Study Guides

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupils study an aspect of British medieval history in depth. They learn about the social, economic, religious and political events that influenced the lives of those who lived in this period.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to describe key features of Anglo-Saxon society.

Key Notes

• Anglo-Saxons were a group of tribes which settled in England from northern Europe.
• Anglo-Saxon society was hierarchical with the king at the top and slaves at the bottom.
• The aristocracy included the earls who helped the king to govern the country.
• The majority of society lived in villages and were peasant farmers.
• Anglo-Saxon society was not fixed.

Vocabulary To Learn

• earl: an earl was a leading member of both Anglo-Saxon and Norman aristocracy, ruling an earldom on behalf of the king
• thegn: a thegn was a lower member of the Anglo-Saxon aristocracy; they were warrior lords holding smaller areas of land than an earl
• aristocracy: the aristocracy is a class of people who hold high social rank, often inheriting their status and wealth
• hierarchy: a hierarchy is a system in which people are put at various levels or ranks according to their importance

Common Mistakes To Avoid

• Roles were fixed in Anglo-Saxon society - a peasant would always be a peasant.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

More Lessons In This Unit

• Bishop Odo of Bayeux Study Guide
• Change and continuity in Norman England Study Guide
• Claimants to the throne in 1066 Study Guide
• Earldoms and local government in Anglo-Saxon England Study Guide
• Edward the Confessor and the House of Godwin Study Guide
• Motte-and-bailey castles Study Guide
• Reasons for William's victory at the Battle of Hastings Study Guide
• Rewarding followers and the Marcher earldoms Study Guide
• The Anglo-Norman Church Study Guide
• The Anglo-Saxon economy and the role of the Church Study Guide
• The Anglo-Saxon monarchy Study Guide
• The Battle of Hastings Study Guide
• The battles of Gate Fulford and Stamford Bridge Study Guide
• The feudal system in Norman England Study Guide
• The Harrying of the North Study Guide
• The legacy of Anglo-Saxon resistance Study Guide
• The Norman aristocracy Study Guide
• The Northern and East Anglian rebellions Study Guide
• The revolt of the earls in 1075 Study Guide
• The significance of Domesday Book Study Guide
• The submission of the earls in 1066 Study Guide
• The uprising against Earl Tostig Godwinson Study Guide
• William I and his successors Study Guide