A full-scale  invasion of Britain by our first English ancestors, the Anglo Saxons, began in the 5th Century AD. They named our ancient island 'England' and they called themselves 'Englanders'. Their arrival was to herald the actual birth of England ~ the exact moment in history when England became the country we know and recognise toady. The Englishness of our character, our social structures, our laws, legends, traditions, place-names, religion and, most of all, our rich English language found its very roots at that time. It was these first pioneering Englanders who instigated the development of the typical English village with its central church surrounded by houses and halls.

The early English were a civilised and cultured people. Indeed, England was famous throughout Christendom for its rich, unique tapestry work, great literature, fine art, wealth, learning and culture. Historical records and Anglo Saxon documents also show that justice, respectful manners and chivalry were all important.

The brave English Saxon king, Alfred the Great, defeated the Viking invaders and united England. He set up schools and universities, built impressive halls and royal chambers. His craftsmen made exquisite jewellery and fine objects. He translated the great classical works of history and philosophy into English for his people, and commissioned the writing of the famous Anglo Saxon Chronicles.

The English Anglo Saxon period lasted for 600 years until the French Norman invasion. Yet, even after 1066 AD, despite the best efforts of the French, 9 out of 10 people in England were still native English Anglo-Saxon. By the 1300s, the Norman rulers had intermarried with Anglo Saxon English aristocracy and become Anglicised. They and their children, wrote & spoke English, while France was perceived as a foreign country across the Channel. They also adopted the Old English Anglo Saxon word, CNIHT (KNIGHT) to describe their cavalry.