Society

The society in Anglo-Saxon England in order: King, Thegns, Ceorls, Peasants and slaves
The king defended the country, passed laws and made sure they were being obeyed and they had power over the church
Earls were the most powerful Lords, owned huge areas (earldoms), they were a part of the Witan. Earls ensured that laws were being obeyed and raised men for the kings, they also had the duty of protecting people
Thegns were less than 1% of the population. They were noble but lesser than Earls. They were warriors who defended the king in return for land. They also carried local duties like guarding tax collectors from attack, organising repairs of fortification, roads and bridges
Ceorls were 10% of the population, they owned their own area of land (small). They were called freemen because they did not have to work for their lord every week.
All male ceorls had to serve in the army if needed
Peasants were 70% of the population. They had to work on their lord’s land for up to three days a week. They usually farmed their own land if not working. Every male peasant could be asked to fight for their lord
Slaves made up 10% of the population. They were not free and had no land. Their master pretty much dictated their whole life.

Anglo-Saxon England was ruled by a king. The king was dependant on earls and lords. Taxes were paid to the crown. People were expected to be loyal and fight for the king if he needed.
Around 1.5M people lived in Anglo-Saxon England
Most lived in small villages. There were only around 15 towns with a few cities.
Harold Godwinson ruled the richest part of England

England was very rich due to their agriculture and fertile lands. Poor people had a good life because of farming and other trades

If you were a peasant who earned more than 5 hidesof land that he could paid tax on, he could become a thegn
Merchants who owned ships could also become a thegn
Slaves could be set free by their masters and peasants could sell themselves to slavery
Thegns could become earls and earls could become king

Thegns were local lords, there were around 4,000-5,000 of therm by 1060. They lived in a manor house. They were also an important part in the aristocracy

Earls were the most important aristocrats. The relationship between the king and earls was based on loyalty. Earls usually competed with one another to be the king’s favourite. Sometimes, the earls challenged the king to get more power

Slaves that commited crimes were not punished harshly as it could affected their work. Slaves were seen as a normal part of Anglo-Saxon culture.

Majority of Anglo-Saxons were farmers.

Anglo-Saxon society was a hierarchy
The king was at the top and made laws
Earls helped the king enforce laws, collect taxes and raised armies
Thegns were local lords and the warrior class
Ceorls were free peasants
Peasants worked the land
Slaves were property