Roman: Vectis
Wyghte
The Isle of Wight is an island located in the English Channel, just off the south coast of England.
The island has been inhabited by Celts, Romans, Saxons, and Normans throughout its history. According to the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, the Isle of Wight was conquered by the Saxons Cerdic and Cynric in 530, which is within what many chroniclers identify as Arthur’s “reign”. The two Saxons gave the island to their cousins, Stuf and Wihtgar, in 534, they ruled till 541.
In the Alliterative Morte Arthure, King Valiant of Wales seems to control the island.
Isle of Wight | 0 to 700 AD
During the Roman occupation of Britain (43-410 AD), the Isle of Wight was under Roman control as part of the province of Britannia. Roman artifacts and archaeological evidence suggest that the island had Roman settlements and military installations. Carisbrooke Castle, a prominent medieval fortification on the island, has Roman origins and may have been used for defensive purposes during this time.
Following the withdrawal of Roman forces from Britain in the early fifth century, the island, like other parts of Britain, entered a period of transition. It is believed that the island was inhabited by Romano-British communities, but the historical record from this period is limited.
By the seventh century, the Isle of Wight, like much of southern and eastern England, came under the influence of Anglo-Saxon settlers. The island was likely integrated into the Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Wessex, which eventually became part of the unified Kingdom of England.
During the Viking Age (late eighth century to eleventh century), the island, along with other coastal regions of England, faced Viking raids and invasions. The Vikings may have targeted the island’s resources and settlements.
The spread of Christianityu to the Isle of Wight likely occured during the early medieval period. Christian missionaries, including those associated with Saint Augustine’s mission to convert the Anglo-Saxons, played a role in the Christianization of the region.