ANGLO-SAXON REMAINS was any racial difference between Angle and Saxon * it would naturally be reflected in the archaeological data. It is more than probable from the map that the Anglian immigrants who ventured farthest west ascended the Trent and its tributaries ; but another means of access to the interior must not be overlooked in tracing their progress. There were in the sixth century at least two Roman military roads available here for crossing vast areas that would otherwise have remained practically impassable. Neither forest nor swamp could deter the Romans, and most of their highways through Staffordshire are still in use to-day. The Watling Street, which enters the county at Fazeley, passes through Wall and westward south of Cannock on its way to Wroxeter and Chester, in long straight stretches ; and from the south the Icknield (or Ryknield) Street 41 crosses it near Wall and then strikes north-east down the Trent valley. This road would not have materially assisted the newcomers, but the Watling Street communicated with the central plain and London ; and, at least in later Anglo-Saxon times, was recognized as a thoroughfare and controlled at the county border by the stronghold at Tamworth erected by ./Ethelflaed of Mercia in 914. When the West Saxons were pushing northward in the sixth century both roads would have been of strategical importance ; * 2 and it may have been originally due to such considerations that the Mercian king frequently resided at Tamworth.* 3 What little is known concerning the pagan or semi-pagan settlers who gained a footing in Staffordshire in post-Roman times is derived from their grave furniture and modes of burial ; and it should be observed that nothing definitely referring to the Christian belief has been recovered from their cemeteries. Neither is there anything that can be referred to the fifth century, when we may suppose the Roman tradition was still strong and the Teutons were struggling to effect an entry on the east. It is therefore to the sixth and early seventh centuries that these remains must be attributed, and some of the graves without arms or ornaments may even be later, for though the priest may have effected this reform, it was not till the middle of the eighth century that the law as to burial of converts in the consecrated churchyard was rigidly enforced. Archaeology suffers by these changes, but the pious then began to found monasteries and secure charters, to build stone churches, and place carved monuments over their dead. From that time forward history is based on records and enduring stone. 10 This point is disputed by Mr. Chadwick, op. cit. 88. 11 The name is discussed in V.C.H. Derb. , 246 ; see also Arch. Journ. xiv, 102.
- Penda was at Cirencester in 628 ; Roman roads would have served him all the way.
43 For details of the position see J. R. Green, Conquest of Engl. (1899), i, 223. 215
