Middle Saxons facts for kids
The Middle Saxons were an ancient group of people who lived in what is now England. Their land eventually became the county known as Middlesex. The name "Middle Saxons" means they lived in the middle, between other Saxon groups like the South Saxons, East Saxons, and West Saxons. They were also different from the Angles, who lived further north.
Early History of the Middle Saxons
The first time the name "Middlesex" was written down was in the year 704. This was in a special document called a royal charter. A charter was like an official letter or agreement from a king. In this charter, King Swæfred of Essex and King Æthelred of Mercia (who was stepping down) along with the new King Coenred of Mercia, gave some land in a place called Tuican hom (which is now Twickenham) to a bishop named Walhere. This land was described as being in the provincia (or region) called Middleseaxan.
Where They Lived
The Middle Saxons' land included the early settlement of London. It also likely included Surrey, which was the southern part of their territory. There are even some clues that suggest Middle Saxons might have settled in West Kent too.
Unlike their neighbours, the Middle Saxons did not manage to create their own long-lasting kingdom. Historians believe their area was part of the kingdom of Essex in the early 600s. Later, around the year 825, their land became part of Mercia.
Culture and Language
The Middle Saxons were originally pagans, meaning they worshipped many gods. However, around the mid-600s, they started to become Christians.
They spoke their own version of Old English. This was the language spoken in England a very long time ago. But when people wrote things down, they often used Latin.
