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The English are people descended for a wide variety of roots, and who are associated, either by birth or by choice, with the culture of England (Latin: Anglia). The OED defines an English person as: one who is English by birth, descent or naturalization Some English trace their heritage back to the Anglo-Saxons, which conquered much of Britain between the 5th and 7th centuries (although lack of documentation from the Dark Ages makes it impossible for any individual to prove such descent). The name of the area known as England derives from this incursion (See English (people)).
Others, notably the Cornish have Celtic roots. A further group of English are descended from Viking roots, particularly in the north of England (this group influenced the language. The modern meaning of the word dream for example is of Viking origin, while placenames that include 'thwaite' and 'borough' are Viking in origin).
The Anglo-Saxons established conquest kingdoms, commonly referred to as the Heptarchy; these were united in the early 9th century under the overlordship of Wessex, forming what would eventually become the modern nation state of England. The Norman Conquest of 1066 brought Anglo-Saxon rule to an end.
The modern English nation has a mixed cultural heritage combining Celtic, Anglo-Saxon, Norman, and Scandinavian elements and African elements as a consequence in part of the slave trade and in part of England's long history as a maritime trading nation. For most of its history as a recognisable entity it has also had a significant Jewish population.
The English generally speak the English language and, since the 16th century, a majority English have belonged to the Church of England, the established (ie state) church. For many however, this adherence is nominal, as England is a highly secular society. A substantial minority are Roman Catholic and other minority groups represent most major religions.
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