Table of Contents

Part I Prehistory, Roger Mercer: the earliest occupation of Britain by man; the advent and development of farming communities; the coming of metal, 2500-1500 BCE; the late metal-using societies, 1500 BCE-43 CE. Part II Roman and early medieval Britain, Philip Dixon: invasion and conquest; consolidation and decline; independent Britain; the new kingdoms; the rise of Mercia; Wessex and the challenge of the Northmen; the reconquest of England; the Norman conquest and settlement. Part III Medieval Britain, Saul, Nigel: England, the Celtic lands and Europe; a prosperous people; the ranks of society; the life of the church; a literate society; war and society.