Following the withdrawal of the Roman administration in the 5^th century, the town of Ware gradually declined and the townsfolk would have expanded back along the river. It was not until the 7^th century that the Saxons moved into the area, building a small town to the east of the Roman town. Ermine Street had travelled in a straight line across the river and up north. The Saxons used the same crossing area although it is unknown how long the Roman bridge would have survived, but moved the road east and up what is now Baldock Street, before re-joining Ermine Street on the exit to the town. These Saxons probably came from Foxholes Farm, which was a thriving community from Neolithic times through to Saxon.