Anglo-Saxon England

Jutes and Franks: The Beginnings of Kent

Mar 15, 2023

Explore the rich history of Kent as a vital entry point to the British Isles, the fortification efforts of the Romans, the origin myth of Kent through Hengest and Horsa, the linguistic and cultural influence of the Jutes, the arrival of farmers and settlers in Kent, the integration of existing communities, the emergence of a kingdom that combined Romano-British and Dutch influences, the history of the Welsh people, the settlement patterns and cultural influence of the Jutes in Kent, and the possibility of Frankish overlordship.

18:26

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Quick takeaways

Kent has historically been an entry point into the British Isles due to its proximity to mainland Europe, leading to the influx of wealth and new ideas.

The cultural makeup and boundaries of Kent were fluid, with the Jutes settling in eastern Kent and the West Saxons settling in the west, while Kentish elites enjoyed wealth and access to imported goods.

Deep dives

Kent's Strategic Significance and Roman Invasions

Kent, located in southeastern England, has historically been an entry point into the British Isles due to its proximity to mainland Europe. The Romans, led by Julius Caesar and Emperor Claudius, were the first invaders to land in Kent. They established the Kewie Task, known as Cantium, and developed the town of Durowernum Cantiocorum, which later became Canterbury. The Romans also built forts along the English Channel, collectively known as the Saxon Shore, to defend against seaborne raiders. Barbarian mercenaries, known as the Fodorati, were enlisted to man these forts and contributed to the cultural mix brought by the Romans to Britain.

Introduction

3min

Fortification, Fodorati, and the Jutes

5min

The Arrival and Settlement in Kent

1min

Welsh History, Patreon Supporter, and Ads for 'Medal of Honor' and Evergreen Podcasts

3min

Fluid Settlements, Frankish Influences, and Political Divisions in Kent

6min

Kent consists of a small spur sticking out of the south-eastern tip of England. To its north lies the mouth of the River Thames and to its south it the English Channel. As the closest point between Britain and mainland Europe, Kent has always been an entry point into the British Isles. This means that it has often been a hub of international trade and communication, but it also means that it has one of the most vulnerable parts of England to invasion. The Kingdom of Kent that emerged here would serve as the entry point for wealth and new ideas to flow into England. The earliest history of Kent is mysterious, but what we can say demonstrates some of the major trends that shaped the course of Kentish history.

Credits –

Music: 'Wælheall' by Hrōðmund Wōdening

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VQfdqIyqJ4g&list=LL&index=5&ab_channel=Hr%C5%8D%C3%B0mundW%C5%8Ddening

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