The history of the Saxons in England dates back to the early medieval period, during the migration and settlement of various Germanic tribes in the British Isles. The term "Saxon" originally referred to a group of Germanic peoples living in what is now Germany and Denmark.

The first significant Saxon presence in England can be traced to the 5th century when Germanic tribes, including the Angles, Saxons, and Jutes, began to migrate to the eastern and southern parts of the island. These migrants, collectively known as the Anglo-Saxons, gradually established several independent kingdoms, such as Northumbria, Mercia, Wessex, and East Anglia.

The period between the 5th and 7th centuries was characterized by ongoing conflicts between the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms and the native Britons, who were gradually pushed westward by the advancing Saxons. This period is often referred to as the "Anglo-Saxon conquest" or the "Saxon invasion."

By the 8th century, the Saxon kingdoms had become the dominant political and cultural forces in England. The most powerful among them was the kingdom of Wessex, which under the leadership of King Alfred the Great (871-899) successfully defended England against Viking invasions and laid the foundation for a unified kingdom.

The Saxons' influence on England was not limited to political and military achievements. They played a crucial role in shaping the social and cultural fabric of the country. The Anglo-Saxons introduced the Old English language, which formed the basis for the development of Middle and Modern English. They also brought their own legal, administrative, and agricultural practices, leaving a lasting impact on the English legal system and land management.

In the late 10th and 11th centuries, the Anglo-Saxon dominance faced another wave of invasions, this time by the Normans led by William the Conqueror. In the famous Battle of Hastings in 1066, the Norman army defeated the Anglo-Saxons, marking the end of Saxon rule in England. The Normans brought their own French language and customs, leading to a period of linguistic and cultural transformation in England.

However, despite the Norman Conquest, Saxon traditions and institutions continued to have a significant influence on English society. The Anglo-Saxon legal system, known as the common law, remained a cornerstone of English jurisprudence. The English language also retained many Old English (Saxon) words and grammatical structures.

Over time, the distinction between the Saxons and other Germanic tribes blurred, and the term "Saxon" gradually faded from common usage. Nevertheless, the contributions of the Saxons to English history, language, and culture are still acknowledged and celebrated today.