and Norman England Exam Grade A+
Anglo-Saxon - ANSWERS- People who had settled in England after the Romans left Britain
- Came from different parts of what is now Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands
Beacon fires - ANSWERSA large fire lit to send warnings quickly over large distances
Church - ANSWERS- With a large C is the organization in charge of religion
- With a small c, it is the buildings in which religious services are held
The Danelaw - ANSWERSThe part of England (north and east) where Danish (Viking) power had
been strongest and which kept some of its Danish laws instead of Anglo-Saxon ones
Embassy - ANSWERSA person or group of people sent to discuss important matters with a
foreign ruler
Hides - ANSWERS- The measurements used for land in Anglo-Saxon and Norman England
- One hide was about 120 acres: the amount a family needed to support themselves
Oath - ANSWERS- A solemn promise to do something
- Sworn on holy relics to make them especially binding
- A relic was a body part of a dead saint, kept in a special casket
Reeve - ANSWERSAn Anglo-Saxon official in a country (shire-reeve/or sheriff) or a hundred
,Witan - ANSWERS- Or Witanagemot was a meeting of powerful lords and bishops who were
advisors to the King
- Played an important role in succession
Anglo-Saxon Society
The Social System - ANSWERS- Hierarchical
- Status could increase (success) or decline (as punishment for crime)
Anglo-Saxon Society
The Social System: King - ANSWERS- Defend the country
- Pass and enforce law
- Defend the Church and appoint its leaders
- Manage his lords (nobles)
Anglo-Saxon Society
The Social System: Earls - ANSWERS- Usually no more than 6
- Most powerful of the King's lords, acting as advisers
- Ensured laws were enforced in their regions
- Raised men for the King's army
Anglo-Saxon Society
, The Social System: Thegns - ANSWERS- <1% of population
- Less powerful lords
- Granted land in return for military service
Anglo-Saxon Society
The Social System: Ceorls - ANSWERS- 10% of population
- Freemen who owned their own farms
- All male ceorls had to serve in the army
Anglo-Saxon Society
The Social System: Peasants - ANSWERS- 70% of population
- Worked the land of their lord and formed their own rented land
- All men could be asked by the lord to fight in wartime
Anglo-Saxon Society
The Social System: Slaves - ANSWERS- 10% of population
- No freedom
- Worked on their lord's land or in his house
Anglo-Saxon Society
Monarchy and Central Government: Royal Household - ANSWERSThe King, his family, housecarls
(household soldiers) and servants