early English history from the arrival of the Saxons in the mid-fifth century to the Norman Conquest.
Part 4 of Peter N. Williams'
Narrative History of England at Britannia Magazine examines how the Saxons came to control England and the development of their society in two extensive pages.
Part 3 of Peter N. Williams'
Narrative History of England provides a lucid picture of what little is known about England following the withdrawal of Roman troops with historiographic explications.
This 3-page article by Tim Bond provides excellent background on the rise of Christianity in Europe and explores its growth in Britain during the Anglo-Saxon migrations.
This extensive and attractive site by David Nash Ford offers maps, background on individual kingdoms, and Arthuriana.
Primary sources and a series of articles on Britain after the Roman occupation are provided at this nicely-designed site. Very good introductory material.
"Assessing the Anglo-Saxon Invasions of the Fifth Century." Extensive, hyper-footnoted, scholarly article by William Bakken details the historical evidence and offers logical conclusions.
Extensive series of articles by Steve Muhlberger at the ORB provides a substantial introduction to British history from the presence of the Romans to the Tudor dynasty.
This excellent "reconstruction" by Howard Wiseman uses primary sources to provide a clear picture of the events in fifth- through seventh-century Britain and includes references to Arthur.
Comprehensive article of dark-age Britain by Christopher Snyder at the Online Reference Book for Medieval Studies.
This substantial chronology at Britannia Internet Magazine covers events in Britain from 410 to 598 AD and links to a second timeline spanning the years 599 to 937 and a third focusing on the Anglo Saxons in the sixth and seventh centuries.
