Jutes in England 400-1066 AD

Timeline of Jutish Migration and Influence in England

Pre-Migration Period (Before 5th Century CE)

• Bronze Age to Early Iron Age: The Jutes, a Germanic tribe from Jutland (modern-day Denmark), develop a strong horse culture and maritime trade connections with Frisia and the Frankish regions.
• Roman Britain (43–410 CE): The Roman Empire controls Britain, but after its decline, the island becomes vulnerable to invasions and migrations from Germanic tribes, including the Jutes, Angles, and Saxons.

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5th Century CE: The Jutish Migration to Kent

• 449 CE (Traditional Date): Hengest and Horsa, legendary Jutish leaders, arrive in Kent at the invitation of the British king Vortigern to serve as mercenaries. This marks the beginning of the Jutish settlement in Kent.
• 455 CE: Hengest and Horsa establish their rule in Kent after a series of conflicts with the Britons. Horsa is said to have died in battle, leaving Hengest as the sole leader.
• 477 CE: Ælla, a Jutish leader, lands near Shoreham with his sons and begins the conquest of southern England, leading to the establishment of Meonwara (Meon Valley) and other Jutish settlements.
• 491 CE: Ælla attacks the Roman-British fortress of Anderida (Pevensey) in Sussex, leading to a massacre of the British inhabitants and further expansion of Jutish influence.

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6th Century CE: Consolidation of Jutish Kingdoms

• Early 6th Century: The Jutes establish several autonomous regions in southern England, including:
  • Cantwara (Kent): The primary Jutish kingdom, with its capital at Canterbury (Cantwara Burh).
  • Meonwara: A Jutish settlement in the Meon Valley, south of Kent.
  • Ytene: A mixed Jutish-Saxon settlement in the New Forest area.
  • Withwara: The Jutish kingdom on the Isle of Wight, established by the Jutish leader Withgar.
• 501 CE: Port (Thort) and his sons Maegla and Bieda arrive in Meonwara, further solidifying Jutish control in the region.
• 597 CE: King Æthelbert of Kent becomes the first Anglo-Saxon king to convert to Christianity, influenced by his Frankish wife, Bertha. This marks the beginning of the Christianization of England.

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7th Century CE: Decline of Jutish Independence

• 686 CE: The last Jutish king of the Isle of Wight, Arwald, is killed in battle against the Saxon king Cadwalla. This marks the end of Jutish independence on the Isle of Wight and the final decline of Jutish pagan rule in England.
• Late 7th Century: The Jutish regions, including Kent, Meonwara, and Ytene, gradually come under the dominance of the larger Anglo-Saxon kingdoms, particularly Wessex.

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9th Century CE: Viking Invasions and Jutish Legacy

• 865 CE: The “Great Heathen Army” of Danish Vikings invades England. Interestingly, the Vikings are attacking their distant relatives, as many Jutes had settled in England centuries earlier.
• 871–899 CE: King Alfred the Great of Wessex, who has Jutish ancestry through the kings of the Isle of Wight, successfully defends England against the Viking invasions.

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11th Century CE: Norman Conquest and Jutish Survival

• 1066 CE: William the Conqueror lands in Kent during the Norman Conquest. The Jutes of Kent negotiate a separate peace with William, allowing them to retain their unique legal system, Gavelkind, and a degree of autonomy.
• Post-1066 CE: While the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms are subjugated by the Normans, Kent maintains its distinct Jutish identity and legal traditions.

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Modern Era: Legacy of the Jutes

• 1925 CE: The Jutish law of Gavelkind, which allowed for the equal division of land among heirs, is finally abolished in Kent, marking the end of a legal tradition that had persisted for over a millennium.
• 20th Century: J.R.R. Tolkien draws inspiration from the Jutes’ migration and their cultural impact on England, incorporating elements of their history into his literary works, such as “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Silmarillion.”

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Summary of Key Events:

1. 449 CE: Hengest and Horsa arrive in Kent.
2. 477–491 CE: Ælla conquers southern England, establishing Meonwara.
3. 501 CE: Port and his sons solidify Jutish control in Meonwara.
4. 597 CE: King Æthelbert of Kent converts to Christianity.
5. 686 CE: The last Jutish king of the Isle of Wight, Arwald, is killed.
6. 865 CE: Danish Vikings invade England, attacking their Jutish relatives.
7. 1066 CE: William the Conqueror lands in Kent; Jutes negotiate autonomy.
8. 1925 CE: Gavelkind law is abolished in Kent.

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This timeline provides a detailed overview of the Jutes’ migration, their establishment of kingdoms in England, and their lasting cultural and legal legacy.