Power in Anglo Saxon Society Flashcards
To understand the different powers that different levels of the Anglo-Saxon social hierarchy held.
How did Kings generally hold power in Anglo Saxon society?
Because they led armies that could defeat the viking invaders, taking back the land and redistributing this land/wealth to their followers. (When kings did not have success in battle, their powers could be reduced).
Was Edward the Confessor a strong warrior King?
No
Which important earl did Edward the Confessor rely upon to protect England from attack and support him as King?
Earl Godwin
What factors made Edward the Confessor a legitimate and respected king (especially because he wasn’t a warrior king).
- He had a powerful military force of earls and their thegns.
- He was a respected law maker
- Anglo Saxon society valued kings who kept things peaceful because quarrels between families were common and could break out into fighting that threatened the community - He was very religious
- Anglo-Saxon kings were ANOINTED in a religious ceremony where sacred oil was placed on them. Through this, they were believed to be a representative of Christ on Earth. It was believed that he had God’s blessing and God guided his actions.
What were 2 key limits to the king’s power?
- The Danelaw
- Anglo-saxon kings needed to rule the whole country to be considered legitimate but half the country, THE DANELAW, was Anglo-Danish. These were descendants of the vikings and they wanted to be ruled by local men and follow their own laws and customs. They generally accepted Edward’s rule: the area mainly represented an administrative challenge. - Earl Godwin of Wessex
- Earl Godwin was the richest earl overseeing the richest earldom of Wessex. He owned so much land, he was as rich as the king. He therefore also was lord to many, many Athens so yielded a strong military force. Because of this Godwin often put pressure on the King to do things his way. e.g. appoint his men to important church positions or give earldoms to his son.
When did tensions come to a head with Earl Godwin and why?
1050
The king ordered Godwin to punish the people of Dover after a visiting embassy from France were attacked. Godwin refused so the king, with the help of two other important earls, forced Godwin into exile.
In 1051, Godwin returned with a fleet and an army asking if his earldom could be restored to him. The king agreed in order to avoid war.
What was the Witan?
The WITAN was a COUNCIL that advised the king on issues of government. It was made up of the most important aristocrats of the kingdom including EARLS and ARCHBISHOPS.
What kind of issues did the Witan discuss?
- possible threats from foreign powers
- religious affairs
- land disputes and how to settle them
- approving a new king
Did the king have to follow the Witan’s advice?
NO - The king also decided who was appointed to the Witan and when it was to meet.
Who introduced earldoms to Anglo-Saxon England and when?
Viking king Cnut in 1015.
How many great earldoms were there originally?
4
What were the three main powers/responsibilities that the earls were given in order to help the king govern the country?
- Taxes: collecting revenue in return for a share
- Overseeing justice and punishments within the earldoms
- Military power. Commanding armies of thegns within the earldom.
What share of the taxes and earl collected could be kept for himself?
One third! This meant earls were very rich! - They were supposed to use this economic power to make sure their earldom was well defended and well run.
Who was responsible for making new laws in the country?
The king
What is the name of the elite body guard of professional soldiers loyal to an earl?
Housecarls
