The Saxon Shore is the name given to a series of coastal forts and defenses built by the Romans along the southeastern coast of Britain during the late 3rd and early 4th centuries AD. The Saxon Shore forts were intended to protect Britain from attacks by Saxon pirates and raiders who were becoming increasingly active in the area.

The forts and defenses of the Saxon Shore were established as part of a larger defensive system known as the Litus Saxonicum, which extended from the Rhine River in Germany to the coast of Britain. The Saxon Shore forts were strategically located along the coast, with a particular focus on the estuaries of major rivers like the Thames and the Medway.

The forts were typically built of stone and consisted of a central tower or keep surrounded by walls and defensive ditches. Many of the forts were manned by auxiliaries from the Roman army, who were typically recruited from non-Roman tribes and who were known for their skill in fighting on horseback.

Over time, the Saxon Shore forts became an important part of the Roman defense system in Britain, and they played a key role in repelling attacks by Saxon raiders. However, with the decline of the Roman Empire and the withdrawal of Roman troops from Britain in the early 5th century AD, the Saxon Shore forts were gradually abandoned and fell into disrepair.

During the Roman occupation of Britain, the Romans did maintain a navy to protect their interests in the region and to prevent raids by pirates and other threats. However, after the Roman withdrawal from Britain in the early 5th century AD, there is little evidence to suggest that the Roman navy continued to operate in the region.

The Saxons, who arrived in Britain after the Roman withdrawal, were skilled seafarers and were able to launch raids on the coast of Britain from their bases in what is now Germany and Denmark. These raids were a significant threat to the coastal communities of Britain, who were often unprepared to defend themselves against the sudden and unexpected attacks.

The Britons did attempt to defend themselves against the Saxons using naval forces, but these efforts were largely ineffective. The Saxons were able to establish a significant presence in Britain through a series of successful invasions and settlements, eventually establishing their own kingdoms in the region.

It is worth noting that the Saxons did face resistance from some of the existing British tribes, particularly in the west and north of the country. However, these tribes were often divided and were unable to mount a coordinated defense against the Saxons. As a result, the Saxons were able to establish their dominance over much of England and to create a new culture and identity in the region.

Overall, while the Romans did maintain a navy in Britain during their occupation of the region, there is little evidence to suggest that this navy was used to directly confront the Saxons after the Roman withdrawal. The Saxons were able to establish themselves in Britain largely through their own seafaring abilities and military prowess.