Among the most important works of this period is the poem '' Beowulf '' , which often begins the traditional canon of English literature , and the poem '' Cædmon 's Hymn '' from the 7th century , which survives as the oldest extant work of literature in English .
Among the most important works of this period is the poem '' Beowulf '' , which often begins the traditional canon of English literature . 
 The '' Anglo - Saxon Chronicle '' has also proven significant for historical study , preserving a chronology of early English history , while the poem '' Cædmon 's Hymn '' from the 7th century survives as the oldest extant work of literature in English .