History Cookbook

Saxons & Vikings

After the Romans left Britain in AD 410, Germanic tribes overran the remnants of the Roman Empire, pushing the Britons west. These invaders were farmers and warriors and many small warring kingdoms developed. Eventually, larger regional kingdoms formed, only for new invaders from Scandinavia to arrive, bringing more war. Despite this upheaval, the kingdoms were eventually united and this period saw the formation of England as a single nation. As the Gaelic language and culture spread in the North, the tribes of Scotland were also united under a single leader. This period has been described as the 'Dark Ages' by writers. Life was thought to be hard and brutal; yet the culture, language and administration introduced at this time still underpin many aspects of life today.

Saxon and Viking Picture Gallery

Some recipes you might like to try...