Earldoms and local government in Anglo-Saxon England
I can describe how Anglo-Saxon England was governed.
Earldoms and local government in Anglo-Saxon England
I can describe how Anglo-Saxon England was governed.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- Earls were very powerful, holding economic, legal and military control over their earldoms.
- King Edward relied on the earls for military power and government.
- Earldoms provided a local government and legal system which was divided into shires, hundreds, tithings, and hides.
- Every five hides had to provide one man for the fyrd.
- Local government provided a centralised Anglo-Saxon state with justice administered in local communities.
Keywords
Shire - a shire was the largest unit of administration after an earldom and had its own court
Hundred - in Anglo-Saxon England, a hundred was a unit of land administration within a shire
Tithing - a tithing was a group of ten households; together they administered minor disputes in their communities
Hide - a hide was the basic unit of administration, the measurement of land which could support one household, which carried obligations of tax and military service
Burh - a burh was a fortified town within a shire where most trade would take place
Common misconception
England did not have any fortified settlements until the Normans built castles.
In fact, Anglo-Saxon burhs were fortified settlements, built to protect towns from Viking attacks.
To help you plan your year 10 history lesson on: Earldoms and local government in Anglo-Saxon England, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 10 history lesson on: Earldoms and local government in Anglo-Saxon England, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
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Explore more key stage 4 history lessons from the Anglo-Saxon and Norman England: who had power in Anglo-Saxon England? unit, dive into the full secondary history curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
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Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
a unit of land administration within a shire.
a group of ten households
the largest unit of administration after an earldom