Government, law and order; Norman Villages; Norman Towns; Monasteries, Education and Language

Flashcards about Government, law and order; Norman Villages; Norman Towns; Monasteries, Education and Language based on the lecture notes

What is Primogeniture?

The heir to the land is only the eldest son.

What are Shires?

Legal areas of the country overseen by a sheriff.

What is Trial by ordeal?

Testing if someone is innocent or guilty.

Who are Castellans?

New position, in charge of maintaining castles and forests

What is an Oath?

Promise made to God or the King

What are Murdrum fines?

Entire areas fined for the crimes of an individual.

What are Forest Laws?

Peasants are no longer allowed to hunt in royal forests – punishments included fines, mutilation and death.

Who are Freemen?

Free peasants who paid rent for land

Who are Villeins?

Worked on Lord’s land for no pay – no freedom and couldn’t leave the village. Given some land to farm for themselves.

Who are Bordars and cottars?

Even poorer than villeins, given even less land.

Who are Slaves?

No freedom and no land

Who is a Reeve?

A peasant chosen by the Lord to help with the day to day running of the village

Who is a Bailiff?

In charge of collecting taxes, ensuring crops were gathered and debts paid

Who is the Priest?

Ran the local church, collected 10% tax from peasants each year, called a tithe.

Who is the Miller?

Produced grain to make bread. Usually relatively ‘rich’ within the village.

What is franchise?

Towns needed special permission given as a grant from the King

What are Guilds?

Weavers, goldsmiths, bakers etc. began to form specialist organisations

What provided education in the Anglo-Saxon and Norman Era?

Monasteries and churches provided education

Who is Almoner?

Looked after poor

What languages were used during the Anglo-Saxon and Norman Era?

Latin for writing. Anglo-Saxon English for speaking and lessons. French language was used although the English language did influence this.