The North-East of England (from the River Don going north) was controlled by the most powerful tribe in Britain before the arrival of the Romans. They were known as the Brigantes , They were named after the Celtic goddess Brigit (the word Brigantes possibly meaning "(People Of Brigit").

Queen Cartimandua ruled the Brigantes when the Romans invaded (~43AD). She negotiated a mutually beneficial collaborated with the Roman leaders and was allowed to run her tribe under Roman jurisdiction.

Alderborough, York and Catterick were important centres for the Brigante tribes with Alderborough (North Yorkshire) being the headquarters.

Queen Cartimandua's collaboration with the Romans caused friction with other tribes within Britain, and when she captured Caratacus (warlord of the Catuvellaunii tribe of the south of Britain), she handed him over to the Roman authorities in chains.

The Romans must have viewed their relationship with the Brigantes favourably because Hadrian (~120AD) built a shrine to "Britannia" (reference to the Celtic goddess) in York, and put her image on coins. She was depicted in her familiar warlike outfit (shield, standard with the sea in the background) as has been commonly depicted on the old English penny coins until very recently. This is probably one of the earliest references to Britain as a country

There were a number of Roman settlements in Yorkshire, most notably at York and Malton. The Romans also built a number of signal stations along the coast. Sites have been located at Scarborough, Filey, Ravenscar, Goldborough and Huntcliff. They most likely acted as an extension of Hadrian's wall, and were used as an early warning mechanism against potential threats from the sea.

Although the Romans occupied Britain for more than 350 years there is little evidence that the indigenous Britons embraced the Roman culture suggesting that the local beliefs (Druidism) remained strong throughout this period. Although it is highly likely there was inter-relationships. Many Britons were taken as slaves. Many became house servants, some became gladiators, and others became soldiers. Many earned their freedom, and lived in England as Roman citizens (many as tax collectors). There is little evidence that the local tribes became literate, or enjoyed many of the benefits of civilised Roman living. In time, the Romans probably agreed with local chieftains on issues of trade and congenial cohabitation. The Romans also protected the Britons from raiding tribes from the north, and the Saxons. Little wonder then that after the Romans left, Britain fell into a long period of decay known as the dark ages. There is strong evidence that Druidism remained strong well up to 1000AD and beyond.