Keywords Flashcards
Allegiance
The loyalty of a citizen or subject to their government or king
Danegeld
A tax raised to pay the Vikings to stop them plundering from England
Earldoms
The land owned by earls
Fealty
Loyalty
Illegitimate
A child born to unmarried parents
Sub-regulus
Literally “below the king”; acting as the kings deputy
Under oath
A solemn promise using God as a witness
Wessex
The richest part of England and an area controlled by the Godwin family prior to the conquest
Witan
Members of the national council in England advising the king before the Norman conquest
Barons
Important lords in the feudal system
Beseiged
To surround a place with armed forces in order to capture it or force it’s surrender
Burhs
(Anglo-Saxon) Fortified settlements used to protect towns from Viking invasions
Disinherited
Preventing someone from inheriting another’s property or title
Domesday Book
A record of a survey of the lands of England in 1066, giving ownership, size and value of the properties
Garrison
Troops stationed in a castle/town to defend it
Harrying of the North
Attacks by William on the North of England, in retaliation to rebellions
Legitimacy
Having the right to do something
Patronage
The power to control appointment to office or the right to privileges such as holding land
Plunder
To steal
Motte and Bailey
Castle of wood and earth
Royal writs
A formal written order, issued by the king. Essentially a new law
Treasury
Store of royal finances or funds
Act of homage
An oath of loyalty promising to be faithful and serve whoever they swore to
Castellans
People who looked after the royal castles and forests
Ecclesiastical
Of or relating to the church
Freeman
A tenant-worker who was free and paid rent for their land - rather than giving service. They could move to other towns/villages if they wanted
