The reason there is no “Norsex” in England is that the northern parts of England were settled by the Angles, not the Saxons. The Saxons established kingdoms in the southern and western parts of England. Thus, places like Essex, Wessex, and Sussex reflect Saxon origins, named after the tribes that settled there. The north was dominated by Angle kingdoms like Mercia, East Anglia, and Northumbria.
The Saxons settled mainly in southern England. Their kingdoms included Essex (East Saxons), Middlesex (Middle Saxons), Sussex (South Saxons), and Wessex (West Saxons). The Middle Saxons never formed a lasting kingdom, but their region influenced the name Middlesex.
In contrast, the Angles, a tribe closely related to the Saxons, occupied most of northern and central England. They established several kingdoms:
- East Anglia
- Northumbria
- Mercia
Northumbria takes its name from being north of the Humber estuary. Mercia, from Old English Mierce or Myrce, means “border people.” Mercia would have been the natural candidate for a northern Saxon kingdom. However, since it was Angle in origin, it was not considered Saxon and did not adopt a “Norsex”-style name.
The term “Norsex” would imply a northern Saxon territory, but the Saxons did not settle extensively in northern England. Their influence was limited to the south and west. The Angles came from regions like Denmark and took control of the Midlands northward, so the north belonged to Angle heritage rather than Saxon.
Thus, the absence of a “Norsex” region is due to tribal settlement patterns: Saxons in the south and west, Angles in the central and northern areas. The linguistic and cultural legacy reflects these divisions, shaping place names linked to tribal identities.
- Saxons settled southern England; Angles occupied northern and central areas.
- Essex, Wessex, Sussex named after Saxon tribes; no northern Saxon kingdom existed.
- Angles founded Mercia, East Anglia, Northumbria; these were not Saxon kingdoms.
- Mercia’s name means “border people,” reflecting its Angle origins.
- Absence of “Norsex” results from Saxons not settling in northern England.
