GCSE History Rapid Revision: Anglo Saxon Society

Summary

This rapid revision lesson covers the hierarchical structure of Anglo-Saxon society, which includes the king, earls, thanes, churls, peasants, and slaves. The king was at the top, responsible for defending the country and enforcing laws, while earls were powerful lords helping manage the kingdom's affairs. Thanes, warriors who defended the king, and churls, free men with land, made up the next levels. Peasants, who worked the land for their lords, represented the majority, while slaves, who had no freedom or land, were at the bottom. The lesson also touches on the roles of women, the wealth of Anglo-Saxon England, and the social mobility within this system.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Anglo-Saxon society had a hierarchical structure resembling a Christmas tree, with the king at the top, followed by earls, thanes, churls, peasants, and slaves at the bottom.
• 😀 The king's primary roles included defending the country, passing laws, ensuring those laws were followed, and holding power over the church.
• 😀 Earls were the most powerful lords in Anglo-Saxon England, responsible for administering laws, raising armies, and protecting their lands. They advised the king through the Witenagemot (council of wise men).
• 😀 Thanes were warriors who defended the king and held local duties. They were granted land in exchange for their military service.
• 😀 Churls, also known as free men, made up about 10% of the population. They owned small pieces of land and had the right to serve in the army when needed, unlike peasants or slaves.
• 😀 Peasants made up over 70% of the population. They worked on their lord's land and were required to serve their lord for up to three days a week, in addition to farming their own land.
• 😀 Slaves represented around 10% of the population. They had no land, worked on their lord’s land or in his house, and had no personal freedoms.
• 😀 Slaves did not typically serve in the army, as they were considered property and arming them could create risks for their masters.
• 😀 The Anglo-Saxon king depended on the earls and other lords for help in governing. Loyalty and taxes were crucial in maintaining the system.
• 😀 While most people lived in small villages, England had a few towns and cities, with London and Winchester being the most significant. Agriculture was a key component of England's wealth at the time.
• 😀 There were opportunities for social mobility. Peasants could become thanes by owning enough land, and slaves could sometimes be set free or buy their freedom.

Q & A

What was the main role of the king in Anglo-Saxon society?

The main role of the king was to defend the country from attack, pass good laws, ensure those laws were followed, and maintain power over the church.

How did earls contribute to governance in Anglo-Saxon England?

Earls were the most powerful lords and helped the king govern by advising him in the Witen, raising armies, enforcing laws, and protecting their lands.

What was the function of the Witen in Anglo-Saxon society?

The Witen was a council of wise men, usually consisting of important earls and bishops, who advised the king and ensured that laws were followed in their regions.

How were thanes different from earls in terms of power and responsibilities?

Thanes were noble but less powerful than earls, serving as local lords who defended the king, performed local duties, and protected the king’s land and subjects.

What were the duties and rights of churls in Anglo-Saxon society?

Churls were free men who owned land and farmed it. They did not have to work for their lord every week, unlike peasants, but were still required to serve in the army if needed.

What was the status of peasants in Anglo-Saxon society?

Peasants made up over 70% of the population. They worked the land for their lord and farmed their own rented land to support their families. They could also be called to fight for their lord in wartime.

How were slaves treated in Anglo-Saxon society, and what were their limitations?

Slaves were considered property with no rights. They worked on their lord's land or in his house, and their master controlled every aspect of their life. They were not typically armed or expected to serve in the army.

What could happen to peasants or slaves in terms of social mobility in Anglo-Saxon England?

Peasants could become thanes if they accumulated enough land, while slaves could be set free. However, it was rare for peasants to become earls or for slaves to rise up significantly.

What were the key differences between the Anglo-Saxon and Norman views on slavery?

Normans viewed slavery as barbaric, while slavery was a common and accepted practice in Anglo-Saxon society, even though slaves had very few rights and were seen as property.

How did the king rely on earls and the Witen to maintain control over the kingdom?

The king relied on earls and the Witen to help enforce laws, collect taxes, raise armies, and protect the kingdom. Earls also competed for the king’s favor to gain more rewards and power.