Kids

Saxons and Vikings

Welcome to our guide to Early Medieval England. Learn about England’s history, discover more about English Heritage sites and find loads of fun things to watch, read and do! Here's what we've got in store for you:

What happened when the Vikings came to England?

The Vikings raided, pirated, traded and settled in places throughout Europe and beyond. They have an important part to play in the history of England too – but who were these people, and how did they first come to our shores?

We spoke to a historian to find out when the Vikings first came to England, why and what happened next...

Discover the story
Image: illustration of an Anglo-Saxon feast

What's for dinner in an Anglo-Saxon hall?

Time to put on your best tunic and belt – you’ve been invited to an Anglo-Saxon king’s hall for a grand feast! But can you guess what’s on the menu?

Although ordinary people would have to make do with bread and stews made from wheat, oats and vegetables, feasts were an opportunity for guests to eat and drink their fill of the very best food on offer, including fine meats and cheeses. Let’s take a closer look at what's for dinner.

Join the feast

Things to make and do: get creative with our Anglo-Saxon themed activities

  • Make YOUR OWN VIKING CHESS

    Play a Viking board game! We’ve got everything you need to make and play Hnefatafl (pronounced ‘neva tapl’).

  • MAKE A MODEL SAXON HOUSE

    The Saxons used Portchester to defend against Viking attacks - find out more and make a model Saxon lord’s house.

  • Write an Anglo-Saxon poem

    Discover Anglo-Saxon poetry and the first English poet. Then take inspiration from the past and write your own!

  • COLOUR an Anglo-Saxon Poster

    Download this colouring sheet to create your own version of our Anglo-Saxon history timeline poster! 

  • Runes Rule!

    Learn the Viking runic alphabet and create your warrior name, then write it on your very own Viking necklace!

  • BAKE HONEY, OAT AND SPICE CAKES

    Saxons liked a delicious snack as much as we do! Download our recipe and get baking some delicious cakes!

  • More things to make and do

    Get hands-on and crafty with history. Download our easy-to-use templates and instructions, and get making!

Tintagel - Land of Legends

Tintagel Castle in Cornwall is associated with the legend of King Arthur.  But what was life really like in the past? 

Read this page to look beyond the myths, and find out what archaeological discoveries can tell us about life after the Romans left...

Dig deeper into the past

Could you survive a Viking raid?

It’s 1,200 years ago and your Saxon village is about to be invaded by fierce warriors from Scandinavia known as the Vikings.  Take our quiz to see if you can make it!

Take the quiz!
Meeting Osmund

Interview with an Anglo-Saxon warrior

We sent young Members Tom and Hana Ellingham to Offa's Dyke to meet Osmund the Anglo-Saxon warrior, as he patrols the border of this great frontier earthwork built by Offa, King of Mercia from AD757 to AD796. Watch the video to discover how Saxons made their weapons, who they worshipped, what clothes they wore and why they probably had terrible breath!

Watch the video

Read Kids Rule! online

Read issues 3 and 15 of Kids Rule! magazine to learn about life for the Anglo-Saxons, see if you could survive a Viking raid, find out what the Saxons ate for dinner and much more!

The Kids Rule! magazine series follows the history of England, to help you discover more about the past through fun facts, illustrated stories, games, puzzles and competitions.

Anglo Saxon Settlement Poster

Saxon poster: Make your mega timeline

We've created a series of posters showing how people lived in England through the ages, like this one showing life in an Anglo-Saxon settlement.

Each of the posters follows on from each other, so that when you download them all from the Kids Rule! pages, you can create your own mega timeline of English history!

Download your poster
'step into englands story