James Campbell (6) (1935–2016)

The Penguin History of the Anglo-Saxons was very informative. James Campbell, and his fellow colleagues, wrote extensively about the political, economic, and religious enhancements that the Anglo-Saxons are attributed to during their 600 year long occupation in Britain. From the decline of the Roman Empire (and their presence in Britain) the Britons had to turn to the Germanic mercenaries of the Angles, Saxons, and Jutes for protection from the hoards of Picts and Scots from Scotland. After their welcome to Britain, those Germanic tribes settled and intermingled in with the local community. It took roughly 200 years for the Anglo-Saxons to "get on their feet" (so to speak) but eventually, Britain became a bustling center for trade and respect. Even the great Charlemagne wrote letters to the king of Mercia, Offa, to discuss their successful trade ventures. The Vikings, which should not be characterized as a barbarous hoard -- we really only have the written accounts of the churchmen they attacked because the Vikings were largely illiterate. With the Vikings, Britain became united under Alfred (king of Northumbria) and everything started to become much what we know of -- at least until the Norman invasion in 1066. That really ended the Anglo-Saxon era. What happened to them? Most died in the Battle of Hastings, others died in rebellions, some moved up north to Scotland, or some just left the country entirely. But regardless of them leaving, the Anglo-Saxons really brought Britain back from the brink of despair (which was caused by the Romans up and abandoning them) and transformed it into a thriving community.… (mehr)