The Origins of England and Early Influences
The name "England" derives from the Angles, one of the Germanic tribes that invaded the island. The English language was introduced by the Angles, Jutes, and Saxons, with each subsequent conquest bringing linguistic changes.
Highlight: The Celts, who settled in Britain between 800 and 100 BC, had a significant impact on early British culture and society.
Celtic society was organized into clans and tribes, with a strong warrior culture. They introduced ironworking, which revolutionized agriculture and daily life. Celtic women enjoyed relatively equal status, even participating in warfare.
Example: Boadicea, a warrior queen, famously fought against the Romans.
Celtic traditions continue to influence modern culture, particularly in celebrations like Halloween, which has its roots in the Celtic festival of Samhain.
Vocabulary: Samhain - The Celtic festival marking the end of summer, believed to be a time when the boundary between the world of the living and the dead was blurred.
The Roman invasion, beginning with Julius Caesar and culminating under Emperor Claudius (43-47 AD), brought significant changes to Britain. The Romans established a network of roads, built towns with forums and public baths, and divided the land into provinces.
Highlight: The Romans built over 9,600 km of roads in Britain, facilitating troop movements and trade.
The Norman Conquest and Its Aftermath
The Norman Conquest, a pivotal event in British history, occurred on October 14, 1066, when William, Duke of Normandy, defeated Harold II at Hastings. This event had far-reaching consequences for English society and language.
Definition: Feudalism - A system introduced by William the Conqueror, where barons held land from the king in exchange for military service.
William's reign saw the creation of the Domesday Book, a comprehensive survey of England used for taxation and assessing the country's wealth.
The years following the Norman Conquest were marked by power struggles and significant legal developments. Henry II, the first of the Plantagenet dynasty, introduced reforms that reduced baronial power and established the foundations of common law.
Highlight: The murder of Thomas Becket in Canterbury Cathedral on December 29, 1170, shocked Europe and led to Canterbury becoming a major pilgrimage destination.
