Was Anglo-Saxon England a Golden Age? Flashcards
What were four good features of the Anglo-Saxon government?
Central government was strong
Country divided into shires that administrated local areas
Burhs protected communities
Economy was doing well due to mints (machines that printed coins)
What were the weaknesses of the way that Anglo-Saxon England was ruled ?
The Vikings kept raiding the north east coast
Earls caused problems as they competed for power
Thralls made up 10% of the population
What rights did women have?
Legal right to own land
You could be fined for sexual harassment
Right to divorce
What were the negatives for women?
Only 5% of land was owned by women
Women slaves were often raped
Divorce was uncommon
What made the English un-religious?
Few could read or write- can’t read the bible
Few churches- worshipped around a stone cross
Engaged in anti-christian behaviour on holy days
Lots of local saints not approved by the pope
Belief in magic and goblins ie pagan beliefs
Who was st Dunstan and what did he do?
He become Archbisop of Canterbury in AD 960
He attempted to reform the church by
Ending corruption
Improving education
Forbidding priests to marry
Rebuilding churches, abbeys and monastries
Why did st Dunstan fail to reform the church?
He died in 988 and after that the vikings kept invading who were pagan
What rights did ceorlls have?
The right to own land and to take part in local courts
Why did Edward the Confessor fail to reform the church?
He brought over Norman priests such as Robert of Jumieges who became Archbishop of Canterbury. He faced opposition from english priests and Robert was replaced with Stigand
Why was Stigand a poor choice for Archbishop of Canterbury?
He held to church positions at once (pluralism)
He sold off church posts for money (simony)
What are some examples of Anglo-Saxon literature and what are their limitations?
The Marvels of the East- is based on earlier greek and roman stories
Beowulf- based on viking story
The Anglo Saxon Chronicles - from the perspective of christians as written by monks
What are two examples of art?
Fuller Brooch
Alfred’s jewel
Both show skill but may be from earlier in the period and are not typical
What were buildings like?
Simple thatched structures made of timber
Thegns live in two-storey houses
Burhs= fortifies towns
Westminster Abbey built just before conquest shows progress
