History

• What was the order of society in Anglo-Saxon England?

  The order was: the king, earls, theynes, ceorls, peasants, and slaves.
• What role did the earls play in Anglo-Saxon society?

  Earls ruled areas of land, collected taxes, and advised the king.
• What was the function of the theynes in Anglo-Saxon England?

  The theynes fought for the king in exchange for land and guarded the earls.
• Who were the ceorls in Anglo-Saxon society?

  Ceorls were free peasants who could work for anyone or farm a small plot of land.
• What was the role of peasants in Anglo-Saxon England?

  Peasants worked for their lord three days a week and farmed small plots for their families.
• What was the status of slaves in Anglo-Saxon England?

  Slaves had no freedom and worked in the lord's house as directed.
• What was the king's role in Anglo-Saxon England?

  The king made rules, ruled the country, and fought for it.
• What was the geld tax?

  The geld tax was a tax on land originally to pay off the Vikings.
• What powers did the English monarchy have in Anglo-Saxon times?

  The monarchy controlled money, landownership, military power, taxation, and law-making.
• How did the king control money in Anglo-Saxon England?

  The king controlled the production of silver pennies.
• What was the significance of landownership for the king?

  The king owned large estates and could grant or take away land from followers.
• How could the king exert military power?

  The king could raise a national army and fleet.
• What role did taxation play in the king's power?

  The king decided if and when taxes should be paid, controlling a national taxation system.
• How did Edward the Confessor's power compare to that of the earls?

  Edward was less powerful than certain earls who had vast amounts of land and military power.
• Why did Edward often have to comply with the earls?

  He had to comply to avoid conflict and war.
• What was the demographic situation in England during Edward's reign?

  Half of the country was Anglo-Danish, desiring a ruler of their own background.
• What characterized villages in Anglo-Saxon England?

  Villages consisted of isolated houses and farms made of wood and thatched straw.
• How did the theynes' living conditions differ from those of peasants?

  The theynes lived in large houses and built churches, unlike the peasants' huts.
• What percentage of the population lived in towns by the end of Edward the Confessor's reign?

  10% of the population lived in towns.
• What were buhrs in Anglo-Saxon England?

  Buhrs were fortified towns established for safety against Viking attacks.
• How were towns protected in Anglo-Saxon England?

  Towns were protected by strong walls and ramparts.
• What events occurred in the timeline of Edward the Confessor's last year?

  • 1053: Death of Earl Godwin; Harold becomes Earl of Wessex
  • 1055: Tostig made Earl of Northumbria
  • 1057: Gryth Godwinson made Earl of East Anglia
  • 1057: Leofwine Godwinson made Earl in the Midlands
  • 1062: Godwins defeat Welsh king Gruffuold
  • 1064: Harold's embassy to Normandy
  • 1065: Uprising against Earl Tostig; Tostig exiled
  • 1066: Death of Edward; Harold becomes king
• How did the Godwins maintain military power?

  The Godwins were lords of many theynes, making them powerful war-leaders.
• How did the Godwins gain political power?

  The Godwins influenced the Church and made political marriages.
• What was the significance of Edward the Confessor's marriage to Earl Godwin's daughter?

  It made Edward kin to the Godwins, increasing their power.
• What was the state of England's government and economy before 1066?

  England had a strong government and a prosperous economy with extensive trade links.
• Who were the Vikings and why were they feared?

  The Vikings were Scandinavians who raided settlements along the coasts of Europe.
• Who was the king before Edward the Confessor?

  The king before Edward was Cnut, a Viking.
• What was the significance of Normandy prior to 1066?

  Normandy was important as it was taken over by Vikings and posed a threat to England.
• How did social status change in Anglo-Saxon society?

  Individuals could move up or down in social status through various means.
• What was a hide in Anglo-Saxon England?

  A hide was a measure of land, approximately 120 acres, needed to support a family.
• What is an embassy?

  An embassy is an official visit by representatives of one ruler to another.
• What is the definition of aristocracy?

  Aristocracy refers to the wealthy and powerful people in society, often inherited.
• What were the duties of shire reeves in Anglo-Saxon England?

  Shire reeves managed the king's estates and collected taxes.
• What is an oath in Anglo-Saxon society?

  An oath is a solemn promise, often sworn on holy relics.
• What are blood feuds?

  Blood feuds are a legal revenge system where families seek retribution for killings.
• What was the fyrd in Anglo-Saxon England?

  The fyrd was the men of the Anglo-Saxon army and fleet.
• What were housecarls?

  Housecarls were highly-trained troops that served as bodyguards for their lord.
• What are hundreds in Anglo-Saxon England?

  Hundreds are units of land, sometimes measured as 100 hides.
• What are tithings?

  Tithings are groups of 10 households, sometimes a tenth of a hundred.