Early Britain and the Romans

Early Britain

The first people in Britain were hunter-gatherers who lived during the Stone Age. At that time, Britain was joined to Europe by a land bridge. People followed herds of deer and horses across this land. About 10,000 years ago, the sea rose and created the Channel, separating Britain from the continent.

Around 6,000 years ago, the first farmers arrived. They likely came from south-east Europe. These farmers built houses, tombs, and monuments. One famous site is Stonehenge in Wiltshire, which was probably used for ceremonies. Another important site is Skara Brae on Orkney in Scotland, the best-preserved prehistoric village in northern Europe. It helps us understand how people lived near the end of the Stone Age.

About 4,000 years ago, people learned how to make bronze, starting the Bronze Age. They lived in roundhouses and buried their dead in round barrows. Bronze Age people were skilled metalworkers who made beautiful bronze and gold tools, ornaments, and weapons.

The Iron Age followed when people discovered how to make tools and weapons from iron. They continued to live in roundhouses, grouped into larger settlements, often with defended hill forts like Maiden Castle in Dorset. Most people were farmers, craft workers, or warriors. They spoke Celtic languages, similar to those still spoken in parts of Wales, Scotland, and Ireland. Iron Age people had a rich culture and economy. They made the first coins in Britain, some with the names of their kings. This marks the beginning of British history.

The Romans

In 55 BC, Julius Caesar tried to invade Britain but failed. Nearly 100 years later, in AD 43, Emperor Claudius led another invasion. This time, the Romans succeeded, although some tribes resisted. One famous leader, Boudicca, queen of the Iceni tribe in eastern England, fought bravely against them. A statue of her stands on Westminster Bridge in London near the Houses of Parliament.

The Romans never conquered parts of Scotland. To protect the border, Emperor Hadrian built Hadrian’s Wall in northern England. It had several forts, including Housesteads and Vindolanda, which still exist today. Hadrian’s Wall is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular place for walkers.

The Romans stayed in Britain for about 400 years. They built roads, public buildings, and a legal system. They also brought new plants and animals. In the 3rd and 4th centuries AD, the first Christian communities appeared in Britain.

Key Points

• Early people in Britain were Stone Age hunter-gatherers.
• Britain was once connected to Europe by a land bridge.
• Britain became an island about 10,000 years ago.
• The first farmers arrived about 6,000 years ago from south-east Europe.
• Stonehenge and Skara Brae are important Stone Age sites.
• The Bronze Age began 4,000 years ago; people made bronze and gold tools and ornaments.
• The Iron Age followed, with iron tools, hill forts, and Celtic languages.
• Iron Age people made the first coins in Britain.
• Julius Caesar’s invasion (55 BC) failed; Emperor Claudius invaded successfully in AD 43.
• Boudicca led a revolt against the Romans.
• Hadrian built a wall to protect against the Picts; remains like Housesteads and Vindolanda still exist.
• Romans stayed for 400 years, building roads and introducing new laws, plants, and animals.
• Christianity began in Britain during the 3rd and 4th centuries AD.