2.5.1 Anglo-Saxon Towns

Question 1

Burhs in Anglo-Saxon times

Answer 1

• Each shire had a principal town, known as the burh. This was the main fortified town in a region. Having a fortified town made it easier to defend against the Vikings when they attacked.
• People who lived outside the town could also hide, protected inside the burh if the region was attacked.

Question 2

What percentage of English people lived in the towns during the 11th century?

Answer 2

10%

Question 3

Trade in Anglo-Saxon times

Answer 3

England had strong trading ties with other countries around the continent. Trade centred around towns in England. Trade had to be carried out within the burhs, where it could then be controlled and taxed. The king had a sophisticated system for collecting taxes from towns. This benefitted the crown, the nobles and the Church which shared the proceeds from the tax.