So this brings us to the first form of English, Aglo-Saxon English, also known as 'Old English.' This form of English was used from around 450 AD - 1070 AD. There were a few different dialects around the country; Kentish, West Saxon, Mercian and Northumbrian. These dialects weren't extremely different and probably form the basis for the different accents heard today.
The writing system they used was called the insular hand and had some different characters not recognised in today's English. These include the 'aesc', the 'thorn', the 'yodh', and the 'wynn'.
Although English is not directly influenced by the Roman's and is not a romance language, it does have some Latin influences as the Danish dialect it originated from certainly did. The tribes must have been pretty successful in their invasion, as there is nearly no Celtic influence in the English language, although old Scandinavian certainly contributed.
For the rules and grammer of Old English, go to http://www.ielanguages.com/enghist.html.
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