1. Anglo-Saxon Society

2. 1042

3. The Anglo-Saxon age in Britain was from around AD410 to 1066.
They were a mix of tribes from Germany, Denmark and the Netherlands. The three biggest were the Angles, the Saxons and the Jutes.
The land they settled in was 'Angle-land', or England.

4. Population of England was roughly 1 million people, the majority of which were peasant farmers.
They worked on land given to them by the local lord.
They were ‘tied’ to the land – if they did not work hard they could lose the right to use the land.
Ceorls were free peasants, who were free to go and work for other lords if they wanted to.

5. MEN - hunt for food (ducks, pigeons, boar, wolves)
Plant crops like wheat, oats and barley.
Raise animals like pigs , cows and sheep for food.
CHILDREN - Did not go to school, were expected to work and provide around farm.
They looked after animals and would collect firewood from nearby forests.
Free time: carved wooden toys and played board games.
Considered an adult at 10
WOMEN - Spun wool from sheep and goats to make thread, which would woven into cloth.
Cooked food for families (mostly boiled in a cauldron over fire). Made ale, cheese etc.

8. The human population was very small
The human population was very small. There were perhaps one million people in England at that time.
Almost all of them lived in tiny villages - many had less than 100 inhabitants. 10% of the population lived in towns. (London only had a population of 18,000!!)
Each village was mainly self sufficient. The people needed only a few things from outside like salt and iron. They grew their own food and made their own clothes.

13. In the early Anglo-Saxon period, England was actually 7 separate Kingdoms.
By the reign of Edward the Confessor, it was one single Kingdom divided into separate Earldoms.
Each earldom was ruled by an Earl who pledged allegiance to the king in return for land and power.
The largest were Northumbria, Mercia, Wessex and East Anglia.

14. King Earls Thegns Peasant Farmers Slaves
King created earls and demanded loyalty and military support
Earls ruled an area on King’s behalf. Could challenge king to gain more power.
Earls
Thegns could be raised to the title of Earl
Thegns held land for Earl and fought in their armies for the King.
Thegns
Peasants could become Thegns if they saved.
Thegns rented out land to peasant farmers.
Peasant Farmers
Peasants could sell themselves into slavery.
Slaves could be freed by their masters
Slaves

15. Got it!
Create a chart to show the status and role of Earls, Thegns, Peasant Farmers and Slaves
Create a diagram to show the key roles of men, women and children in Anglo-Saxon England.
Expert!
Describe two key features of the social system of Anglo-Saxon England. (4 marks)
Describe two key features of life in Anglo-Saxon England.
Show off!
Create a Venn diagram showing the similarities and differences Anglo-Saxon society and modern day society.