West Saxon Society in the Age of Ine Flashcards
When was the West Saxons a united kingdom?
Probably during the reigns of Caedwalla (c.685-689) & Ine (c.689-726)
Why is it difficult to determine the earliest history of the West Saxons?
It has been obscured by 9thCE attempts to put their origins in the hampshire area
What may be the purpose of Ine 2 - a child needing to be baptised within 30 days of birth?
- Wanted to SOS (infant mortality rates much higher than now)
- Maybe wanted to support church business/function as a fundamental institution for society (spec)
- Maybe to convert Britons in the Kingdom to follow the right type of Christianity (App. Gaelic church crit for not baptising infants, and followed more old testament and outdated 5thCE version of christ)
- Maybe to convert pagan English - christ still pretty new to English
2/3 of a foreigners wergild goes to…
…the king - under his protection whilst there
Also emporia
Which law might be an example of ealdormen judging in common law type style?
“Anyone can deny bail by oath if he knows that he is doing right” (41.)
Probs noble cos oath worth a lot and probs “anyone” means anyone in the position of passing jud/deciding
What do laws 42 and 42.1 describe?
Ceorls can have shared meadows and responsibility to all fence their share - if dont and cattle gets in and eats stuff then they pay comp to the ceorls that did fence their bit
If its fenced and cattle herder loses control of herd and they break through then cattle can be killed on site with owner only being able to take hide and flesh
Whats a law protecting swineherding?
Pay 60s if cut down a tree that could have 30 swine under it
What could be an indicator of Ine’s need for armies?
Fine if “neglects military service” - if gesith-born man whose a landowner you forfeit the land too
What might indicate that it was a big commitment/risk pulling people in to vouch for you?
“Every man may deny by oath harbouring [of stolen goods?] and homicide, if he can and dare” (46.2)
What do cattle have under Ine’s laws?
A 30 day warranty
When are you allowed to sheer sheep?
Not until midsummer
What do godfather/godson have the same bond as in the laws?
As for a lord
What sources were used for ASC?
Wasnt all made up in Alfred’s time, used older sources so some centuries better recorded than others
What might be one reason ASC is skewed in some parts?
Missed out stuff cos Offa and Mercia at its height and wessex wasnt as independent/powerful as theyd like to show themselves
(think hideage too)
Why were ASC entries so short?
Not to tell you about events but to label years - before AD system, these events would have been well known to contemps (eg covis +1, or 9/11)
