Directly addressing the Britain’s settlement by Anglo-Saxons and Scots and the Viking and Anglo-Saxon struggle for the Kingdom of England to the time of Edward the Confessor sections of the National Curriculum, our incredible resources below have been designed to be used in your lessons for Key Stage 2, whether pupils are in the classroom or at home.
Some resources were created during lockdown and are specifically designed for those pupils learning at home.
If you are planning to visit the Royal Armouries in Leeds check out our Saxon Sagas Workshop.
Videos
«
Prev
1
/
1
Next
»
Beowulf: a race at sea
Home Learning Hub: Saxons
Home Learning Hub: Saxon discovery
Home Learning Hub: Beowulf - part 1
Home Learning Hub: Beowulf - part 2
Home Learning Hub: Beowulf - part 3
«
Prev
1
/
1
Next
»
If you are having trouble viewing the YouTube video on this page, it is likely because you have rejected those cookies that allow them to work. You can either adjust your cookie settings and accept the “Targeting cookies” or you can view it on YouTube.
Time Travel Radio – Grendel’s mum
Tina the Time Traveller has ventured to visits Grendel’s mum to hear her side of the story after her son was defeated by the hero, Beowulf. Listen below to see what she has to say about the ordeal!
All the below images are from our collection and will enhance students visual understanding of the Saxons. Hover over the image to reveal more information, including a link to further information and more images of the object.
This axehead is likely from a ‘dane axe’. A common weapon in Europe at the time and famously used by ‘hauscarls’, the bodyguard of the King of England and the only professionally trained warriors in a Saxon army. Often taller than its user, the dane axe required two hands to wield it. This meant a warriors shield would be carried on their backs to leave the hands free for fighting. Great protection from behind but it left the front vulnerable. Click here to see the object page and more images.
Seax 400-800 England
‘Seax’ is the Old English word for ‘knife’ and the name ‘Saxon’ actually comes from the word ‘seax’. Seaxs have a single edged blade and are multi-purpose weapons, being used for everyday things, like cutting meat, and potentially in battle. Both men and women carried them and they were often placed in a sheath that was worn on the waist. The handle would have been made from an organic material like bone or wood. Click here to see the object page and more images.
Spear head 600-1000 Northern Europe
Spears were the most commonly used weapon in the saxon period. They were cheap,easy to make and relatively easy to use. The shaft of the spear would have been made from wood, and the head is made from iron. These weapons would have been used in conjunction with a shield wall, by placing the spears over the shields, for maximum effect. Click here to see the object page and more images.
The Pioneer Helmet is one of only six Anglo- Saxon helmets ever to have been found in England from the 7th and 8th centuries. Found in a grave alongside a number of human bones, an iron sword and feathers (possibly from a pillow) it is believed the burial belonged to an warrior. The helmet is boar crested, like that owned by Beowulf in the famous saga. Boars were an important symbol to pagan Anglo-Saxons as they believed the goddess of protection, ‘Frigg’, rode into battle on a wild boar. Therefore a boar on the helmet would ensure protection from the goddess as well as evoking the ferocity of the animal within the wearer.
