Life Before 1066 Flashcards
Why did England have an advanced economy compared to other European counties?
It made its own coins
What had kings developed to increase wealth?
Some kings (eg Canute 1016-35) developed trade with Norway and Denmark King Edward the confessor was brought up in Normandy so had good trade links with France
What did England’s wealth mean?
Target for foreign raiders such as Vikings
What was the population in Britain?
2 million
Why was the country not very well defended?
Hardly any castles
Why was England wealthy?
Lots of natural resources such as wool which could be traded Some kings (eg Canute 1016-35) had developed trade with Norway and Denmark
What was defence like?
Kings and earls had 2500-3000 house Carls were professional soldiers
Earls called on peasants to fight if necessary
What was religion like?
Anglo Saxons= very religious
Roman Catholics
Head of Roman Catholic Church was the Pope in Vatican in Rome
Pope believed to be God’s representative on Earth
Why was the church important?
It provided rules for living, owned lots of land, oversaw legal cases and set rules on marriage and inheritance
What was society like?
Population organised into a hierarchy with the kings at the top, then the church and earls with peasants at the bottom
What was the land like?
Most of southern Britain covered in forest
Small villages where forest had been cleared and land was farmed
What was the government like?
England ruled by King Edward the Confessor
Country divided into areas earldoms ruled by earls
What were the 4 earldoms?
Wessex
East Anglia
Northumbria
Mercia
