1. power- anglo saxon england c.1000-1066 Flashcards
Who held the power in Anglo-Saxon England?
People at the top of society held the power.
How was the king chosen in Anglo-Saxon England?
The king was chosen by the Witan and was usually one of the most important men in the country.
Who was the biggest landowner in England?
The Earl of Wessex was the biggest landowner and was often made king.
What was the king’s role in Anglo-Saxon England?
The king was seen as the defender of the English people, responsible for raising armies and producing laws.
What was important for the successful running of Anglo-Saxon England?
The relationship between the king and important nobles and churchmen.
How was England divided in Anglo-Saxon times?
England was divided into shires, which were subdivided into hundreds.
What did the king provide to important nobles and churchmen?
The king would give land and influence in exchange for loyalty, troops, and governance of the shires.
What role did lesser nobles (thegns) play?
The lesser nobles carried out administration for the king, acting as bailiffs, estate managers, or tax collectors.
What was notable about Anglo-Saxon England by 1000?
By 1000, Anglo-Saxon England had efficient administration, prosperous trade, and was famous for its coinage.
What threat did the Vikings pose to Anglo-Saxon England?
The Vikings attacked Anglo-Saxon England often.
Who managed to bring stability to England during Viking threats?
Alfred the Great managed to bring relative stability.
What was the Danelaw?
The Danelaw was the area in the north and east where Vikings settled.
How did Anglo-Saxon kings try to defend against the Vikings?
They paid Danegeld to prevent raids, often advised by the Witan.
What happened by 980 regarding Viking raids?
Viking raiders started to attack the coasts of England again.
What difficulties did Aethelred face at the end of his reign?
Aethelred found it difficult to maintain good relationships with some subjects.
What did some local lords think of Aethelred’s ability to protect England?
Some local lords did not believe Aethelred could protect England from Viking raids.
What did the Witan advise Aethelred in 991?
The Witan advised Aethelred to pay Danegeld to the Vikings.
What happened in 1002 regarding the Danes in England?
Aethelred ordered that all Danes living in England should be killed, which was unpopular with nobles who used over Danish people and many refused
What significant event occurred in 1013?
Sweyn Forkbeard, King of Denmark, led a full-scale invasion of England, forcing Aethelred into exile.
Who was asked to return to the throne after Sweyn Forkbeard’s death?
Aethelred was asked to return to the throne after Sweyn Forkbeard’s death in 1014.
What happened in October 1016?
By October 1016, Cnut, Sweyn’s son, had conquered England.
What actions did Cnut take against Anglo-Saxon nobles?
Cnut executed several Anglo-Saxon nobles and gave their lands to his loyal followers, but most Anglo-Saxons were allowed to keep their land.
How did Cnut organize England?
Cnut divided England into four earldoms: Northumbria, East Anglia, Mercia, and Wessex.
Who caused problems during Edward’s reign?
Godwin, Earl of Wessex, caused problems throughout Edward’s reign.
What happened to Godwin in 1051?
In 1051, Godwin went into exile with his sons after a failed attempt to overthrow Edward.
What was the outcome of Godwin’s return in 1052?
Godwin returned to England in 1052 and was successful; Edward was forced to back down, and Godwin effectively became the ruler of England.
Who took over Wessex after Godwin’s death?
Harold Godwinson, Godwin’s son, took over Wessex after Godwin died.
What happened after Edward the Confessor died?
Edward the Confessor died without an heir; although the Witan chose Harold Godwinson, there were other claimants to the throne.
