English History By facebooker_1412015078949029 6000 BCE The British Isles are formed as water levels rise separating them from mainland Europe. Period: 5000 BCE to 55 BCE Stone Age Britain 2200 BCE The construction of Stonehenge is completed. Period: 800 BCE to 600 BCE The Celts 600 BCE The Celtic peoples begin to arrive and establish their culture. 55 BCE Roman leader Julius Caesar invades Britain, but withdraws. Period: 55 BCE to 440 Roman Britain 43 The Roman Empire invades Britain and makes Britannia a Roman province. 50 The Romans found the city of Londinium (which later becomes London). 122 Roman Emperor Hadrian orders the construction of Hadrian's Wall. 410 The last of the Romans leave Britain. Period: 440 to 1066 Anglo-Saxon and Viking Period 450 The Anglo-Saxons begin to settle in Britain. They rule much of the land until the Vikings arrive. 597 Christianity is introduced by Saint Augustine 617 The kingdom of Northumbria is established as the dominant kingdom. 793 The Vikings first arrive. 802 The kingdom of Wessex becomes the dominant kingdom. 866 The Vikings invade Britain with a large army. They defeat Northumbria in 867. 871 Alfred the Great becomes king of the Wessex. 878 Alfred is nearly defeated by the Vikings. He narrowly escapes. Alfred gathers an army and defeats the Vikings at the Battle of Edington. 926 The Saxons defeat the Vikings and retake the Danelaw. 1016 The Danish conquer England and King Canute of Denmark becomes King of England. 1066 The Norman Conquest occurs. William of Normandy becomes king.