Anglo-Saxon society
I can describe key features of Anglo-Saxon society.
Anglo-Saxon society
I can describe key features of Anglo-Saxon society.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Anglo-Saxons were a group of tribes which settled in England from northern Europe.
- Anglo-Saxon society was hierarchical with the king at the top and slaves at the bottom.
- The aristocracy included the earls who helped the king to govern the country.
- The majority of society lived in villages and were peasant farmers.
- Anglo-Saxon society was not fixed.
Keywords
Earl - an earl was a leading member of both Anglo-Saxon and Norman aristocracy, ruling an earldom on behalf of the king
Thegn - a thegn was a lower member of the Anglo-Saxon aristocracy; they were warrior lords holding smaller areas of land than an earl
Aristocracy - the aristocracy is a class of people who hold high social rank, often inheriting their status and wealth
Hierarchy - a hierarchy is a system in which people are put at various levels or ranks according to their importance
Common misconception
Roles were fixed in Anglo-Saxon society - a peasant would always be a peasant.
Anglo-Saxon society was more open to social mobility: a hard-working peasant could gain more land and become a thegn, some slaves became free and an earl could even become king!
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
when a country enters another with the intention of occupying it
a large area often made up of different territories and peoples
the ability to influence, control, or direct the behaviour of people
Exit quiz
6 Questions
leading member of aristocracy, ruling an earldom on behalf of the king
a lower member of the Anglo-Saxon aristocracy
a class of people who hold high social rank