Berkshire is a county located in the southeast region of England. It is situated to the west of London and is bordered by several counties, including Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Surrey, and Hampshire. The River Thames runs through the county.
Berkshire | 0 to the 9th century AD
Roman Period | 1st – 5th centuries
Berkshire, situated within the larger Roman province of Britannia, experienced Roman influence. Roman roads, settlements, and fortifications were established in the area. The Romans founded several towns in the region, including Calleva Atrebatum – modern-day Silchester, which was an important Roman town with archaeological remains.
Post-Roman Period | 5th – 7th centuries
With the decline and withdrawal of Roman authority from Britannia in the early fifth century, the region entered a period of transition. The Roman infrastructure gradually fell into disuse.
Anglo-Saxon Settlement and the Kingdom of Wessex | 6th – 7th centuries
Like much of England, Berkshire faced incursions and settlements by Anglo-Saxon tribes during this time. The Anglo-Saxons established new communities and influenced the local culture. Berkshire became part of the Kingdom of Wessex, one of the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms that emerged in the sixth century.
Viking Raids | 8th – 9th centuries
In the late eighth and ninth centuries, Viking raids and invasions affected various parts of England, including Berkshire. The Vikings targeted monasteries, settlements, and trade routes. The Vikings established the Danelaw, an area of Viking influence, which included parts of England. The Danelaw had its own legal and administrative system, reflecting the coexistence of Norse and Anglo-Saxon traditions.
Alfred the Great | 9th century
King Alfred the Great of Wessex, a prominent Anglo-Saxon ruler, played a crucial role in resisting Viking invasions. His efforts contributed to the defense of Anglo-Saxon territories, including those in Berkshire. The Treaty of Wedmore, signed in the late ninth century, established an agreement between Alfred and the Viking leader Guthrum. It delineated boundaries and brought a period of relative stability.