THE SCENE: The story of the Saxon takeover of Britain is usually told from the Britons perspective — all noble knights and doomed last stands. So this version of the story from the Saxon perspective, which can be summed up as “the Britons were weak so we killed them” is a refreshing change.
THE TEXT: The Britons, hearing of the advantageous outcome of the exploits of the Saxons, sent an embassy to them, imploring their assistance. Upon their arrival these envoys spoke as follows: “Most brace Saxons, the wretched Britons, exhausted by the frequent attacks of our enemies and reduced to the direst straits, hearing of the magnificent victories you have won, have sent us to you, humbly asking that you will not withhold your aid from them. They have authorized us to yield to your dominion a broad and spacious land, and one filled with every kind of resources. Until recently we lived well under the patronage and jurisdiction of the Romans; and after the Romans we know of no better people than yourselves, and therefore we seek to flee to the protecting wings of your valor. With the aid of your strength and your arms may we be found victorious over our enemies, and whatever subjection you impose upon us we shall gladly sustain”. The Saxon elders replied briefly: “Know that the Saxons are true friends of the Britons, and that they will always assist their interests and their conveniences”. The envoys returned joyfully to their own land, and gladdened their comrades with their most welcome message.
Soon the promised army was dispatched to Britain, and after a grateful reception by their allies, in a short time cleared the region of brigands, restoring the land to its inhabitants. Nor did they sustain much labor in accomplishing this, for those who had heard rumors of the Saxons were struck with terror, and they were drive far away at the news of their approach. Some of the tribes opposing the Britons were the Scots and the Picts, and against these the Saxons fought, receiving from the Britons everything necessary for their use. They remained therefore in that place for some little time, making good use of the vicarious friendship of the Britons.
And when the leaders of the Saxon army saw that the land was broad and fertile, and that the hands of the natives were slow to draw the sword, whereas they themselves and the greater part of the Saxons were without secure homes, they sent for an even larger army, and making peace with the Scots and Picts they turned with one accord against the Britons and drove them from the land, bringing the region under their subjection. And because that island is situated in a sort of angle of the sea, they are called Anglo-Saxons to this day.
– The Deeds of the Saxons, Widukind of Corvey, 10th Century AD
