normans

Anglo-Saxon England and the Norman Conquest
What was England like in Anglo-Saxon times?
- England had a population of about 2 million people (less than half of London today!)
- Almost everyone farmed land.
- England was a Christian country, and religion played a large role in everyday life.
- England had been under threat from the Vikings for centuries, with northern parts populated by Viking settlers.
- King Edward the Confessor ruled from 1042 to 1066, following Viking kings Cnut and his sons.
- The country had a sophisticated government system.

Hierarchy of Anglo-Saxon Society:
- King: Most powerful, responsible for protection and law-making.
- Earls: Significant landholders, governing earldoms, second only to the king.
- Thegns: Local lords controlling land, obligated to the fyrd (local militia).
- Ceorls: Free peasants able to work for different lords; some could work their way up to thegn.
- Slaves: Constituted about 10% of the population, often viewed as property. Ownership common but considered cruel by Normans.

Strengths: Successful law-maker, respected, known for his piety.
Weaknesses: Not a warrior king; conflicts with powerful earls, notably Earl Godwin.
Witan: Council of advisers including earls and archbishops; discussed threats and succession, but king had ultimate authority.

Earldoms
- Earls had the authority to collect taxes, enforce laws, and command military forces.
- Housecarls: elite soldiers