The Roman occupation of Britain lasted nearly 400 years; it came to an end in the early 5th c. In A.D. 410, the Roman troops were officially withdrawn to Rome by Constantine.This temporary withdrawal turned out to be final, for the Empire was breaking up due to internal and external causes, - particularly the attacks of barbarian tribes ( including the Teutons ) and the growth of independent kingdoms on former Roman territories.

After the departure of the Roman legions the richest and most civilised part of the island, the south- east, was laid waste. Many towns were destroyed. Constant feuds among local landlords as well as the increased assaults of the Celts from the North and also the first Germanic raids from beyond the North Sea proved ruinous to the civilisation of Roman Britain.

To be continued.