1.1.1 The Power of the King

What military role did the Anglo-Saxon king have

The king was the supreme military leader and the only person allowed to raise an army

How did the Anglo-Saxon king control religious matters

The king appointed Church leaders and had authority over the Church, reinforcing his divine right to rule

What was the king’s responsibility in the legal system of Anglo-Saxon England

The king was the chief lawmaker and judge, responsible for creating laws and settling disputes

What economic powers did the king have in Anglo-Saxon England

The king had the exclusive right to mint coins and was responsible for protecting the integrity of the currency

What was the royal household in Anglo-Saxon England

The royal household was a mobile court made up of the king’s family, servants, clergy and elite soldiers, through which the king exercised power

What function did the chancery serve in the Anglo-Saxon

The Chancery was a royal office that produced and distributed official writs to enforce the king’s commands

Why wasn’t the king’s power absolute in Anglo-Saxon England

The king had to work with powerful nobles and gain their cooperation to govern effectively, which limited his authority

What role did the witan play in Anglo-Saxon governance

The witan was a council of nobles that advised the king, approved laws and appointments, and helped resolve disputes

How did Edward the Confessor struggle to maintain royal power

Edward the Confessor was unable to fully control his nobles and was dominated by the powerful Godwin family