The Seven Anglo-Saxon Kingdoms in England in the Seventh Century

y the 7th century seven distinct states existed in Britain. These were East Anglia, Essex, Kent, Mercia, Northumbria, Sussex and Wessex. Each separate state had a king and council known as a witan which advised the king. The witan was made up from important nobles of the state. Like the Britons before them the Anglo-Saxons fourght amongst themselves. When an Anglo-Saxon king defeated the king of another state, the conquered state was either completely taken over or remained independant but had to pay a fee to remain so.