This History video introduces teachers to the spread of Christianity in Anglo-Saxon Britain, beginning with the Roman introduction of the faith and its decline after the Romans left in 410 AD. The Anglo-Saxons followed their own pagan beliefs, building temples to their gods and burying possessions with their dead for use in the afterlife, as seen in archaeological evidence like Sutton Hoo. From the late sixth century, missionary monks such as Columba, Augustine of Canterbury, and Aidan of Lindisfarne travelled to Britain to convert the Anglo-Saxons.

This video is part of Kapow Primary’s History scheme – England. It supports teachers in guiding pupils through research on these three saints. It outlines Columba’s missionary work from Iona in Scotland, Augustine’s role in converting King Ethelbert and becoming the first Archbishop of Canterbury, and Aidan’s personal approach to conversion in Northumberland. Pupils will evaluate the achievements of each saint, decide who was most successful, and justify their conclusions with evidence, developing both historical knowledge and reasoning skills.

History, key stage 2, Year 4, British history 3: What changed in Britain after the Anglo-Saxon invasion? Lesson 4: How did Christianity arrive in Britain?