ABSTRACT
The campaigns of Arthur and Ambrosius were only a temporary set-back to the inexorable process of English settlement. The English population of East Anglia continued to receive fresh arrivals until the end of the fifth century. The East Anglian area speaks more of complexity and cultural diversity than it does of unity and uniformity. The place name evidence that suggests topographical names may be from the migration period may explain some of Essex’s place names. The earliest inhabitants of Wessex settled in the area of the upper Thames. The containment of the English in the southern enclave coincided with the peace of mons Badonicus. The earthwork known as west Wansdyke was very possibly erected as a result of the English victory at Dyrham. The genealogical picture of the state of affairs within the ruling house of Wessex in the late sixth century is confused by inconsistencies within the Chronicle itself.
