It was caused by an earthquake.
The Anglo-Saxon sense of home was very strong because of their religious beliefs and their farming practices. Anglo-Saxons were pagans and they worshipped many gods as well as inanimate objects. Their rituals required going to their homes and spending time with family. Their farming practices also involved the sharing of oxen to plow the lands of all the people living in neighboring farmlands.
I love the last line the only thing I see is you could use stronger words
