The Saxons 11 Century

During the later part of the Roman rule in Sussex, frequent raids were carried out by the Saxons, who eventually overthrow the Romans , thus large numbers of new settlers inhabiting Sussex.

The Saxons create settlements in Brighton and Hove. The City had many advantages for the early Saxon settlers, with it easy communication along the coast by the sea and for being sheltered and protected by the heavy clay soil and by the Chalk Downs to the North, made it impossible form attack from the North.

On the Western side were low hills near the sea, providing a dry place for dwellings to be built.

In late Saxon times the first overlord of Brighton was Wulnoth, who in 1008 commanded the English fleet which was sent to repel an invasion by the Danes, his son Godwin was created Earl of Kent, Surrey and Sussex for his services in the war against Denmark.

At his death, Brighton fell to King Harold in 1065, after the Norman conquest a year later in 1066, Brighton, with other Sussex possessions, was granted by William of Normandy to William de Warenne, one of his generals.