Prehistoric Britain
Britain was home to hunter-gatherers before farming developed. The first farmers arrived thousands of years ago and built settlements, tombs and monuments. Stonehenge in Wiltshire is one of the best-known surviving prehistoric monuments.
During the Iron Age, Britain was divided among different tribal groups. People lived in fortified settlements and developed farming and metalworking. The people living in Britain at this time are often referred to collectively as the Celts, although they belonged to many different groups.
The Romans
Julius Caesar led unsuccessful expeditions to Britain in 55 and 54 BC. The successful Roman invasion began in AD 43 under Emperor Claudius. Roman rule brought roads, towns, public buildings and new infrastructure, and lasted for roughly four centuries.
Boudicca, queen of the Iceni, led a major revolt against Roman rule. Hadrian’s Wall was built across the north of England to help defend the Roman frontier. The Roman army finally left Britain in the early 5th century as the empire faced pressure elsewhere.
Anglo-Saxons and Vikings
After the Romans left Britain, groups including the Angles, Saxons and Jutes settled in the country. Several Anglo-Saxon kingdoms developed. Christianity spread again through missions including the mission of St Augustine, who arrived in Kent in AD 597.
Viking raids began in the late 8th century and were followed by settlement in parts of Britain. Alfred the Great, king of Wessex, resisted Viking attacks and is an important figure from this period. Later rulers gradually brought much of England under a single kingdom.
The Norman Conquest
In 1066 William, Duke of Normandy, defeated King Harold at the Battle of Hastings and became king of England. The Norman Conquest brought major changes to landholding, government and the ruling elite.
The Normans built castles across England to establish control. William also ordered a detailed survey of land and property. The resulting Domesday Book, completed in 1086, is an important historical record of Norman England.
Key early-Britain timeline
When revising this period, focus on the sequence of peoples and events rather than trying to memorise every detail.
- ✓AD 43 — Roman invasion
- ✓AD 597 — St Augustine arrives in Kent
- ✓1066 — Battle of Hastings
- ✓1086 — Domesday Book completed