The Dark Ages: Arthurian England

What happened during the dark ages in Britain and how can I learn more? This feature gives an overview of the time and places it in its historical context.

By the Fifth Century Britain was already a complex island of many different cultural influences. Until the Eleventh Century, Britain remained an island of changing boundaries, many rulers, and mysterious goings-on. This is the ‘dark ages’, a time we know little about (lending the air of mystery to this bit of history). It is out of this time that the Legends of King Arthur are born. Since there is very little written evidence that comes out of this time, and since archaeological evidence from this time period is just starting to gain the breadth and depth needed to make any broad conclusions, we are very dependent on later written sources (many of them writing about King Arthur) to create a picture of Britain in the early middle ages.

What we can definitely say is that certain traits from previous times remain in place through the middle ages. Celtic farming practices and family relations continue to be important to citizens of Britain. Contact with the worlds outside Britain was maintained, at least in a small part of their former glory. Celtic hill forts were still inhabited and were again the center of political life in Britain. Roman forts and defenses were maintained, sometimes successfully, sometimes with less than full success at varying times during this period. Though Roman cities and villas were still inhabited, they were not as well maintained as during Roman occupation. Roman citizens who stayed in Britain often formed the elite and the ruling class of the island, sometimes keeping their Roman culture, oftentimes becoming indistinguishable in culture from their Celtic neighbors.

During this time Christianity came to bear on Britain and the rest of the United Kingdom. By the end of occupation by the Romans, Christianity had made its way to England and was quickly adopted by all classes of people to varying degrees. Christianity and various local faiths were strong during the early middle ages. By the end, Christianity came out on top. Christianity brought many things to Britain. It served as a unifying force among the scattered tribes of Britons. Its priests and missionaries traveled widely, bringing wisdom and trade from distant parts. And, most importantly, monasteries valued writing and wrote down local history, knowledge, and legends.

Another way we get information on this time is by looking at the beginnings of the later middle ages and seeing what has changed since the Romans left Britain. By the time most history books look at England the feudal system of kings in castles is firmly in place, ruling over peasants, with knights to defend them.

To learn more about Feudal England, stay tuned and look for: Norman Culture and History in Britain.