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anglo saxon - theme 1 - Coggle Diagram
anglo saxon - theme 1
local government
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each earldom was divided into shires, controlled by a shire Reeve
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The economy
England was well suited to growing crops, and likely traded wool and cloth too. They traded with other countries
each shire, had a main town called a bush. These were well-fortified and linked by roads. Kings laws said more valuable trade had to take place here.
villages consisted of few scattered houses in countryside. Houses made of wool and straw. Thegns lived in country side but their houses were bigger and better built
The church
controlled by bishops, who were rich, important people.
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ROLES
THE SOCIAL SYSTEM
KING - most powerful, role was to protect people
EARLS - most important after king, controlled an area (earldom)
THEGNS - local lords, held more than 5 hides. duty to provide men for the army when needed.
PEASANTS- most of the population, worked for local lord. Ceorls were free to go and work for another lord, and move.
SLAVES- 10% of population, viewed as property, normal part of life to own one for anglo saxons.
The witan
council of advisors to the king, made up of important earls and archbishops. discussed threats and disputes.
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earls
they collected taxes, kept a third of what was collected so very rich
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military power, had a group of body guards called housecarls
The monarchy
Edwards strengths
- most powerful king, strong army and success in battle
- his earls and thens were a powerful military force
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every boy swore an oath to the king when they reached 12. kind controlled law making, land ownership, military and taxation
Edwards limits to power
The danelaw still had strong danish links from previous viking invasion. they wanted to live by their own laws
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The Godwin family
earl Godwin had been made earl of Wessex by king Cnut. Godwin helped Edward to become king. Edward was married to his daughter Edith. The Godwins strength would help England but also weaken Edwards power.
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Edwards death - 5th jan 1066, no children so no succession crisis. The witan met quickly and Harold was crowned the same day
RIVALS TO THE THRONE
HAROLD GODWINSON - claim - appointed by Edward on his deathbed, proven military success
William, Duke of normandy - an agreement supposedly made with Edward - backed by pope, normans were strong worriors
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Edgar Aethling - Royal blood, but the witan wanted a song king
Harold was crowned quickly as the witan feared an attack by William. He faced many challenges as king, challenges from powerful earls, the north, Tostig, William ( getting ready to attack) He positioned his army along the south coast, they eventually stood down
battle 1 - 1066 Battle of Gate fulford - Harald and Tostig blocked by Morcar and Edwin, they lost.
battle 2 - Battle of Stanford bridge - 1066 - Harold surprised Hardrada and Tostig. Hardrada and Tostig were killed. The vikings had left their armour in their ships, they had only just fought, Harolds men broke the viking wall.
Battle 3 - The battle of Hastings - 1066 14th oct - William and Harold,HArold killed
williams tactics - used cavalry to break Harolds wall, feigned retreat, William quickly adapted an Iron Age fort at Hastings into a defensive castle.
Harold had bad luck - army had been out since may, rushed to fight William, his men were poorly disciplined which caused the shield wall to break, no element of surprise.
The rise against earl Tostig - 1065, led by Northumbrian thegns. The rebells invited Morcar to be their earl. Harolds wife was his sister, so Harold was given large amounts of land in Mercia. Tostig was exiled
reasons - He abused his power, killed rivals, taxed Northumbrians heavily, didn't defend northumbria
Harold agreed his brother had pushed northumbria too far, Edward ordered an army to put down the rising But Harold didn't follow the orders. (shows kings weakness of power)