Anglo-Saxon Houses

ANGLO-SAXON HOUSES

Anglo-Saxons used wood to build their houses, and
they thatched the rooves with reeds. The rooves
had no chimneys, and so any smoke within the
house had to escape through the thatch.

Inside the houses, families ate and slept in one
room. A hearth would provide heating, and a means
to cook the family meals.

Candles made from tallow would have been used to
light Saxon homes. Tallow is another name for
animal fat.

Houses were made secure with strong timber doors
that were shut using latchkeys made from iron or
deer antler.

Houses were small and built in groups that formed
settlements, hamlets or villages.

In the centre of the settlement would be a large
house, this was the Lord’s Hall, later known as the
Manor House.
In the Lord’s Hall, people who were loyal to the
Lord would gather for feasting and entertainment.
They would listen to stories of heroes such as
Beowulf and listen to music played on the lyre.