Old English literature (sometimes referred to as
Anglo-Saxon literature) encompasses literature written in
Old English (also called Anglo-Saxon) in Anglo-Saxon England from the 7th century to the decades after the
Norman Conquest of 1066. "
Cædmon's Hymn", composed in the 7th century according to Bede, is often considered the oldest extant poem in English, whereas the later poem,
The Grave is one of the final poems written in Old English, and presents a transitional text between Old and
Middle English. Likewise, the
Peterborough Chronicle continues until the 12th century.