This text has been prepared with the aim of providing school teachers, undergraduates and general readers with both an overview of the period and a wealth of background information. Facts and figures are presented in an easy to find way that makes this a useful reference handbook. It covers topics such as: the origins of England; physical geography; human geography; English society; government and politics; the church; language and literature; personal names; and the effects of the Norman conquest. All of the Kings from Alfred to Eadger II are dealt with separately and there is a chronicle of events for each of their reigns. It includes maps, family trees and extensive appendices.