Lecture Notes: The Norman Conquest - Anglo-Saxon England

Overview

• Focus on the Norman Conquest consisting of five mini-units:
  • Anglo-Saxon England
  • Invasion
  • Resistance
  • Castles
  • Impact
• First videos cover Anglo-Saxon England:
  • Structure and diversity of society
  • Religion
  • Culture

The Anglo-Saxons

• Ruled England between the Romans and the Normans (post-409 A.D. to 1066)
• Period often called the "Early Middle Ages" instead of "Dark Ages"
• Ended with the Norman Conquest at the Battle of Hastings in 1066

Anglo-Saxon England

• Diverse: mixture of various groups with distinct cultures, languages, and beliefs
• Anglo-Saxons from Germany (Saxony) became dominant
• Original Britons evolved into the Welsh
• Vikings were also significant, frequently in conflict with Anglo-Saxons

Political Structure

• Initially numerous small kingdoms, unified into one by the 10th century (954 A.D.)
• Constant threat of Viking invasions (notably in 1014 and 1042)
• Strong central control by English/Anglo-Saxon kings by 1000 A.D.
• Land divided into shires, each with a fortified town (burr)

Social Hierarchy

• King: Highest authority, owned most land, issued laws, controlled justice
  • Notable king: Edward the Confessor
• Earls: Chief advisers, part of the witan (early form of parliament)
  • Famous earl: Harold Godwinson
• Thanes: Local power holders, managed courts, collected taxes
• Ceorls: Majority, peasants with varying skill levels
• Thralls: Slaves, up to 10% of the population

Women's Status

• Women had relative freedom:
  • Could own land (5% of land owned by women)
  • Right to divorce husbands

Historical Debate: Golden Age?

• Was Anglo-Saxon England a "Golden Age"?
  • Some argue it was a time of prosperity and progress
  • Others see it as complex with negative aspects

Next Steps

• Upcoming videos continue exploring whether Anglo-Saxon England was a "Golden Age" with focus on religion and culture.