Anglo Saxons Unit 1 Flashcards
1
Q
Powers of Edward - Money, Military and Law
A
- Edward controlled when to tax, and the minting of coins
- He gave out land to earls, and could control all land
- He had the ability to call up a fleet or army
- He gave out land to earls, and could control all land
- He created new laws
2
Q
What was a limit to Edward’s power?
A
Danelaw
The Godwinsons being as rich as him and owning more land
3
Q
What powers did Earls have?
A
- They collected taxes in their earldom, and took 1/3 of it
- Oversaw justice in their earldoms
- Had thegns at their disposal for an army
4
Q
What was a limit to the earls’ power?
A
They were not as powerful as the king, and their own power relied on thegn support
5
Q
What was Wergild?
A
A fine paid to a family who had suffered a murder, from the murderer’s family
The more powerful you were (ceorl vs earls), the more you were worth
6
Q
How were towns important to trade?
A
- York was a trading centre for Denmark
- London was the biggest trade hub
- Goods from Germany, Normandy and Flanders all discovered
London and York were the biggest cities in England - 10,000+ people
7
Q
How did the Church impact everyday life?
A
- Saints were linked to a local area - people felt they were part of their lives
- The bishops controlled areas for the church, but some may have been corrupt, and sold church jobs for profit
- Local priests were mostly un-educated, normal people
8
Q
What were the reasons for the revolt against Tostig?
A
- He was a southerner, but his earldom was Northumbria
- Anglo-Saxons generally left the north to rule itself
- He taxed Northumbria too heavily
- The Northumbrians were not used to such heavy taxes
- He let Malcolm III attack Northumbria because they were friends
- Rather than attacking back, he agreed peace terms
- He imposed new laws from the south, and abused his power to remove rivals
- He accused people of a crime they didnt commit to take their land and money
