The Anglo-Saxon monarchy
I can explain how powerful Edward the Confessor was.
The Anglo-Saxon monarchy
I can explain how powerful Edward the Confessor was.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The king had a duty to protect the kingdom and had powers over the army, laws, landownership, and money.
- In return, the people had a duty to obey the laws and serve the king through taxes and military service.
- Edward the Confessor’s power was balanced by powerful earls who controlled thegns and armies.
- Edward had gained legitimacy through his piety and law-making.
- The Witan advised the king and had a role in selecting his successor.
Common misconception
Anglo-Saxon monarchs had to be great warriors to be made king.
In fact some monarchs, such as Edward the Confessor, were not warriors but instead very religious men whose faith inspired others.
Keywords
Fyrd - the fyrd was an army which consisted of part-time soldiers called up by thegns and earls when ordered by the king
Shire reeve - a shire reeve (sheriff) was a king’s legal officer who enforced laws in a shire
Piety - piety is strong religious faith that is shown in the way someone lives
Danelaw - The Danelaw was an area in Anglo-Saxon England which had previously been invaded and settled by Danes (Vikings) and had retained some laws and customs that were different from southern England
Witan - the Witan was a group of leading aristocrats who advised the king
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
a group of leading aristocrats who advised the king
an area which had been invaded and settled by Danes (Vikings)
a king’s legal officer who enforced laws in a shire