Chapter 3 focused study guide
Early Britain: Romans, Anglo-Saxons and Vikings
Study prehistoric and early Britain, Roman rule, Boudicca, Anglo-Saxon kingdoms, Viking settlement and the Norman Conquest.
Section 3.7
Early Britain
The earliest people in Britain lived by hunting and gathering. Farming arrived later, and communities built monuments such as Stonehenge. Iron Age groups lived in tribal societies before the Roman invasion.
Roman Britain
Emperor Claudius began the successful Roman conquest in AD 43. Roman rule brought towns, roads and new systems of administration. Boudicca, leader of the Iceni, led a major revolt. Hadrian’s Wall marked the empire’s northern frontier.
Anglo-Saxons, Vikings and kingdoms
After Roman forces withdrew in the early fifth century, Anglo-Saxon settlers established kingdoms. Christianity spread through missions from Ireland and Rome. Viking raids began in the late eighth century and were followed by settlement and political control in parts of Britain.
Alfred the Great resisted Viking conquest and supported learning. England eventually developed as a unified kingdom, while Scotland emerged from the interaction of Picts, Scots and other peoples.
Targeted practice
Questions about Early Britain
These questions prioritise terms covered on this page. Open an answer to review the explanation before moving to the full Chapter 3 practice set.
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Sample question 1
Who invaded England after the Romans?
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Answer: The Anglo-Saxons
The Roman army left Britain in AD 410 to defend other parts of the Roman Empire and never returned. Britain was again invaded by tribes from northern Europe: the Jutes, the Angles and the Saxons.
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Sample question 2
Who was Boudicca?
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Answer: One of the tribal leaders who fought against the Romans
One of the tribal leaders who fought against the Romans was Boudicca, the queen of the Iceni in what is now eastern England.
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Sample question 3
Which two languages combined to form the basis of the English language?
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Answer: Norman French and Anglo-Saxon
After the Norman Conquest, the king and his noblemen had spoken Norman French and the peasants had continued to speak Anglo-Saxon. Gradually these two languages combined to become one English language.
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Sample question 4
Who used a system of land ownership known as feudalism?
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Answer: The Normans
The Normans used a system of land ownership known as feudalism.
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Sample question 5
What was Boudicca, the queen of the Iceni in what is now eastern England, known for?
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Answer: Her rebellion against the Romans
One of the tribal leaders who fought against the Romans was Boudicca, the queen of the Iceni in what is now eastern England.
Further verification
Official and primary sources
Use the official handbook for the knowledge syllabus. For current administrative information or broader context, consult the relevant primary source.
Reviewed 27 July 2026. See the editorial policy and factual update log.