Saxon settlements
In Saxon times the River Thames was shallow and reedy with many more islands than today. The river was the main highway between the settlements on its banks.
The settlements were small, probably less than 20 households, and surrounded by fields, pastures, meadows, marshes, fishponds, rivers and enclosures for their animals.
These settlements were later to become the towns of Twickenham, Teddington and the Hamptons. |
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I, Swaefred, King of the East Saxons...give Bishop Waldhere for his lordship a certain portion of land...in the place which is called Tuican hom |
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The Kings Charter
In 704 AD, Swaefred King of the East Saxons and Earl Paeogthath granted the Bishop of London a portion of land "in the place which is called Tuican Hom". Spelling was not fixed in Saxon times and the same charter describes the settlement as Tuican hom and Tuiccanham.
The land granted to the Bishop was bounded by the River Thames to the south and east and a flooded plain to the north called Fishbourne (now the River Crane). The King hoped that by giving the Bishop this fine piece of land the Bishop would pray for the salvation of his soul. |
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| Things
to do |
Twickenham Museum has some Saxon objects on loan from the Museum of London. Visit the museum and make drawings of these objects.
The 704 AD Charter is kept at the British Museum. Visit the museum and find out about Saxon England.
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| Read
more about
'Tuican hom' (for older children and adults). |
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